Maine

Maine Afterschool Network

The purpose of the Maine Afterschool Network (MASN) is to enable every child to have access to quality, inclusive, affordable after school programming that meets the needs of the child, the family and the community. MASN serves as a hub for collaborative efforts that will enable every child to have access to quality, inclusive, affordable afterschool programming which meets the needs of the child, the family and the community.

Current Projects and Initiatives: 
  • MASN is a collaboration with individual and organizational partners across the State, including, but not limited to the Department of Education, The Departments of Health and Human Services, The Governor’s Children’s Cabinet (Departments of Corrections, Education, Human Services, Behavior and Developmental Services, and Public Safety), The Maine School-Age Care Alliance, the Maine Chamber of Commerce, The University of Maine Center for Community Inclusion and disability Studies, the Maine Parent Federation and Maine roads to Quality.

  • MASN continues to co-sponsor and participate in conferences, workshops, trainings and other events with other agencies.

  • MASN 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.

  • MASN issues 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, MASN director has co-chaired a subcommittee developing a Youth Development Credential I. Targeting 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.