This is your weekly newsletter featuring program spotlights, innovative resources, and training opportunities for the out-of-school-time industry in Florida. Together, we can ensure all children and youth in Florida have access to affordable, available, high-quality expanded learning opportunities to foster their success in school and beyond. | |
Appropriations update: House Committee passes FY 2025 Education Spending Bill, Senate starts process | The House Appropriations Committee holds level funding for 21st CCLC and a increase in the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), but it's not all good news. As the Senate continues their deliberation, we may need to take action. | | | |
If you have an idea for an afterschool spotlight or would like to be featured, email Holly to help share your story! | |
Summer camp helps kids produce their own music | Summer is in full swing, which means many kids are in camp. However, one summer camp in Washington Shores is looking to open the eyes of young Central Floridians and show them what they can achieve, all through the power of music. In the camp, the kids learn everything from MMA, to pottery, drumming and even hair braiding, which Smith is really enjoying. | | | | |
Something Good: Marching 100 FAMU Band Camp Parade marches through campus | The Florida A&M Summer Band Camp parade is a highlight of the Marching 100′s Summer Band Camp Program. Middle and high school students from all over come to FAMU’s campus, sharpening their skills, whether they are picking up instruments, dancing, color guard or drum majors. | | | | |
Special needs kids learn how to scuba dive at Rotary Youth Camp of Northwest Florida | Kids with developmental disabilities are breaking barriers at a Walton County camp. Sunday was their first day of the week-long rotary youth camp. Campers arrived in droves with their bags packed for the Rotary Youth Camp of Northwest Florida in DeFuniak Springs. | | | | |
WATCH: UCF summer camp introduces kids to photonics | It's been said that the 21st century is the Age of Light. And that means careers in the engineering fields of optics and photonics are in high demand. The University of Central Florida's College of Optics and Photonics, or CREOL, is only one of six such engineering programs nationwide. | | | | |
Glass blowing ignites creativity at summer camp | This summer, Jacksonville Country Day School's (JCDS) campers experienced the fiery art of glass blowing, thanks to a special visit by Jacksonville Burnt Glassworks during the "Art Adventures" specialty camp, led by JCDS Art Specialist, Alli Flores. The local glass studio captivated young minds with a sizzling demonstration, showcasing their skills as molten glass transformed under their expert hands. | | | | |
Integrating play-based learning and STEM practices | The U.S. National Science Foundation funded project, InterPLAY will provide practitioners with resources that assess the efficacy of their STEM-focused exhibits. InterPLAY is informed by research demonstrating that guided play provides rich engagement with STEM phenomena and practices. | | | | |
Youth value voice, preparing for the future, and making a difference in afterschool | More than 9 in 10 youth report that they feel respected, are listened to, and trust the adults in their afterschool programs, according to research released by Every Hour Counts. Acting in leadership positions, working on social justice, and learning how to manage money were among the activities young people ranked as most meaningful in their programs. Moreover, nearly 60% reported that their afterschool program “improved their life” very much or quite a bit. | | | | |
$1.8M awarded to middle-school out-of-school time programs | The New York Life Foundation and the Afterschool Alliance are pleased to announce the 2024 Aim High grant recipients. Now in its eighth year, the Aim High grant has provided a total of $11.55 million dollars to afterschool, summer and expanded learning programs that help middle school students prepare for a successful transition to high school. In all, $1.8 million in grants were awarded to 40 youth development organizations across the country. | | | | |
LEARNING FROM OTHERS: Program at LSUS encourages middle-school students to dream big, set goals | Jaiden Harris is a middle school in Shreveport who thought he would work in the fast-food industry after high school. But lately, Harris has been thinking about other options. A seven-week summer enrichment camp at LSU in Shreveport is helping middle-school students focus on future careers in science, technology, mathematics, and engineering. | | | | |
Speak Life End Bullying for Schools is a comprehensive, anti-bullying solution that accompanies the acclaimed film, Speak Life End Bullying the Musical. This turn-key resource bridges the gap in the conversation with students about mental health and bullying while helping school and afterschool leaders create a culture of empathy, respect, and kindness within their student body.
Qualify for up to a $15,000 grant to bring the Speak Life Event Day to your program this Fall!
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Youth Leadership Summit - National Youth Leadership Council |
Calling all young leaders! Join us for an electrifying youth leadership summit hosted by our very own Youth Advisory Council - it's time to unleash your potential and change the world!
Virtual event: July 25 from 1PM-5PM!
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Grade Level Reading (GLR) Learning Tuesdays
Webinar: Tuesdays July 30, August 6, August 13 from 3PM-4:30PM
CGLR Learning Tuesdays affirms the Campaign's commitment to get better at getting better by learning with and from each other. We are using these webinars as a portal through which to access and explore the best science, ideas, and programs.
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Teen Science Cafe Fellows- 2024-2025
Applications due: Thursday, August 1
The Teen Science Cafe (TSC) Fellows initiative is a ten-month training program designed to help informal educators implement Teen Science Cafes in their community. Teen Science Cafe Fellows receive one-on-one support from TSC Guides to launch a cafe program and host three cafe events during the year. Fellows receive a $2,500 stipend to support their work!
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Adult Recess Activities for Self-regulation
Webinar: Wednesday, August 7 from 2PM-3PM
Head Start children, families, and staff thrive when they are safe, healthy, and emotionally secure. Children’s well-being is closely connected to the well-being of the adults who care for them. Adults who can regulate their emotions and behaviors, especially when they are stressed, are better able to meet social and emotional needs of the children they care for. In this webinar we will share a new a new, animated video series about adult recess to help adults move their bodies in mindful ways to encourage and practice regulation skills.
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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN! We are a recognized leader for providing high-quality professional learning experiences that are timely, relevant, and engaging. Join us in October for our annual conference as we convene at the Rosen Centre Hotel in Orlando, Florida. Get ready for fresh ideas for youth engagement, strategies for business and staff development, and tools for local advocacy. Learn more about what to expect here. | |
Pick this year's Lights On Afterschool poster! |
It's time to vote for your favorite youth-created artwork that will represent #LightsOnAfterschool 2024! The winning piece will be featured on 50,000 posters that will be displayed at more than 8,000 #LightsOnAfterschool events around the world. The winning artists will also receive the $500 grand prize for their afterschool program.
To cast your vote, visit their facebook or instagram page or click the link below, and comment the number that corresponds with your favorite poster entry! Responses are due tonight, July 24 at 11:59PM!
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Florida After School, Inc. | FLafterschool.com
For more information about Florida After School, Inc. and its many partners, connect with us on social media.
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