Afterschool Webinars

Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.

James Brown breaks down the latest federal STEM policy developments in the weeks after the midterms, including what a new Congress could mean for the policy conversations STEM leaders will be tracking into next year. Dan Gilbert, Director of Whole Child Initiatives at the Afterschool Alliance, joins us to explore how states are deciding where to direct a new wave of settlement funding tied to youth mental health, and how afterschool STEM advocates can secure a share for programs where kids connect, explore, and grow.

Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.

Congress heads into a high-stakes stretch as midterm season ramps up. James Brown and Della Cronin break down what's actually moving on federal STEM and AI education policy, from funding deadlines and agency budget discussions to the AI education bills working their way through committee. It's a moment where a lot is in motion but little is settled, and STEM leaders have a real window to help shape where it lands.

Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.

During this session, host Erik Peterson covered where things stand on FY2027 appropriations following last week's continuing resolution, a newly proposed Department of Education rule that would reshape how ED grants are awarded and managed, and how the recent Meta social media settlement could lead to new state-level funding that supports young people, and more. Below, you'll find the resources from today's discussion. 

This Workforce Development Month, we dive into the federal policy shifts, from CTE funding and WIOA waivers to the push for registered apprenticeships, that are reshaping the path from STEM education to STEM careers. Special guest Dr. Setphanie Rodriguez, Director of the STEMM Opportunity Alliance (SOA) at AAAS, joins to break down what's working, what's changing, and where STEM leaders can plug in to close the workforce gap.

Whether this is your first Lights On Afterschool or your 27th, join us for this webinar to discover new ideas and put a fresh spin on your event this year!

The event will feature an overview of the national report findings that reveal parent priorities and expectations for STEM learning in afterschool, STEM subjects and skills young people are accessing in afterschool, and where the gaps are. It will be followed by a panel discussion featuring speakers with diverse perspectives on afterschool STEM.

Every second Friday at noon ET, our own Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next. Submit your questions in advance so we know what's top of mind for you.