January 23, 2025

This is your weekly newsletter featuring program spotlights, innovative resources, and training opportunities for the out-of-school-time industry in Florida. Together, we can ensure all children and youth in Florida have access to affordable, available, high-quality expanded learning opportunities to foster their success in school and beyond.

New Afterschool Alliance issue brief: afterschool programs are helping combat chronic absenteeism by keeping students engaged

Chronic absenteeism impacts nearly every school district nationwide. Our new issue brief highlights the unique roles afterschool programs play in improving school-day attendance and strengthening students' connection to school.

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If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story!

New program in Martin County aims to pique children's interests in aviation

Martin County is working to create the next generation of aircraft technicians and pilots, focusing on introducing children to aviation careers at an early age.

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YMCA of South Florida hosts annual MLK celebration, awards scholarships and honors community leaders

The YMCA of South Florida kicked off its 21st annual Martin Luther King Jr. Inspirational Celebration, hosting events in Fort Lauderdale and Miami to honor the civil rights leader’s legacy.The celebration recognized outstanding individuals and youth leaders for their contributions.

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Florida's literacy crisis: declining reading rates, book bans, and the fight for education

Florida's literacy rates are declining. FSU experts stress the need to revive reading for critical thinking and democracy.

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Afterschool Alliance sends memo to President-elect Trump's Transition Team

In anticipation of the new Administration, the Afterschool Alliance recently sent a memorandum to the President-elect’s Transition Team for the Department of Education, outlining several areas where the incoming Administration and new Secretary of Education can ensure students and families have the support they need to succeed.

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LEARNING FROM OTHERS: How you can empower girls through after school program

Girls on the Run, which involves 3rd through 8th graders, is about more than running. “So we teach girls skills that focus on social, emotional and physical health, but then we incorporate that all with running activities so that the girls are able to focus on having fun as well as building those connections..."

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ICYMI: Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship Launches with Inaugural Cohort!

Florida After School, Inc. is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Florida Afterschool Advocacy Fellowship. This program empowers ten outstanding individuals to champion high-quality out-of-school-time (OST) programs across the state.

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Empowering future innovators through Invention Education

To inspire youth leadership, civic engagement and STEM learning opportunities in afterschool and out-of-school time, The Henry Ford’s Invention Convention Worldwide (ICW) K-12 invention education program offers flexible project-based curriculum, professional development, competitions and events.

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After$chool Funding: Building, Sustaining and Improving: Using Federal Funds for Summer Learning and Afterschool

The Wallace Foundation launched a new free resource created by EducationCounsel to help out-of-school time providers and leaders, school and district leaders, and local government officials, navigate federal funding streams.

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Crayola Creativity Week

Kids are naturally curious. They ask why and how? They imagine. They create. When kids create, they solve problems and think up new solutions. Young creatives need to be nurtured, so that their originality shines. So their ideas can take shape and become real. Join the free celebration, Jan 27-Feb 02, 2025.

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Host a Workshop at Prime Time's Afterschool Symposium

Prime Time Palm Beach County, Inc. is requesting proposals for its Afterschool Symposium 2025.  This one-day, in-person event will take place on May 9, 2025, at the West Palm Beach Marriott hotel.  The theme for this coming year is: "Empowering Young Minds, Engaging Communities, Creating Lasting Impact." This theme brings

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Defining the OST Profession and Creating a Thriving Workforce

As the professional membership organization for those who work with or for youth in out-of-school time settings, we have joined the national movement to define the core components of our profession’s identity. In addition, we’re promoting workforce advocacy through the National Afterschool Association (NAA)'s Thriving OST Workforce Initiative. Check out these resources available!

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Afterschool Virtual Resource Fair

Wednesday, February 26 at 11:30 AM

Join us for a Virtual Resource Fair where you'll discover valuable tools, services, and partnerships to support your programs. Connect with vendors, explore new resources, and gain insights-all from the comfort of your home or office!

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Register Here

Prime Time Offers STEAM Opportunities in Out-of-School Time Programs

Trainings: Every other Friday morning beginning January 24 at 9AM


This fall Prime Time's STEAM training series will be back and better than ever! Participants will learn and practice engaging activities that explore the worlds of science, technology, engineering, arts and math. This series will boost practitioners’ confidence in science knowledge, demonstrates activities that link youth development strategies and intentional STEAM learning opportunities and guides participants in implementing STEAM in their program that is easy and effective.

Register Here

STEM Educator Workshop: Engineering in Elementary School

Workshop: Thursday, February 6 from 8:30AM-3PM


During this workshop, participants will engage with our professional learning team in a hands-on workshop focused on our Youth Engineering Solutions (YES) elementary school curriculum. This full-day, learner-driven workshop introduces participants to the concepts of engineering and prepares them to facilitate high-quality engineering with students.

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Youth Mental Health First Aid Course

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a course for participants 18 years and older who want to learn how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. This course is designed for adults who regularly interact with young people, including parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens.

REGISTER NOW!

Join us at NAA25!

Celebrate yourself and others at NAA 2025 Convention from March 9-12, 2025 at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, Tennessee! Learn & Connect: Afterschool professionals will be recognized in their work and gain practical tips, proven strategies, and new ideas at NAA25. Every learning session values human connection and inspired learning.

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SAVE THE DATE

Afterschool Symposium 2025 - Prime Time Palm Beach County

On May 9, 2025, out-of-school time professionals are invited to attend Prime Time's annual Afterschool Symposium. Prime Time hosts its Afterschool Symposium every year to celebrate the exemplary efforts of our local out-of-school time practitioners while offering professional development workshops that deliver the tools to Empower Young Minds, Engage Communities and Create Lasting Impact so together we can help children and youth succeed by strengthening and expanding quality in the out-of-school time field.

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REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK

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Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com

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