Afterschool Webinars

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, educators around the country are seeing an increasing need to support young people who may be struggling with anxiety, depression, fear, trauma, food, insecurity, or even homelessness. One crucial avenue through which afterschool and summer learning program staff can help support young people is through the development of social and emotional skills, behaviors and beliefs. Join us for a great discussion of how and why afterschool programs around the country are leveraging SEL to help kids recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Q&A with NASA Deputy Administrator and Astronaut Pam Melroy. Programs will be able to submit questions for Col. Melroy before and during the event

Join us for the centerpiece event of the 22nd annual Lights On Afterschool, the nation’s celebration of afterschool programs. Youth from programs around the country will share reflections on the past year and a half and how their afterschool programs have impacted their lives, perspectives on what youth need to thrive, and hopes for the future. A special segment will be devoted to recognizing the powerful role of afterschool program staff and mentors in shaping the lives of young people.

River City Drumbeat, a new documentary about the River City Drum Corp afterschool program, is a powerful story of music, love, and legacies. Edward "Nardie" White devoted his life to leading the African-American drum corps he co-founded with his wife Zambia Nkrumah in Louisville, Kentucky three decades ago. Join us in conversation with River City Drum Corp as we watch short clips from the film and discuss aspects of the program and its impact. This event kicks off the Afterschool Alliance’s 22^nd annual Lights On Afterschool, the nation’s celebration of afterschool programs.

Join the Afterschool Alliance and partners at the California Academy of Sciences, Learn Fresh, and COSI to discuss using STEM activities to reengage students this fall! In this webinar, partners will walk through STEM tools and activities for virtual and in-person out-of-school time programming.

Like afterschool programs, Lights On Afterschool celebrations come in all shapes and sizes, and don't have to be huge to be effective. Holding an event is an excellent way to build support for your program, by letting leaders and policymakers see firsthand how you are supporting kids and families in your community. Whether this is your first Lights On Afterschool or your 22nd, join us for this webinar to inspire and help you get the most out of your celebration.

The report, "STEM Learning in Afterschool on the Rise, But Barriers and Inequities Exist,” provides insights into what access to STEM learning looks like for children and youth in the United States. It is based on responses from nearly 31,000 U.S. families to a household survey.

Presenters will also discuss the important role of the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers as well as funding included in the American Rescue Plan that is being used to support local afterschool and summer learning programs nationwide.

This webinar will walk through the funding opportunities at the state and local level as well as provide examples of how the funds are being used to support enrichment and learning opportunities for young people.