Join the ND Afterschool Network!

Are you passionate about expanding high-quality out‑of‑school programming across ND?

The South East Education Cooperative is seeking a strategic, action‑oriented professional to serve as the visionary leader for the statewide Afterschool Network. In this impactful role, you’ll:

• Drive implementation of the ND Afterschool Network Strategic Plan
• Forge partnerships across schools, community organizations, and policymakers
• Provide coaching, technical assistance, and training to youth programs
• Advocate for funding, policies, and quality standards to elevate afterschool programming across the state

Why this role matters:

As the face of the network, you’ll elevate experiences outside the classroom by connecting programs, raising visibility, and shaping lasting policies and systems. Join us in making a statewide impact.

The ND Quality Standards for OST Programs are designed to acknowledge the work you do, help take your program to the next level, and guide discussions on improving program quality. They will provide timely and meaningful feedback on program quality and help you determine program priorities.

But what qualifies as an out-of-school time (OST) program? OST programs take place before school, after school, during summer, over weekends, and throughout school breaks. These programs provide PreK-12 youth with regularly scheduled educational or enrichment activities in a structured, supervised environment.

Looking for an example of what an OST program is? We highlighted several OST programs throughout our newsletter last year including:

Walmart Spark Good Local Grants | Applications Reviewed Quarterly, Apply by Oct. 15

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. Spark Good Local Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations operating locally and directly benefiting the service area of the facility from when they are requesting funding.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Grant | Apply by Nov. 10th for Spring Round

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation will consider grants for IRS-qualified non-profit organizations located within the United States. The Foundation aims to support organizations and programs for which a relatively small amount of funding might make a large difference. The Foundation will consider requests to support museums, cultural and performing arts programs; schools and hospitals; educational, skills-training and other programs for youth, seniors, and persons with disabilities; environmental and wildlife protection activities; and other community-based organizations and programs. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $20,000. 

Costco Charitable Giving & Grants | Applications Accepted on a Rolling Basis.

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.

To apply for Costco support, organizations must meet the following general requirements:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
• Focus on supporting children, education, and/or health and human services
• Monetary requests only

Lights on Afterschool | October 23, 2025

Join over 8,000 programs across the country to celebrate out-of-school time and summer learning programs!

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

Lunch & Learn with CypherWorx

Join us on September 30th from 12:00-12:30PM (CST) for a lunch and learn with CypherWorx! Learn about the newest courses and leave with a refresher on how the platform can work for your program!

Free for North Dakota OST programs, benefits include the ability to:

• Train new staff anytime, anywhere
• Build skills in behavior management, STEM, safety, and more
• Track progress and assign courses with ease
• Save time and money on professional development

Register for the CypherWorx lunch and learn here!

FREE Youth Voice Modules for OST Practitioners

We partnered with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS) bring you practical tools, proven strategies, and inspiring examples to meaningfully involve young people in shaping programs and driving change.

Learn how to:

• Elevate youth perspectives
• Foster authentic leadership opportunities
• Create inclusive spaces where young people's ideas can thrive