AFTERSCHOOL OBSERVER
NOVEMBER 2021
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ADVOCACY
LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL 2021 WAS A SUCCESS
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Throughout October, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs (NC CAP) hosted a variety of events to celebrate the power, impact, and value of afterschool programs in North Carolina.
STEM Pathways in NC: Where Do We Go From Here
On October 5th, NC CAP hosted a virtual briefing of new statewide recommendations regarding science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) pathways. The publication “Addressing the Top 5 Issues within STEM Pathways in North Carolina” provides insights into the five common issues noted across sectors and industries. It is based on the responses of over 100 STEM Coalition members from various backgrounds, sectors, and organizations. To access the publication, click here. To access the recording, click here.
Webb Space Telescope Launch
On October 19th, NC CAP hosted a virtual event for out-of-school time professionals to discover ways to leverage the James Webb Space Telescope launch and mission milestones in their programs. Participants had the opportunity to engage with a content matter expert and access free resources and content aligned to the Webb Space Telescope launch and mission. This event was open to professionals in North Carolina and across the nation. To view the recording, click here.
Family Matters: Exploring the Perspectives of Parents with Children in Afterschool
On October 23, in partnership with the Public School Forum of NC, NC CAP facilitated a panel of parents with children in afterschool programs statewide. Parents shared their perspectives regarding the current needs of their children and their view of the role and value of afterschool programs in the midst of the learning recovery process. Additionally, WRAL published the Final Word of the episode which is a call to action for the state to partner with programs in the midst of the recovery process. To view the episode on Education Matters, click here. To view the Final Word, click here.
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Afterschool For All Challenge
NC CAP celebrated Lights On Afterschool Day by engaging in an Afterschool For All Challenge with OST program advocates and providers. Through the challenge, advocates attended virtual meetings with the following Congressional Members:
- Senator Richard Burr
- Senator Thom Tillis
- Congresswoman Alma Adams
- Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
- Congressman Greg Murphy
- Congressman David Price
- Congresswoman Deborah Ross
- Congressman David Rouzer
The Journey Series
As of October 5, the Journey Series videos were shared daily on Twitter and Facebook. Additionally, NC CAP was able to partner with EdNC to release an article on the series. To view the Journey Series videos, click here. To view the EdNC article, click here.
Proclamation
Special Thank You to Governor Roy Cooper for proclaiming Thursday, October 28, 2021 "Keeping the Lights on Afterschool Day" for North Carolina.
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The Lighting of Wells Fargo's Duke Energy Center in Charlotte "Blue and Gold" for Lights On Afterschool Day on October 28. |
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CONVENE
SAVE THE DATE: SYNERGY 2022
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ADVOCACY
TIPS TO ACCESS NORTH CAROLINA'S
AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN FUNDS
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On September 13th, 2021, the United States Department of Education approved the proposed state plan for the use of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER III) Funds. North Carolina has received the remaining $1.2 billion from a $3.6 billion allocation to help public schools and students recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Districts and schools are receiving 90 percent of the state's total $3.6 billion allocations, based on the same proportions used for allocating federal Title I funds keyed to census poverty estimates. The remaining 10 percent, or $360 million, will support statewide initiatives to help schools and students recover from pandemic-related disruptions and to also improve outcomes long-term.
Some of the key points that directly impact afterschool programming are (1) the allocation of the afterschool set-aside funding to school districts and (2) the allocation of the summer enrichment set aside funding directly to school districts.
To help afterschool programs partner with local school districts to support youth recovery, the Afterschool Alliance has created a toolkit to assist in accessing the funds. The Afterschool Alliance encourages programs to follow the steps to engage school districts when ready:
- Educate Yourself
- Build Your Case
- Reach Out
- Prepare for Your Meetings
- Keep the Conversation Going
To learn more about the North Carolina ARP plan, click here.
To view the Afterschool Alliance's Toolkit, click here.
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SUPPORT
CELEBRATE VETERANS WITH THE AEOP DESIGN CHALLENGE
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Bring creativity, passion for 3D design, and appreciation for veterans together for this new STEM challenge! The Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) is inviting students in fourth to eighth grade to use their 3D design skills to create a wearable pin that demonstrates their gratitude towards veterans. Entries are due by Veteran's Day (November 11th, 2021).
To learn more click here.
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INFORM
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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SUPPORT
EQUITY AND INCLUSION ASSETS FOR AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER PROGRAMS
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The Million Girls Moonshot and the National Girls Collaborative Project's IF/THEN Collection has compiled assets within a portal that align with the Equity and Inclusion Framework and relate to key strategies for increasing equity and inclusion in afterschool STEM, such as addressing STEM stereotypes, making STEM personally relevant, implementing engineering mindsets and practices, and engaging in career exploration. The portal includes four new activities that explore important topics related to gender equity in STEM. All activities connect to and feature resources from the IF/THEN Collection and are specifically designed with afterschool and informal educators in mind.
To learn more about the Million Girls Moonshot Equity and Inclusion Assets, click here.
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INFORM
HOW WELL ARE AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS SERVING CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS OR DISABILITIES?
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In afterschool programs, children of all abilities can take part in hands-on learning experiences, have time to collaborate with peers, snack on healthy eats, and are able to be active and outdoors in the care of knowledgeable and supportive staff. The flexible and responsive nature of afterschool programs creates the foundation for an inclusive learning environment, where children with disabilities can learn, play, and grow alongside their peers. A new brief, "America After 3 PM for Children with Special Needs or Disabilities," examines the afterschool experience as reported by parents with a child with special needs or disabilities and finds that 9 in 10 parents (91%) are happy with their child's afterschool program overall. More than 3 in 4 parents say that they are satisfied that the program is addressing the special needs of their child (77%).
To continue reading, click here.
To read the report, click here.
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SUPPORT
TOOLS FOR SUPPORTING EMOTIONAL WELLBEING
IN CHILDREN AND YOUTH
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While fewer children and youth have been sick with COVID-19 compared to adults, the COVID-19 pandemic has still had a major impact on their lives. Though typically resilient to everyday stressors, children and youth are dealing with new challenges due to COVID-19, like social distancing, changes to their routines, and a lost sense of security and safety, making them especially vulnerable to feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed.
For some children, these challenges are exacerbated by the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on their communities. Black and Hispanic Americans, in particular, have faced a disproportionate share of COVID-19 cases in the United States, and Black and Hispanic students were less likely to have access to online learning. Afterschool professionals and programs can help mitigate these effects and support the wellbeing of youth by using this new toolkit from The National Academies of Science Engineering Medicine.
To explore the tools and learn more about the cognitive behavioral therapy practices utilized, click here.
To learn more about the toolkit, click here.
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INFORM
NCSSM IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
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Since its inception in 1980, the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics has been fully funded by the state, allowing students to attend without paying any tuition, room, board, or other student fees. It was recently rated the #2 public high school in the country.
NCSSM is pleased to announce that for the first time ever, students can apply for the Residential Program at NCSSM-Morganton, the newest campus! NCSSM's *single application* for NCSSM-Durham, NCSSM-Morganton, NCSSM-Online, and Summer Ventures are now open. Visit https://www.ncssm.edu/admissions to get started!
To learn more about the residential program, the online option, or Summer Ventures, 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 programs to be used again and again, for years to come. Take your Afterschool Programs and Summer Camps to the next level.
To give back to the community, TechTerra Education is excited to offer a 5% discount to all 21st CCLC programs on any of their STEM in a Box Programs. They are also giving away 3Doodler 3D Design pens to a handful of afterschool sites! Contact TechTerra Education today to enter the giveaway.
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INFORM
AFTERSCHOOL ALLIANCE'S 2021 AFTERSCHOOL STAFF RECRUITMENT TOOLKIT
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The Afterschool Alliance has developed the 2021 Afterschool Staff Recruitment Toolkit to help program providers recruit staff for their programs. The toolkit contains tips to recruit staff, key messaging, sample templates, flyers, and graphics for social media.
To access the toolkit, click here.
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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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ADVOCACY
WHAT COULD THE BUILD BACK BETTER ACT MEAN FOR AFTERSCHOOL AND SUMMER LEARNING?
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The House of Representatives finished work at the Committee level on the Build Back Better Act legislation that invests in programs that support human infrastructure and include parts of President Biden's American Jobs Plan and American Families Plan.
The bill is progressing on a partisan track using the budget reconciliation process. The legislation broadly focuses on housing, education, economic opportunity, climate, and healthcare. To move the process forward from the Budget Resolution passed in mid-August, each House authorizing committee was responsible for recommending specific changes to expenditures within their jurisdiction. A number of bills, which have now passed through the committees, included several components that could impact young people in afterschool and summer learning programs, as well as providers.
As it currently stands, the following provisions could impact the afterschool and summer learning field:
Elementary and Secondary Education
$82 billion for infrastructure, including $80.6 billion for K-12 school construction, over fiscal years (FYs) 2022-2024 for a new Rebuild America's Schools grant program. Most of the money would be available through FY 2026. States would receive funding based on the Title I formula. Allowable uses of funds include major repairs, safety, and facility upgrades, constructing new facilities, and improving instructional or outdoor public school facilities relating to early learning, special education, science, technology, career and technical education (CTE), physical education, the arts, literacy (including library programs), or community-based partnerships. $197 million for "Grow Your Own" Programs for FY 2022 to address teacher shortages in high-need subjects and locations and to increase the diversity of those entering the education field. Afterschool programs have been an important strategy in such efforts as documented in the recent Education Trust report "A Natural Fit: Supporting Afterschool Staff of Color in Teacher Pipelines."
Higher Education - $111 billion
Tuition-Free Community College - For five years starting in the award year 2023-2024, would provide two years of tuition-free community college for eligible students. States would receive grants that decline to 80 percent of total student costs in the award year 2027-2028, with states contributing the difference.
Workforce Development - $80 billion
$9.1 billion for youth workforce investment activities, $5billion for apprenticeships, youth apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs, $2 billion for community college and industry partnership grants, $20 billion for industry or sector partnership grants, $1.5 billion for Job Corps, among other workforce investments.
To continue reading, click here.
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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.
Interested organizations can review the criteria on their website and attend live WebEx meetings on Tuesday, November 9th, from noon to 1 pm and 5:30 to 6:30 pm to receive instructions and ask questions. The meetings will be recorded and available on-demand.
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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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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INFORM
FREE STEM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
DEVELOPING STEM IDENTITIES AND MAKING CAREER CONNECTIONS
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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 do you help youth recognize their connection to and role in STEM? How do you help youth learn about STEM careers? In this professional development workshop, participants experience several easy-to-implement strategies, including a photo-elicitation activity, learning about the formation of youth STEM identity, and learning how to conduct related activities.
Session Dates
December 2nd, 2021 - 6:30 pm to 8 pm EST
December 9th, 2021 - 6:30 pm to 8 pm EST
December 16th, 2021 - 6:30 pm to 8 pm EST
Cohort Code: AC102ID
To learn more about this opportunity, click here.
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SUPPORT
PILOT, ASTRONAUT, LEADERS, OH MY!
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Million Girls Moonshot is kicking off November with a blast on National STEM Day! As a culminating event for Lights On Afterschool and in partnership with Afterschool Alliance and NASA - Million Girls Moonshot invites you to join them on November 8th at 3 PM ET for a special #LightsOnAfterschool event celebrating STEM!
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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 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 Youth Awards was founded in 1998 by the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF). Now entering its 23rd year, the Youth Awards honors Latino high school seniors who excel in the classroom and community and for their excellence in various categories, including Business & Entrepreneurship, Community Service, Education, Engineering, Healthcare & Science, Media & Entertainment, Public Service & Social Justice, Sports & Fitness, Sustainability, and Technology. Applications are due November 14th, 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.
These competitive mini-grants will be awarded to current K-12 teachers in a public, charter or private school within a STEM SENC supported county (i.e., Bladen, Brunswick, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland). Awards will be made to teachers who use innovative and creative methods to offer engaging STEM lessons and share their lesson plans. Priority will be given to projects that target underserved students. Applications are due on November 8th, 2021.
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