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. | |
Happy New Year! Start your year off right with free access to STEM funding and resources to enhance your out-of-school time program. |
Applications Due MONDAY: STEM Peer Learning Community Mini-Grant | We are recruiting ten afterschool professionals to participate in the next Florida STEM Peer Learning Community (PLC) through the Million Girls Moonshot Initiative. Selected individuals will receive $500 to support their participation. | | | | |
If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story! | |
Community leaders aspire to stop rising gun violence among Northwest Florida youth | Gun violence among kids continue to be an issue. The Northwest Florida community is trying to do something about it. Just like it takes a village to raise a kid, it's going to take a village to stop this problem, according to activist Hassan Hills. He runs an organization where members actually take this pledge to help stop gun violence. Each youth that's a part of this program makes a pledge in the form of a handprint. | | | | |
Fireman Rob Inspires Kissimmee Boys & Girls Club Youth Ahead of Disney Marathon Weekend | Robert Verhelst, famously known as "Fireman Rob," shared a powerful message of resilience to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida's Tupperware Brands Branch on Tuesday night. | | | |  |
Light shines on updated Gulf Breeze YMCA | The YMCA of Northwest Florida's renovated community gym in Gulf Breeze. The Gulf Breeze Community YMCA temporarily closed Aug. 26, to implement a floor-to-ceiling renovation project that transformed the center's look, functionality and atmosphere. | | | | |
Appropriations Update: Continuing Resolution to fund the government through March 2025 | After a hectic week that included a carefully negotiated deal falling apart, and then another possible continuing resolution (CR) falling apart, the House and Senate both passed a new CR late into the hours of this morning by bipartisan votes, avoiding a government shutdown. | | | | |
YMCA of South Florida's 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Inspirational Celebrations Set for January 16-20 | The YMCA of South Florida will once again honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with inspirational celebrations in Broward and Miami-Dade counties from January 16 through January 20. | | | | |
Afterschool STEM Hub year in review | As 2024 comes to a close, the Afterschool STEM Hub is reflecting on the past year and looking forward to the year ahead. In working toward our vision of a STEM learning ecosystem where high-quality afterschool programs are well-resourced and accessible for all youth, we leveraged collaborative partnerships in making the case for afterschool STEM. | | | | |
Need a plan for funding 2025? This toolkit can help. | For those of you feeling overwhelmed, or needing a place to get started, we have good news! The Sustainability Workbook can help you organize your plans, and stake out key short- and long-term strategies to gain funding. | | | | |
LEARNING FROM OTHERS: YMCA offering affordable holiday camps to support Southern Nevada working parents | Finding reliable and affordable childcare during winter break can be a challenge for many working parents in the Las Vegas Valley. YMCA locations are offering a holiday camp for children ages 5 to 15. | | | | |
Don't Procrastinate on Filling Out the 2025-26 FAFSA if You Need Money for College | Don't wait to fill out this financial aid form. Getting an early start can help maximize your award. | | | | |
|
|
YES Enrichment: Unlocking STEM Potential through Informal Learning | |
Webinar: Wednesday, January 15 from 7PM-8PM
Join us for an engaging webinar designed for enrichment educators, where we’ll explore a dynamic engineering curriculum tailored to inspire creativity and problem-solving in young learners. Participants will learn how to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation through engineering challenges, while also gaining practical tips on integrating these activities into afterschool or enrichment programs. Whether you're new to engineering education or looking to expand your teaching toolkit, this webinar will provide valuable strategies to engage students in STEM learning.
| | | |
|
STEM Leader Institute: Engineering in PK-8 | |
Webinar: Wednesday, January 22 & Thursday, January 23 from 8:30AM-3:30PM
During this two-day workshop, participants will engage with our professional learning team in hands-on explorations of the PreK-8 curricular resources and pedagogical frameworks that define high-quality engineering education. Participants will feel prepared to facilitate immersive workshops and support educators implementing our YES and EiE curriculum.
| | | |
|
|
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. | | | |
|
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! | | | |
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. | | | |
REGISTRATION OPENS NEXT WEEK | |
|
Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com
For more information about Florida After School, Inc. and its many partners, connect with us on social media.
| | | | |
