An asset-based approach sees youth as resources and agents of change, rather than problems to be fixed or passive consumers of services. The asset-based approach identifies factors youth need to achieve healthy adulthood, and sets program goals in terms “building assets” rather than “reducing risks.” For further vocabulary surrounding expanded learning opportunities, check out our webpage: ABC's of ELO's.

Register now to join us this October 21-23 for renewal and rejuvenation as we Elevate Afterschool! With all sessions virtual, including 2 days of multi-state sessions and keynotes during Open Minds, Open Spaces, we hope to see you all online with us this month!

Limited scholarships are available for staff of licensed child care facilities through the Betty Gray Scholarship at the Oregon Center for Career Development (OCCD). The scholarship will cover half of the registration fee!

Check your eligibility here and Submit application online here by October 7th to ensure paperwork can be processed in time for you to register.

If you have questions, please reach out to [email protected]

Delve deeper into the tenets that define Pedagogy of Aloha: Relations + Relevance + Responsibility = Rigor + Fun. Participants will be given tools to make education both relevant and fun gleaned from 35 years of working with learners of all ages, backgrounds and ability levels.

Any youth can have a rough day in afterschool or other expanded learning program, and sometimes a simple support can be the difference between a challenging day and a successful reboot. Join Kat for an ultimate Show & Tell as she unpacks her treasure chest of impactful items you can easily implement in your program. We’ll explore where to get them, how to use them, and why they can be game changers.

This session will include sharing about the collaboration, transparency, and authentic communication being used to build and strengthen trust with families during COVID. Panelists will share strategies and resources that have helped them find success throughout these chaotic and uncertain times. Participants will have time to discuss questions and strategies.

Participants will examine their current culturally responsive teaching practices and explore ways in which they can implement the “6 P’s” into their afterschool curriculum to integrate a more indigenous framework for students. Diversity, Set 2 (Pending)

Aiko has been in the after school industry all her life, starting by being a student in a program herself. She has a Bachelor’s in Speech and Hearing Science, and a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction. She is passionate about professional development and creating meaningful conversations that allow educators to be their best selves for their scholars. Through her work with OregonASK, she hopes to partner with educators all over to improve the quality of after school programming, so that students like herself can partake in programs that enrich their lives.

Kelsey is the Outreach and Curriculum Designer who supports network partnerships & communication, training & curriculum development, and graphic design at OregonASK. Kelsey is passionate about creating accessible educational experiences that are exciting and inclusive. She holds a BA in Creative Writing, a Master’s Degree in Teaching Early Childhood and Elementary Education, and an Oregon Teaching License. Before her work with OregonASK, she was an upper elementary school teacher and afterschool educator. In her space time, she enjoys trying new hobbies, playing the ukulele, training her dog, and adventuring on the Oregon coast.

Find more ideas on our Oregon Lights On Afterschool page and make sure to register any events on the National LOA page.

Check out our Training Calendar for upcoming opportunities or book a training for your program from our Training Request page.

RSVP Now to join us 4-5 PM Pacific/5-6 PM Mountain!

Oregon Women at Intel Network will be hosting a free virtual event on October 7th to celebrate Manufacturing Day with youth in grades 6-9! This interactive webinar will take youth through the “life cycle journey of a wafer” and offer a better look at what it’s like to be part of the manufacturing process at Intel. All are welcome and girls encouraged to come hear from women in the field of technology manufacturing.

Weekly sessions will take participants on a deeper dive into language, assumptions, and practices that can reinforce creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for youth and families. Scholarships available for licensed child care staff who qualify, check eligibility HERE. Register Here for $160 for all 6 sessions:

October 14th at 12:00pm Sign Up Here

Designed for 6th through 10th grade students, Possible Futures helps students set the stage for career connected exploration and discovery to come. Students chart a path to success by building employability skills and identifying personal strengths. Join this series to learn how to use JFF’s free Possible Futures (PF) Engineering and Design curriculum unit to introduce students to careers that require an engineering mindset.

November 3rd at 12:00pm Sign Up Here

TECHNOLOchicas, a national initiative of the National Center for Women & Information Technology and Televisa Foundation, aims to raise awareness among young Latinas and their families about opportunities and careers in technology. To celebrate Hispanic Heritage month, participants will learn about opportunities and resources to support and enhance STEM education for Hispanic and Latina women and girls. Register Here

Don't forget that as part of Million Girls Moonshot, partners such as National Girls Collaborative and Mizzen by Mott are providing access to hundreds of quality STEM resources you can access directly from your device. Download Mizzen HERE!

Connected Schools take a whole child, whole school, whole community (WSCC) approach by making schools spaces that support not only a student’s academic development, but a family’s overall wellbeing through access to resources related to health, employment, housing, and more. This model builds on the full-service community school model and is grounded in national research and educational best practices. You can learn more about Oregon's use of WSCC from the Oregon Healthy Schools page here and reach out if you are looking for ways to connect your school and community.

While you are thinking about healthy habits, check out the brand new release of a web-based quiz on school lunch. Whether you’re a parent, student, teacher, out-of-school-time-provider or just interested in school lunch, this fun and interactive quiz is for you! Take the 10 question quiz today! Think you can ace it?

Child care stabilization grants are now available through the Early Learning Division (ELD) for providers struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible providers include licensed family child care, center-based care, and license-exempt providers receiving child care subsidies. The funds cannot be used to start a new program and eligible programs must be currently open and operating. USE THIS handy flowchart to quickly determine your eligibility.

Providers are encouraged to contact ELD at [email protected] or 971-707-2029 (Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) with questions. Frequently Asked Questions are posted on ELD’s website.

The Oregon State Legislature was set to convene one of their quarterly Legislative Committee Days in September, but meetings were postponed due to a Special Session to discuss and decide on Redistricting. Redistricting happens once every 10 years and includes the 'drawing of lines' on maps to determine where Oregon's state and federal districts are. On September 27, 2021 the Legislative Assembly completed the adoption of new congressional and legislative redistricting maps for Oregon with the passage of Senate Bill 881 A and Senate Bill 882. Governor Brown subsequently signed both measures. You can find out more about the redistricting maps and bills here or reach out to learn more about how these decisions may influence legislative actions for years to come.

Don't forget to take advantage of OregonASK's Jobs Board to help connect staff with opportunities. See the Listings page, plus more, HERE.

October 21st-23rd: Oregon Afterschool Conference & Open Minds, Open Spaces Fall Virtual Conference