Accomplishments:
- The Youth Development Credential I was piloted in 2011.
- The Network published a policy brief containing recommendations aimed at the recognition of afterschool as an alternative credit attainment and personalized learning venue.
- The Network hosted the Statewide Youth Development Institute for educators and administrators, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Education, Maine's 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Office of Substance Abuse, Maine Department of Health and Human Services.
- A sustainable structure of partnerships has been negotiated regarding state leadership, civic organizations, program providers, professional development organizations and direct service providers.
Current Projects and Initiatives:
- The Network continues to co-sponsor and participate in conferences, workshops, trainings and other events with other agencies.
- The Network holds open quarterly meetings that attract providers, administrators and other stakeholders and serve as a networking opportunity and source of updates, developments and best practices in the field.
- A STEM demonstration is being conducted in Western Maine, through Bryant Pond Education and Learning Center, with cross discipline integration of science and STEM areas with a holistic approach to education. The program includes STEM + Literacy/Arts = Extended Learning Opportunity.
- The Network issued a series of afterschool technical assistance briefs, which are distributed to school boards, school administration, policymakers and others seeking guidance related to afterschool program development.
- Since 2009, the Network director has co-chaired a subcommittee developing a Youth Development Credential I. This credential targets the development of skills and provision of professional development opportunities specific to working with school-age youth, thus contributing to the professionalization of the field.