AFTERSCHOOL OBSERVER
DECEMBER 2021
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CONVENE
SAVE THE DATE: SYNERGY 2022
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The Synergy Conference 2022 is scheduled to convene in-person April 19th - 22nd, 2022, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC. Please note that the Tuesday and Wednesday portion of the conference will consist of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Statewide Meeting only. For those registered attendees not part of a 21st CCLC program, check-in for the Synergy Conference will begin at 8:30 am on Thursday, April 21st, 2022.
The NC CAP Team would like to hear your thoughts on the tentatively scheduled in-person conference. Please complete the following short survey by December 6th, 2021. The anonymous survey should take no more than 5 minutes to complete.
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SUPPORT
YOUR VOICE MATTERS: HELP CONTINUE TO SHOWCASE WHY AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS ARE CRITICAL DURING THE PANDEMIC
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This fall, the leaves have already started to change color, but what remains the same is the pandemic's presence, remaining top of mind for the afterschool field and the children and families they serve. By taking the Afterschool Alliance's short survey, you are helping document the ways in which the pandemic continues to impact your program, the supports your program is providing to the children and families in your community, and lift up the short-and-long-term effects of COVID-19 on the afterschool field as a whole.
All of those who complete the survey will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of 50 gift cards in the amount of $50!
This is the sixth wave of the Afterschool in the Time of COVID-19 tracking survey, conducted by Edge Research on behalf of the Afterschool Alliance, with findings from previous waves shared with federal policymakers and featured in publications such as Education Week and Youth Today.
The survey should take approximately 10 minutes of your time and your response is anonymous. The survey will close at 11:59 PST, Sunday, December 12th, 2021.
If you need assistance completing the survey, please contact Lydia Redway at redway@edgereserch.com. If you would like more information about the research, please contact Nikki Yamashiro at nyamashiro@afterschoolalliance.org.
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CONVENE
SYNERGY CONFERENCE 2022
REQUEST FOR WORKSHOP AND VENDOR PROPOSALS
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The Request for Proposals (RFPs) for workshop presenters and vendors are now open. Workshop strands include Arts & Literacy, Closing Gaps, College & Career Readiness, Organizational Capacity, Public/Private Partnerships, Social & Emotional Learning, S.T.E.M., and Youth Development. |
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Descriptions for each workshop strand can be viewed on the Workshop and Vendor RFPs, located on the Synergy Conference 2022 webpage. Proposal submissions are due on January 31st, 2022.
Early registration for the conference will be open in January. We hope to see you in Greensboro!
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ADVOCACY
SUPERINTENDENT TRUITT'S STATEMENT ON BUDGET
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On November 15th, 2021, the North Carolina General Assembly unveiled the state budget, SB 105, which includes a historic investment in education. NC Superintendent of Public Instruction, Catherine Truitt, issued the below statement in response:
"This budget highlights many of the priorities that I have been advocating for since coming to office, and it provides the certainty we need to continue addressing the challenges that transpired because of COVID. School and district staff worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and their efforts have been nothing short of remarkable. I'm pleased to see salary increases for teachers, school support staff, and principals, in addition to the bonus options for educators and the newly-established Supplementary Fund for low-wealth districts, enabling them to increase teacher pay and retain staff. Additional funding in this budget allows us to progress in hiring more school psychologists, maintain statewide literacy training efforts and address the workforce demands of today and the future with a new computer science division at the department. Importantly funding in this bill will expand and increase our ability to continue customizing support for low-performing schools and districts in our state. I appreciate the General Assembly's efforts to craft a budget that puts us on a path towards much-needed stability and allows for us to continue investing in our students, our education leaders, and our school districts. I look forward to Governor Cooper signing into law and appreciate his recognition of how this budget supports students, small businesses, and taxpayers across North Carolina."
Key K-12 Education Highlights in the Budget:
- An additional $1.5 billion in recurring funds for the K-12 public school system
- $18 million for direct and targeted intervention in low-performing schools and districts
- An additional $37.5 million for Science of Reading training professional development
- An average 5% pay raise for teachers and most state employees over two years
- A 2.5% pay increase for principals over two years and a $1,800 bonus
- Increasing the minimum wage to $15 by 2022 for all school support staff
- A $2,800 bonus for most teachers
- $100 million in recurring funds for a new supplemental fund focused on low-wealth counties to help them compete with bigger, wealthier counties when recruiting teachers
- An additional $14 million for cybersecurity
- $36 million for grants for afterschool and before school programs
- $36 million for summer school extension programs
To continue reading, click here.
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INFORM
NC CAP DEBUTS TWO NEW STEMINARS
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To learn more about ImaginGO, click here.
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To learn more about TechTerra Education, click here
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SUPPORT
LEARN AND EARN PRIZES WITH NGCP AND BEYOND FOR CSEDWEEK
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Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek) is December 6-12, 2021. This year's theme is #CSEverywhere.
From December 6-12, 2021, students will be able to interact with fun games and challenges that give them the awareness that technology is not 'one-size-fits-all'.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn about tech and earn prizes, including gift cards and personalized video messages from one of their favorite celebrities. NGCP CSEdWeek activities can be used as an icebreaker at the beginning of instruction to get students excited about exploring tech careers in various industries including music, beauty, sports, fashion, and entertainment.
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INFORM
GUIDE TO EQUITABLE HIRING AND STAFF DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
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Currently over 10 million children and youth - many from historically-excluded groups - participate in afterschool and summer programs nationwide. In fact, for every young person enrolled in an afterschool program, there are three more waiting to get in, totaling 25 million kids who aren't able to access programs. The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) believes that every young person deserves quality, enriching experiences outside of school that positively impact their development and help them thrive, however, currently there are multiple systemic barriers that impact access.
Because the out-of-school time(OST) sector is rooted in the principles of youth development including creating safe and welcoming spaces for all young people, the sector is primed to be a leader in using similar philosophies to enact equitable hiring and staff development practices. NAA realizes there is a broader need for a comprehensive overhaul of job quality in the sector, from rethinking compensation to making benefits more accessible to creating career pathways.
The Guide to Equitable Hiring and Staff Development Practices is the beginning of support needed to make comprehensive changes to systems, policies, funding, and practices. It is intended to catalyze the OST workforce, stakeholders, and partners to examine systems, elevate practices and policies that will build and strengthen the field.
To access the Guide click here.
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SUPPORT
MIZZEN BY MOTT MOONSHOT CONNECTION
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The Mizzen By Mott app delivers inspiring and engaging activities that spark learning in young people. Supported by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is available at no cost to afterschool professionals! Encourage partners to download the Mizzen By Mott app to access STEM activities at your finger-touch! You will find it in Mizzen here.
Featured Activities and Playlists:
- Playlist: STEM Activities for K-5 in Small Groups - This playlist is a great mix of engineering and science activities that are easy and fun for small groups of students.
- Playlist: Science Notebooks for 3rd - 12th Grade - Keeping a notebook can help your students think and act like scientists and engineers. Sample these easy-to-implement strategies and lessons to bring science notebooking into your program.
- Module: S.INQ Up Earth and Space for 6-8th Grade - Earth and Space is an inquiry and exploration-based curriculum that uses hands-on activities focused on the relationships between the earth, solar system, and human impacts on the global environment.
To learn more about the Million Girls Moonshot and Mizzen By Mott Connection, click here.
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INFORM
TOOLKITS TO BOOST AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
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There are two new publications from America's Service Commissions (ASC) that may be helpful to program providers this year:
These two guides were developed with generous support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to provide the afterschool field with fresh ideas on how AmeriCorps members and national service can strengthen afterschool programs to create positive community change. The toolkits showcase easy, but innovative ways that AmeriCorps members can make a positive impact in afterschool settings, along with resources and case studies to help maximize out-of-school time impact in communities and schools through the power of national service.
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CONVENE
2022 NAA CONVENTION
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The stakes are high! As afterschool professionals and leaders, you are equipping yourself or others to prepare young people for a world we can only imagine. Come share your ideas and explore innovative and proven practices. Challenge yourself to explore new perspectives, make key connections, and build lasting relationships that will strengthen the afterschool field and profession. Are you ready to go all-in?
To learn more about the 2022 NAA Convention, click here.
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INFORM
NOMINATE THE NEXT GENERATION OF OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME (OST) LEADERS
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Nominations for the National AfterSchool Association's 2022 Next Generation of After School Leaders is now open! If you know an emerging leader - age 30 or under - who is an afterschool evangelist, committed to professional development, and who has the potential to make lasting change in our field, nominate them today!
Deadline to submit your nomination:
December 10th, 2021.
To submit a nomination, please click here.
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SUPPORT
TECHTERRA EDUCATION
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Founded in 2012 to fill the gap between the STEM world and classrooms and extended day programs in need, TechTerra Education is the expert on STEM learning solutions and Makersapces. They equip educators with the hands-on tools, curriculum, and training needed for 21st-century classrooms and career-ready kids. A company comprised of educators, their mission is to make STEM education accessible and easy to use with their STEM in a Box turnkey programs. Their trademarked Stations of STEM™ allows students to explore best-in-market tools. Plus, they designed their STEM in a Box program to be used again and again, for years to come. Take your Afterschool Programs and Summer Camps to the next level.
In celebration of the season for giving, TechTerra Education is excited to offer a Free Surprise Pack to the first 50 individuals who enter this giveaway. These free prize packs include awesome STEM/STEAM tools! In addition, TechTerra is giving a 5% discount to all 21st CCLC programs on any of their STEM in a Box Programs! Contact TechTerra Education today to enter the giveaway.
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INFORM
WAKE COUNTY INVITES COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
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Wake County will start accepting applications from community organizations interested in competing for a portion of the $217 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding, which the county will receive from the federal government.
"We can do even more to help the residents still struggling to find work or keep a roof over their heads by collaborating in new ways with our community partners," said Wake County Commissioner Shanica Thomas. "Through this application process, we will select projects in the nonprofit sector that will do the most public good and help fund them - an effort that furthers our goal of achieving prosperity for all."
The Board of Commissioners has set aside $20 million in ARPA funds to support the work of nonprofit or not-for-profit groups that can assist the county in generating a strong and equitable recovery from the effects of COVID-19. Of that $20 million, $16 million will fund qualifying proposals that benefit all county residents, and $4 million will go towards projects that specifically support historically marginalized populations.
Applications are due on December 3rd at 5 pm. County staff will review the applications during the month of December and present funding recommendations to the Board in January 2022.
To learn more about this opportunity, click here.
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SUPPORT
FREE STEM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
MODELING SCIENCE PRACTICES
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NC CAP has partnered with Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM (ACRES) to provide FREE professional development opportunities to out-of-school-time professionals statewide. The ACRES Project supports out-of-school providers in rural settings. Each participant is expected to participate in three live sessions for each cohort is an active member. Stipends are offered to participants that complete pre-and-post surveys.
How can we ensure that our "hands-on" science experiences for youth are also "minds-on"? In this module, participants learn how to support youth as they engage in the science practices to learn science ideas, including planning and conducting investigations around testable questions. Participants will talk about the similarities and differences of questioning in science versus questioning in engineering contexts.
Session Dates
January 13th, 2021 - 12 pm to 2 pm EST
January 27th, 2021 - 12 pm to 2 pm EST
February 10th, 2021 - 12 pm to 2 pm EST
Cohort Code: AC106SP
To learn more about this opportunity, click here.
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CONVENE
33RD NATIONAL SERVICE-LEARNING CONFERENCE
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TOGETHER
We will gather together in person for the first time in two years as a conference community. We stand together to address the pandemic, natural disasters, and other crises that challenge our communities. And it is with youth and adults working together that we will change the world through service-learning.
Whether you are a teacher, administrator, afterschool program coordinator, university faculty member, foundation program officer, or a youth leader, the National Service-Learning Conference is designed for you. With four days of inspiration, learning, connection, and action, youth and adults can create an individualized agenda for an incredible professional development experience.
Established in 1987, the National Service-Learning Conference has brought together more than 30,000 youth and adults from across the United States and beyond. The conference connects participants with educational leaders through three days of engaged learning sessions and hands-on projects. 2020 and 2021 Conferences were held virtually. In 2022, NYLC will combine the 3-day in-person format with a virtual day.
To learn more about the 33rd National Service-Learning Conference NAA, click here.
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SUPPORT
CORE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND COMPETENCIES FOR AFTERSCHOOL AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROFESSIONALS
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The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) and the National Afterschool Association have updated the Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies for Afterschool and Youth Development Professionals.
All professional entities share common characteristics. Among them are a body of knowledge, skills, culture, code of ethics, and public recognition. The Core Knowledge and Competencies enable afterschool and youth development practitioners to demonstrate expertise and gain a higher level of recognition within their communities that has long been sought after.
To access the Core Knowledge and Competencies, click here.
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INFORM
LEADING TO CHANGE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT
NC CAP WANTS TO HIGHLIGHT YOUR PROGRAM!
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The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) would like to highlight program successes statewide. Tell us about your program and you might be our Program Spotlight in the next edition of the Afterschool Observer or on Social Media. Click the Program Spotlight below to be redirected to the updated survey link to tell us about your program. |
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SUPPORT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
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The Community Progress Fund from Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation is designed to provide an infusion of short-term funding at the right moment and is intended to build on existing momentum to help move an issue, an idea, or an organization forward. Applications are due December 6th, 2021.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) and the Mid-America Arts Alliance (MAAA) will award approximately 35 matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 for arts-based community engagement projects that engage targeted military-connected communities. The Creative Forces Community Engagement Grants are intended to support non-clinical arts engagement programs that take place in healthcare, community, or virtual settings. Applications are due December 15th, 2021.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) seeks to support environmental education projects that promote environmental awareness and stewardship and help provide people with the skills to take responsible actions to protect the environment. This grant program provides financial support for projects that design, demonstrate, or disseminate environmental education, practices, methods, or techniques. Applications are due December 6th, 2021.
The Duke Endowment has introduced a new pre-application process for the Child and Family Wellbeing program area. This pre-application will help applicants confirm eligibility and guide the two areas of work: Prevention and Early Intervention for At-Risk Children and Out-of-Home Care. Applications are due on December 15th, 2021.
The Heartwarming Project Action Grants are meant to inspire and support youth to create meaningful and inclusive change in their local communities. They encourage all applications to be youth-led projects, with a strong focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being. Applications are due on December 31st, 2021.
The Duke Energy Foundation is committed to making strategic investments to build powerful communities where nature and wildlife thrive, youth can excel, and a talented workforce drives economic prosperity for all. These grants support programs that prevent summer reading loss, while also advancing energy, engineering, and environmental education. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
The Saxena Family Foundation is a privately funded, 501(c)(3) registered non-profit charitable foundation headquartered in Austin, TX. The Foundation awards grants and supports programs that have a particular focus on STEM education and around empowering women in the United States and in India. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
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