Newsletter | December 2022
Learn more about what South Dakota Afterschool Network is doing across the state. Find resources for training, grants, activities and more as you explore our monthly newsletter.
Welcome Jake - Mental Health Coordinator
Meet Jake Danielson, SDAN’s new Mental Health Coordinator! Jake has a tremendous story and an even more tremendous heart for the well-being and mental health of our state’s youth.

We know that supporting mental health is a key element to creating safe spaces, educating children and supporting an essential workforce in youth development. You can look forward to SDAN providing programs with additional resources and a more focused lens on how we can build healthy environments for kids and youth that focus on their overall well-being and mental health. Stay tuned as we announce mental health focused virtual Fireside Chats with Jake (first one launching January 10th) that provide a space for us to work together as youth development professionals to provide support to our students and care for ourselves.

Learn more about Jake by visiting his bio HERE.

Youth Voices Belong at the Table
In November SDAN Youth Opportunity Project members Olivia and Yusuf had the opportunity to engage with others at the Sioux Falls Community Table Talk. As members of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Sioux Empire Downtown Community Youth Center, these students were able to share their perspective on big community discussions like housing, education, workforce and community image.

Thanks to community leaders these teens have access to meaningful opportunities like this one that gives them a sense of community and shows them first hand the importance of civic engagement. We're proud of them for being vulnerable and representing themselves so with pride and confidence.
TMC Mobile Labs Introduce TMC To Go
The TMC trailers are hunkering down for the next few months during the harshest part of the season, but they will be back in early spring and you can reserve your spot now HERE.

While the trailers are restocked, new curriculum is added and the winter winds blow that doesn't mean the STEM fun stops. SDAN will be taking TMC Mobile Lab opportunities out to Kid Link events in Sioux Falls to engage families. Programs can also enjoy the NEW TMC To Go Mini Units being released as well. Find them below in the Resource section and watch for new mini units released on our website and social channels regularly. Download Harnessing Air and Building Great Structures now to find STEM activities for all ages.
Save the Date
SAVE THE DATES for upcoming Day at the Capitol events supported by SDAN.

January 11th, 2023

Join us at Drifter's Bar & Grille from
5:30 - 7:30pm
sponsored by SDAN. We will be joined by a few of our
Youth Opportunity Project teen members who will be on hand to
share the impact afterschool programs have made in their
lives and communities across the state.

January 31st, 2023

Join us at Missouri Event Center from
5:30 - 7:30pm
sponsored by SDAN. We will be using this time to also announce
the winner of the state Middle School Pitch Challenge!
South Dakota Childcare Business Collaborative Formed
Mark your calendars for these quickly approaching meetings for this crucial topic. The first meetings of the South Dakota Childcare Business Collaborative will be on Dec. 8 in Sioux Falls, then Dec. 20 in Rapid City. This new collaborative will act as a think tank and a vehicle to move action forward on the childcare crisis in South Dakota. Learn more and register to attend the meetings HERE.
Millions of professionals and volunteers work with young people every day in the many settings where youth play, learn, and grow outside of the school day. Yet, we have little collective information about this essential workforce.

We want to know more about those who are still in the youth fields and those who left, so that we can explore, define, and elevate this collective workforce and their work with youth. The information from the Power of Us Workforce Survey can also lead to action, informing policy, practice, and further research to better support the workforce.

We believe that if we know more, we can do more.
SDAN Resources to Support Programs
Program Evaluation Available Now

Is your program in need of an evaluation? Reach out via email to learn more.
TMC Mobile Labs

Immersive, hands-on learning delivered to your doorstep. Reserve a Mobile Lab now!
Need activity ideas? Training opportunities for staff? Resources to expand further on topics that interest kids? Click the links below and find fresh content each month to support your program, kids and staff.