Explore the Purpose of Questions During WYEN’s Back to School Webinar Perrin Chick of MMSA 

Join WYEN on Tuesday, October 6 at 11:30am for The Purpose of Questions, featuring Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance Community Engagement Director Perrin Chick. We'll explore why questioning is a practice of trust, curiosity, and shared discovery between educators and the young people they work with. This session will close out the Back to School webinar series by turning our attention back to the questions young people are asking themselves—and how we can make more room for them.

Help Grow Mathematical Thinkers: Register by October 12

You already make a difference in how young people see themselves. The Uncommon Math Heroes Community of Practice is four free, 45-minute Zoom sessions for Wyoming programs that work with young people, designed to build on what you already do well. Programs that complete all four receive a $500 stipend.

No math expertise is needed. We'll start with our own math stories, then explore simple ways to notice the math young people are already doing, to treat struggle as a sign someone needs support rather than a sign they can't, and to show that asking for help is a strength. It's grounded in real stories from Wyoming people, from a tennis pro to a rancher to an engine builder and backed by research. Register by October 12!

Get Your Tickets for the Early Childhood Collaborative Conference 

You won't want to miss the Early Childhood Collaborative Conference set for October 23-24 at the Best Western Downtown Casper Hotel. Imagine a day filled with fresh ideas, inspiring stories, and meaningful connections—all designed to empower those who shape the earliest years of learning. Whether you work with infants, preschoolers, school-age children, adults, or lead educational teams, this event offers keynotes from nationally recognized education leaders, as well as engaging sessions and workshops tailored just for you. It’s your chance to recharge, learn, and connect with fellow educators who share your passion. Be sure to reserve your spot by Friday, October 9.  

Featured Speaker: Carol Garboden Murray is the author of Illuminating Care: The Pedagogy and Practice of Care in Early Childhood Communities. For more than 30 years, she has worked alongside young children, families, and educators as a teacher, early interventionist, director, and educational leader. 

Let’s Light Up the Equality State for Afterschool 

Happy October! It’s officially Lights on Afterschool Month! On Thursday, October 22, communities across the country will celebrate the 27th Annual Lights On Afterschool and we want to see Wyoming shining bright. Whether you’re hosting an open house to invite families in to showcase your work and host or doing the Lightbulb Challenge, there are plenty of ways to join the celebration. Register your event, grab some Lights On resources, and help us light up the Equality State! Then share your celebration with #LightsOnAfterschool so Wyoming can be part of the national spotlight. 

Try a New Career Connection Toolkits from STEM Next 

Ready to take STEM beyond the activity and into the real world? STEM Next’s new Health & Life Sciences and Aeronautics & Earth Science Career-Connected Learning toolkits are packed with hands-on activities, career profiles, and practical strategies for helping young people connect what they’re learning to where it could take them. Pick a topic, try an activity, and help young people see the people, skills, and possibilities behind STEM careers!

Grow Gardeners this Fall with Resources from Mizzen 

Mizzen is bringing garden planning into fall with ready-to-use lessons, seasonal planning tools, trusted gardening guidance, soil support, and giveaways to help educators turn any space into a place where young people can learn, connect, and grow. As part of the program, they're giving away garden goodies all season long to help you and your program thrive. 

Dig Into A Community Challenge with Explore. Act. Tell. 



What happens when young people get the chance to dig into a real community challenge and do something about it? Explore.Act.Tell. gives youth ages 11–18 a hands-on way to explore food insecurity, investigate what’s happening in their own communities, take action and share what they learn. The free, project-based activities can fit into afterschool programs, clubs, summer learning or other youth settings—and they’re designed to help young people connect learning to the world around them. Pick a project, invite young people to ask questions, and see where their curiosity takes them. More than $80,000 in grants awarded in 2026!