Network News
The CA Afterschool Network Step Up High School After School Summit - Register NowThe California Afterschool Network is excited to host the first annual Step Up High School Summit on November 3-5, 2009, in San Diego, California. Program administrators, high school afterschool practitioners and high school principals are encouraged to attend. The conference will feature engaging workshops and presentations focusing on successful strategies for high school afterschool programs. The conference will also provide opportunities for high school practitioners to network and share resources and successful practices.
For more information and to register go to http://www.afterschoolnetwork.org/step-up.
Florida Afterschool Network - After the School Bell Rings Video
Bright House Networks, The Florida Cable Telecommunications Association, the National Afterschool Alliance and the Florida Afterschool Network partnered to produce a 30 minute cable TV special titled "After the School Bell Rings". The show premiered as part of the Lights on Afterschool celebration in October 2009.
Reinaldo Lliano, Communications Director for Bright House Networks, and a FAN Board member has developed a seven minute version of the show which can now be viewed on the the Florida Afterschool Network Web site.
Features
Resources from School's Out WashingtonWashington has released two new resources. Download: Why After-School Matters: How After-School Supports and Enhances Student Success, this newsletter shares information about what school leaders can do to support afterschool. Also, Washington has developed a report on why Quality Afterschool Programs Are Critical for the Success of Washington State's Children and Youth.
Critical Need: Georgia's Parents Speak Out About Afterschool
A new report from the Georgia Afterschool Investment Council and Georgia PTA calls for increased investments in after-school that align with voters' priorities. The survey complements national research on the effectiveness of out-of-school time programs, which demonstrates that involvement in after-school yields improved academic achievement, better work habits, improved social skills and decreased negative behaviors. For more information and to download the report, visit the Georgia Afterschool Investment Council Web site.
Iowa's Blueprint for Afterschool:Five Strategies for Ensuring Access to Affordable High-Quality Afterschool in Iowa for Children and Youth Ages 5 - 17
This publication is intended to start conversations, raise awareness and provide a plan for next steps for afterschool around the state. The Blueprint outlines five major strategies for ensuring that all children and youth have access to high quality afterschool programs in their communities.
NYSAN is pleased to announce the publication of two new briefs in the NYSAN Policy Brief series
Expanding and Enhancing Summer Learning Opportunities in New York State
Summer learning opportunities are a critical component of a comprehensive and coordinated system of youth programs that contribute to the learning and healthy development of young people. This brief articulates the value and impact of high-quality summer learning opportunities; spotlights exemplary programs already operating in New York State; and recommends strategies to expand and enhance these types of programs.
The Role of Afterschool Programs in Increasing High School Graduation Rates in New York State
The afterschool community can play an important role in building a youth-serving system in New York State that keeps young people engaged in school and on track to graduation from high school. This policy brief provides an overview of the benefits to high school graduation; describes the New York State context; links afterschool to factors that improve high school graduation rates; and recommends a number of policies that can forge a stronger partnership between schools and afterschool programs in addressing this issue.
The national network of statewide afterschool networks brings together established statewide afterschool networks in their collective mission to build partnerships and policies that are committed to the development and sustainability of quality afterschool programs.
These partnerships funded through the support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other funders are focused on actively engaging key decisionmakers in support of school-based/school-linked afterschool programs, particularly in underserved communities. Currently 38 statewide afterschool networks are funded to coordinate and influence the systems that support the success of children and young people.
These partnerships funded through the support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other funders are focused on actively engaging key decisionmakers in support of school-based/school-linked afterschool programs, particularly in underserved communities. Currently 38 statewide afterschool networks are funded to coordinate and influence the systems that support the success of children and young people.