April 2026

Monthly Newsletter

ND Advocates on the Hill

Dawn Hunt, North Dakota Out-of-School Time (OST) Network Lead, and Lori Zahradka, National Afterschool Ambassador and Project Director at North Valley Career and Technical Center, recently traveled to Washington D.C. and met with the ND legislative staff to advocate for out-of-school time programs. This visit was part of a larger national advocacy movement - After School for All - Day on the Hill.



Hunt and Zahradka met with staff from Senator Cramer’s and Senator Hoeven’s offices. Legislative staff were receptive to the conversation. Mara LeFevre, Legislative Aide to Senator Hoeven, shared that Senator Hoeven has historically been a big supporter of afterschool programs and has every intention to continue. Read on to learn more about the visit and how you can support OST programs.

Federal FY 2027 "Skinny" Budget Proposal

Mott Million Dollar Challenge Round 1 Winner

The Afterschool Alliance recently reported on the Trump Administration's fiscal year 2027 "skinny" budget proposal. For the second year in a row, the Administration has proposed the elimination of dedicated funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Read the full article for more details.

One student from North Dakota was named as a first-round winner in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge. Congratulations to Elisa Kensinger from Dickinson High School! Her project is titled Wind‑Powered Schools: Turning North Dakota’s Wind Into Education. Next up: Round 2 judging and the path to a national event in Flint, Michigan this June.

Save the date! 2026 marks the return of the ND Out-of-School Time Summit. Stay tuned for more information on presenters and how to register! Attendees will be the first to watch the new OST documentary, School's Out: How Out-of-School Time Programs are Shaping North Dakota's Youth, with an exclusive pre-screening at the Summit! Watch the teaser trailer, and follow along on our Facebook page as we release more information.

With support from the Network, OST programs across ND can access over 100 on-demand courses specifically designed for school-age youth program providers at no cost through CypherWorx. Sign up as an individual or program to assign, track, and manage training for your staff. Contact Keely Ihry to sign up!

This month's highlighted CypherWorx courses:

Developing and Implementing Effective School-Age Outdoor Environments and Interest Areas [2 hours]: School‑age children thrive when they have daily chances to move, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Out‑of‑School Time hours are often the ideal time for fresh air and active play, even when space is limited. By offering safe outdoor time and a mix of physical activities, OST programs help children build healthy exercise habits that last.

Creating Successful Clubs, Special Events, and Field Trips in School-Age Programs [2 hours]: School‑age children benefit from regular chances to connect with their communities and work together in ways that build on their interests and strengths. Clubs, special events, and field trips offer natural opportunities for this kind of engagement. When staff involve youth in planning and carrying out these activities, children gain a sense of ownership and become more engaged in meaningful experiences that support their growth.

Classics for Kids Foundation

The mission of Classics for Kids Foundation is to support young people and the programs that serve them by offering matching grants for fine stringed instruments.

Costco Charitable Giving & Grants

Costco Wholesale’s primary charitable efforts specifically focus on programs supporting children, education, and health and human services in the communities where they do business.

Bush Foundation Community Innovation Grant

The Community Innovation Grants Program awards funding to nonprofits working to create sustainable changes in communities. Priority will be given to proposals from rural areas.

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants

Each year, Walmart U.S. stores, Sam’s Clubs and Distribution Centers award local cash grants ranging from $250 to $5000. These local grants are designed to address the unique needs of the communities where they operate.

Contact Dawn Hunt, ND OST Network Lead

dawn.hunt@k12.nd.us

701-997-2614

Mission: To champion out-of-school time programs by enhancing quality, developing leaders, and ensuring every young person can discover, grow, and thrive beyond the school day.