Afterschool Alliance

Securing Funding and Long-Term Sustainability Finding funding is a top issue for afterschool programs everywhere — let’s talk about what you need to know to secure funds and advocate for long-term program sustainability. Designed to build on the Afterschool Alliance’s sustainability blog series, we’ll dig into questions about where programs can source funds and what they need to do to make sure afterschool remains in local, state, and federal budgets now and going forward. We’ll hear stories from the field as local programs describe how they’ve kept the lights on afterschool for kids in their communities.

The Afterschool Alliance extends its deepest gratitude to the afterschool programs that keep young people safe, inspire learning, and support working families across the nation—and the people who make it possible. #AfterschoolWorks because of the dedicated program providers, teachers, funders, elected officials, and supporters in the field. On behalf of the 10.2 million young people in afterschool, thank you! We wish you a joyful Thanksgiving! ??

We've been carefully reviewing all the incredible 2024 #LightbulbChallenge entries and we are thrilled to announce the winner of this year's prize: Port Chester Carver Center! Thank you to everyone who participated in the #LightbulbChallenge and helped us shine the brightest light on afterschool. We can't wait to see how you turn the #LightsOnAfterschool in 2025!

Supporting the needs of the whole child requires a combination of different funding streams, and this new U.S. Department of Education webinar series is designed to help you learn how to identify and access them. Join us next week on December 5 to learn about engaging the philanthropic community to help jumpstart and sustain programming: https://lnkd.in/ea5FVCfG

Make sure afterschool is on your newly elected official's radars! Access state fact sheets, follow-up letters, and resources to help you build relationships and educate your new reps. ?? https://lnkd.in/eFFsibXF

Access to high quality and affordable child care is critical to promote economic mobility and stability for families experiencing poverty. Our own Policy Director Jillian Luchner will join youth.gov on Dec. 5 to discuss strategies for supporting parents and caregivers with varying needs, such as those caring for children with disabilities and working nontraditional hours. Register to join! https://lnkd.in/g9k5rC8W

Do you know an outstanding afterschool or summer program engaging students in academic acceleration and experiential learning? Send them this link! Programs are encouraged to apply to the #EngageEveryStudent Recognition Program by January 31 for the chance to have their program recognized by U.S. Department of Education. https://lnkd.in/eJW_Mkf7

At last week's convening, we asked our partners: How do we achieve collective impact and level up our ability to help youth use STEM for social good? Read more about the programs doing this work and using afterschool STEM to inspire, empower, and equip young people with the skills they need to change the world. See how Mikva Challenge, Technovation, Smithsonian Science Education Center (SSEC), and more are prioritizing youth voice and inspiring young people to take charge of their STEM experience—and how you can too! https://lnkd.in/e8hdeN8G

Did you miss our webinar on securing funding and long-term sustainability for afterschool? Don't worry! Access the full recording and resources here: https://lnkd.in/ecygP_hR