Introducing Alana Edmond, our new Research Associate

Hi everyone! My name is Alana Edmond, and I am elated to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as a Research Associate. In this role, I’ll be working with the research team on various projects aimed at communicating the impact afterschool programs have on students and families nationwide.

My journey into the education field began with my own educational experience. Recognizing that my K-12 education fell short of reflecting my interests, needs, and cultural identities, I decided to attend an all-women’s HBCU, Spelman College. Spelman instilled in me a sense of community and care that I hadn’t yet discovered in an educational setting. This feeling remains with me and has become the catalyst for my desire to ensure that all students feel seen and connected to their education.

I believe afterschool programs offer a unique opportunity to foster that sense of belonging and connection. Having served as a summer camp counselor, a mentor for Black elementary school girls, and having played a key role in developing a social justice-oriented program for high school students in Atlanta, I’ve witnessed the invaluable impact of out-of-school-time programs on students' educational and personal journeys. This is particularly true for historically marginalized students who may not always feel reflected in or connected to their traditional schooling. Because of this, I am dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to educational spaces beyond the classroom that are tailored to their needs, interests, and identities.

I am excited to join a team of such passionate individuals and contribute to research that highlights the importance and impact of these transformative out-of-school-time programs!