Iowa Afterschool Alliance

It's that time of year again! IAA has opened the Call for Presenters for the 13th Annual Impact Afterschool Conference. We're looking for dynamic and informative presentations to benefit the afterschool network in Iowa at this year's conference. Follow the link for details: https://lnkd.in/geUyzUB7

We are a week away from our next webinar in the Thrive Together series: Ending the Silence for Afterschool Staff with NAMI Iowa! This webinar is free for youth-serving professionals across Iowa and is eligible for HHS credit through I-PoWeR. Participants will learn about mental health warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students regarding their mental health, and how to work with families on mental health topics. Laura will lead the presentation, and Akshita will share her journey with mental health & recovery. Audience members will be able to ask questions and gain understanding of an often-misunderstood topic. Register at the QR code below or at our Linktree: https://lnkd.in/gQwti8Mi

Just like the digits of Pi, the possibilities for learning and fun in afterschool programs are endless! Show us how your afterschool program is celebrating #PiDay! #AfterschoolinIowa #SupportIowaYouth #afterschoolmatters #AfterschoolWorks

Register for IAA's upcoming March and April webinars in our Thrive Together series! Registration can be accessed by QR code below or by visiting https://lnkd.in/gQwti8Mi. Ending the Silence for Afterschool Staff is presented by NAMI Iowa, and is a evidence-based session for afterschool staff members that includes information about mental health basics, warning signs, facts and statistics, how to approach students and how to work with families on the topics of mental health. Adopting a Mentor Mindset is presented by Iowa MENTOR (Volunteer Iowa). This "first step training" explores critical attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors essential for effective mentorship. Participants will learn about youth development, the mentoring relationship cycle, and the critical thinking skills needed to support young people. The training fosters self-awareness and supportive engagement, equipping mentors with key competencies. Participants should come prepared to learn and interact with others.

Afterschool programs strengthen the economy! ?? Families, businesses, and communities benefit when young people are safe and engaged after school—see how in a new fact sheet! https://lnkd.in/efhug75E

Iowa Afterschool Alliance is excited for our upcoming webinars in our Thrive Together Professional Development series! These free sessions are designed to equip afterschool providers, youth advocates, and anyone working to support young people across Iowa with the tools, strategies, and connections you need to strengthen your impact in out-of-school spaces. Registration links: https://lnkd.in/gQwti8Mi

There are millions of reasons to love afterschool, but on Valentine's Day, we want to know why YOU love afterschool! Tell us why you love afterschool in the comments! Adriana, IAA's Program Manager, shares one of the reasons she loves afterschool! #IHeartAfterschool

There are millions of reasons to love afterschool, but on Valentine's Day, we want to know why YOU love afterschool! Tell us why you love afterschool in the comments! Adriana, IAA's Program Manager, shares one of the reasons she loves afterschool! #IHeartAfterschool

Afterschool programs help parents provide for their families and save businesses money. They keep kids safe and offer real-world learning opportunities that help youth build life skills and prepare for future careers. #AfterschoolWorks #AfterschoolForAll

Happy International Day of Women and Girls in STEM! We know that afterschool STEM programs help encourage and support girls in finding their confidence in STEM. AND, we want to keep hearing from youth to learn what's working, what can be improved, and what their perspectives are on STEM education --> In collaboration with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS), we'll be hosting a virtual youth focus group discussion on Feb. 26th and are inviting afterschool STEM programs to please share this opportunity with young people in your programs! Youth (ages 13-23) who are interested can email us at [email protected] no later than Feb. 18th and we will be in touch with next steps. The perspectives and insights shared by participants will help to shape our advocacy and federal policy recommendations so policy decisions are informed by youth voice.