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Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

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Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

In a conversation with Dawn Ewing, Executive Director of Project Morry, we sat down to discuss how the program is fostering a safe space for youth to re-engage during the summer and how youth are able to define success on their own terms. Project Morry was one of the 36 grantees of the 2021 Aim High awards program. Aim High grants are awarded to afterschool, summer, or expanded learning programs that help economically disadvantaged middle school students successfully transition to high school.

The Afterschool Alliance invites out-of-school time programs to apply for the 2023 New York Life Foundation Aim High grant. The application period closes February 1, 2023.

What is Project Morry?

Project Morry is a comprehensive, year-round youth development organization located in Port Chester, N.Y., dedicated to empowering children from under-resourced communities to create a positive future. Project Morry provides opportunities to complement in-school learning and development and expose middle school children to year-round experiences they otherwise do not have access to. Through a variety of creative programs, traditional camp activities, and leadership opportunities, campers discover their passions, engage with their peers, and take “safe risks” as they apply themselves to educational challenges.

Project Morry changes the outcomes for more than 400 students annually from the N.Y. tri-state area. Our overall goal is to level the playing field by addressing many of the obstacles middle school youth of color from economically disadvantaged communities encounter in achieving a successful future.

How did the Aim High Grant make a difference in your program?

The Aim High grant really allowed us to build our own social-emotional learning (SEL) and racial equity tools that allow youth to start their own conversations and build their relationships in Project Morry and beyond. Our program has always revolved around (SEL) and our racial equity work. We have our social justice program where youth have the opportunity to talk about topics like equity versus equality, microaggressions, and intersectionality, which supports our students as they have these conversations outside of our program.

One of the ways the Aim High grant supported our racial equity work was through staff training and professional development. When you have a staff with a strong base, it really helps us create a supportive environment and safe space for youth. It’s about creating a safe space for everyone and allowing them to advocate for themselves. We really wanted staff to get in touch with their own stance and answer some of their own internal questions, because if you don’t know where you stand, then how are you able to help support the student’s own journey? We wanted our staff to not only understand the equity framework but learn how to support students’ journeys as they find out how they fit in. I think when you’re having these conversations with staff, it also allows them to know that they’re in a safe space.

What do youth need from out-of-school time programs right now?

Overall, I think youth need to feel that sense of belonging. Coming out of the pandemic, I think both young people and adults are more aware of who they are connecting with. We know what we need and we are looking for relationships we know we can give to and also get back from. And I think that our students are experiencing the same thing. What we are able to do at Project Morry is foster a sense of belonging because the kids are helping create it. As they age through the program, they have different levels of responsibility and leadership. Our older students are able to lead younger students through their own experience and help them belong and make them feel important.

At the program level, we need to continue having those conversations around self-care and being aware of what youth need to help them belong in their surroundings and adapt to different situations. Some of the kids in our communities don’t always have the power or resources to make the changes they want. We need to continue building out the tools these students need for them to be in control of their choices. One example of this is self-regulated time-outs; students have the opportunity to say, “I need some space” or, “I am not going to do the right thing right now” without us having to ask. They are given the chance to pull themselves out in a way that’s healthy for them. We give them the power to make that decision for themselves. That is a powerful tool.

How is the program responding to those needs?

We are being more intentional about listening and asking questions. You can get any answer you want when you ask, “How are you doing? Good?” Rather, we ask, “What should we be doing to help you?” and, “Is this what you need right now?” We found that the kids are responding much more robustly. They

are able identify their needs and tell us what they are.

When you’re with these kids and families for ten years like Project Morry is, there are highs and lows. Our kids and our families are no different from us. When there’s that consistency and that familiarity, there’s less of a chance for those children to get lost and fall through the cracks.

How are you supporting youth voice in your program?

In Project Morry, youth voice and choice piece presents itself officially and unofficially. In the official sense, we build out benchmarks for students’ progression in the program. For our younger students, we look at imagination; how are they able to play and organize? As they age through the program, students will have more time in their day to decide how they want to spend their time and pursue their interests. As they become older, they then begin facilitating those big brother and big sister programs and making those big decisions for younger students. This allows them to look both internally and externally and make decisions based on what they think younger students would enjoy, benefit from, and succeed in based on their own experiences.

In summer camp, kids are able to take these “safe risks” and know that they can try something out as a choice and know that they won't be judged or ridiculed for it. A great example is our annual talent show facilitated by our eldest campers. Kids have the choice to participate in our talent show and for many kids, it’s the first time they have participated in an activity like this. This year, I saw something I had never seen before. We had a group of students perform a song, but they did it from behind the curtain. The students facilitating the talent show had the sensitivity to respond to the performers’ fears and offer a solution we might not have implemented ourselves. This was wonderful to see. Our eldest students were able to meet the younger students where they were and help them define what success means to them. In a program where students know that they are safe, they are not afraid to say, “This is what success looks like for me.” Success for those students was singing the song, regardless if it’s behind the curtain or in front of it.

What is one way that you were able to create a safe space for youth in the program?

This summer, we hired a full-time licensed clinical social worker. She was able to be the person to step in and help those youth who needed that extra support, instead of needing a program staff member to step out with that student. We are now able to continue programming without sacrificing the group and also take the time to help the student build the tools that they need. We built a sensory space around our social worker, Kristen, where students and staff were able to go to decompress. “The Shack” was filled with soft places to sit, nice-smelling scents, and visual sensory objects. Camp can be very overwhelming and sometimes we all need something to wrap around us. This was a really cool tool that we had never thought of. Kristen also suggested that we get ear plugs for our students. Kids that might have previously been overstimulated or overwhelmed, were now sitting with their friends because they had earplugs in.

Why are staff so critical in fostering an effective program?

In order to run an effective program, you need to have effective staff. We’re being a lot more intentional about professional development. Especially in the summer camp setting, we ask our staff to give a lot. But we want to give a lot back to them. Our staff matter and make a difference. It’s not just about saying “Good job,” it’s about telling them “Good job, here’s why.”

What are your best practices for re-engaging students?

Don’t change things but offer a lot of room. Be intentional with your staff to ensure that they are setting students up for success. Utilize peer-to-peer relationships.

Kids come back because of the relationships they have with one another. They come back because they want to see their friends. You can’t hug your friends online. You can’t sit and eat pizza with your friends online. Peer-to-peer relationships are critical for youth, but also for promoting accountability and responsibility. This shows them that “If I’m missing, something can’t happen.” They become an example for someone younger than them.

Once they come back, you can’t just jump back as if everything's the same, but it is also important that none of the rules have changed. The safety to show up is knowing that space is still safe. Staff training is also critical in making sure that staff are sensitized to the concerns of youth. These concerns might be obvious, but it’s always important to make sure that we don’t validate the things that students fear might happen when they come back.

To learn more about the Aim High program and see more spotlights on Aim High grantees, check out the Afterschool Awards page.

Recapping the third Engage Every Student Summit

On July 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education hosted the third Engage Every Student Summit in Washington, D.C. Non-profits, representatives from cities and local governments, and afterschool and summer learning programs gathered at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library to participate in panel...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      08/01/24

Youth Voice Week 2024 was a huge success

The voices of young people are still echoing in afterschool programs across the nation, in the halls of Congress, and across social media after a powerful Youth Voice Week! From March 25-29, the Afterschool Alliance partnered with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society and...

BY: Maria Rizo      04/15/24

By helping create my afterschool program, I became the person I am today

By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and their...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/29/24

I'm grateful to my afterschool program for giving me a place to belong and helping me make friends.

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/27/24

I have been led by my afterschool teachers, and now I am leading the youth of today.

By Jay'Len Clark, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/26/24

Afterschool gave me access to opportunities that improved my outlook on life.

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/25/24

It's almost Youth Voice Week! Here's how to participate.

Next week marks the start of Youth Voice Week 2024, and all eyes are on the young people in afterschool. From March 25 to 29, we’re amplifying young people’s voices as they share the issues that are most important to them, and we’re inviting your program’s youth to...

BY: Maria Rizo      03/22/24

Afterschool is changing the narrative in my community

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Where I’m from, there’s three ways to be: a “Norbit” (a scholar), a “hoodlum,” or a baller. Afterschool programs aim to change that narrative. A typical day in the ComED youth program would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/21/24

In afterschool, I had amazing experiences and got to meet amazing people

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Throughout middle school, I loved going to the Boys and Girls Club afterschool, and I especially loved the staff. Being at the club felt like home to me; it just felt normal and comfortable. Every day, at about 2:15 pm, we would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/19/24

In afterschool, we're building community and celebrating progress

By Edgar Euceda, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. One meaningful lesson I've learned in the Elsik Afterschool Debate Club, particularly as president of the club, is the importance of having a community that's not only supportive but also celebrates progress.  A few...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/14/24

Youth Voice Week 2024 was a huge success

The voices of young people are still echoing in afterschool programs across the nation, in the halls of Congress, and across social media after a powerful Youth Voice Week! From March 25-29, the Afterschool Alliance partnered with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society and...

BY: Maria Rizo      04/15/24

By helping create my afterschool program, I became the person I am today

By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and their...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/29/24

I'm grateful to my afterschool program for giving me a place to belong and helping me make friends.

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/27/24

I have been led by my afterschool teachers, and now I am leading the youth of today.

By Jay'Len Clark, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/26/24

Afterschool gave me access to opportunities that improved my outlook on life.

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/25/24

Afterschool is changing the narrative in my community

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Where I’m from, there’s three ways to be: a “Norbit” (a scholar), a “hoodlum,” or a baller. Afterschool programs aim to change that narrative. A typical day in the ComED youth program would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/21/24

In afterschool, I had amazing experiences and got to meet amazing people

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Throughout middle school, I loved going to the Boys and Girls Club afterschool, and I especially loved the staff. Being at the club felt like home to me; it just felt normal and comfortable. Every day, at about 2:15 pm, we would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/19/24

In afterschool, we're building community and celebrating progress

By Edgar Euceda, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. One meaningful lesson I've learned in the Elsik Afterschool Debate Club, particularly as president of the club, is the importance of having a community that's not only supportive but also celebrates progress.  A few...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/14/24

In afterschool, I discovered that my voice could make a difference, in my life and the lives of others.

By Jully Myrthil, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Being a project leader and board member for Young Voices (YV), a youth organization advocating for policies affecting youth and their communities, has been a life-changing experience. Young Voices has allowed me to use my voice to...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/05/24

It’s important for everyone to feel equal and important. I feel that way in afterschool.

By Willany Sayles, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Even though I participated in afterschool programs all of my elementary years, my middle school did not have an afterschool program my 6th and 7th grade years because of the pandemic. However, my elementary school was right down the...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/20/24

Afterschool intermediaries shown to expand supports for youth

New research shows that the organizations dedicated to supporting and advocating for afterschool and summer programs – known as intermediaries – made substantial contributions in helping communities during the pandemic and addressing the inequities made worse by the health...

BY: Ursula Helminski      08/09/24

Afterschool Alliance and National AfterSchool Association team up to support a thriving afterschool workforce

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Afterschool Alliance and the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), aimed at fortifying the workforce within the afterschool and summer programming sectors. This strategic partnership comes at a critical juncture as programs...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      06/18/24

Measuring Youth Development: How out-of-school time programs collect and use data

Data collection can be one of the most useful – and most challenging – aspects of running an afterschool or summer program. A new Child Trends report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation explores the ways OST programs gauge their work, challenges to collecting data, and tips to...

BY: Ursula Helminski      04/02/24

Find essential OST research on the new Wallace Foundation website

Notice anything new? The Wallace Foundation has recently unveiled a new website. To help users navigate the new site, the foundation has provided an accompanying FAQ to address common questions about the site’s updated features. While steps were taken to ensure that former webpage links...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/23/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

Promising practices and innovative responses for high-quality arts programming in OST

Welcome to the second part of our series unpacking The Wallace Foundation’s recent report, “Setting the Stage: Practical Ideas for Implementing High-Quality Afterschool Arts Programs.” In this blog post, we will discuss the Youth Arts Initiative’s efforts to connect youth...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      10/17/23

Guest blog: Sparking joy… districtwide

By Laurie Posner, communications consultant. This article originally appeared on the Mizzen Minute on October 2, 2023. It is being shared here with permission. As an out-of-school time professional, having vetted education content at your fingertips — for free — can be a huge help....

BY: Guest Blogger      10/09/23

Connecting young people with high-quality arts programming in multipurpose OST settings

Welcome to our two-part series unpacking The Wallace Foundation’s recent report, “Setting the Stage: Practical Ideas for Implementing High-Quality Afterschool Arts Programs.” In this blog post, we will discuss the Youth Arts Initiative’s efforts to connect youth from...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      10/03/23

New podcast discusses youth perspectives on program design

In March of 2023, The Wallace Foundation released a three-part podcast series titled Beyond the Classroom, where youth research team members, out-of-school time (OST) practitioners, and field experts discuss the findings of a 2022 student-led study commissioned by The Wallace Foundation,...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      08/01/23

U.S. Dept. of Ed. calls for more afterschool and summer supports

The U.S. Department of Education’s Engage Every Student Initiative marked its one-year anniversary last week with the Raise the Bar Summit, a celebration of the progress made toward expanding afterschool and summer programs for youth across the nation and a platform to exchange...

BY: Ursula Helminski      07/17/23

U.S. Dept. of Ed. recognizes afterschool and summer providers

The U.S. Department of Education has announced its first ever Engage Every Student Recognition Program Champions, recognizing the joint work of schools districts, municipalities, and community organizations to expand afterschool and summer learning opportunities for students. Each of the 13...

BY: Ursula Helminski      06/17/24

The power of representation: Being a role model for the next generation

By Dawn Marie Johnson, MSW, Director of Leadership and Culture for the South Dakota Afterschool Network; School Board Member, Sioux Falls School District Dawn Marie Johnson has been involved in supporting young people and school and afterschool organizations for the past decade. Growing up...

BY: Guest Blogger      07/27/23

U.S. Dept. of Ed. calls for more afterschool and summer supports

The U.S. Department of Education’s Engage Every Student Initiative marked its one-year anniversary last week with the Raise the Bar Summit, a celebration of the progress made toward expanding afterschool and summer programs for youth across the nation and a platform to exchange...

BY: Ursula Helminski      07/17/23

Creating a safe space in afterschool for LGBTQIA+ youth

Photo courtesy of The Gender Spectrum Collection Afterschool programs provide a safe space for youth to be their most authentic selves, with opportunities to engage with peers outside of the school day, connect with caring adults, and explore their interests and passions. But LGBTQ+ youth in...

BY: Maria Rizo      06/27/23

Success stories: The Burma Center

Reflecting on the findings from our recent voter poll, "Afterschool a Priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander Voters," the Afterschool Alliance is amplifying the work of out-of-school providers supporting AANHPI students and their families. The Burma Center is a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/26/23

Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

In a conversation with Dawn Ewing, Executive Director of Project Morry, we sat down to discuss how the program is fostering a safe space for youth to re-engage during the summer and how youth are able to define success on their own terms. Project Morry was one of the 36 grantees of the 2021 Aim...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/19/23

January is National Mentoring Month

Afterschool programs are excellent places for young people to meet and engage with supportive adults and find mentors. From STEM superheroes introducing girls to 21st century STEM careers, to caring adults helping with homework and encouraging students realize their full potential, mentorship in...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/10/23

New video: This Is Afterschool

We're starting 2023 off with the release of our anthem video, This Is Afterschool, which puts a spotlight on some of the amazing activities available in quality afterschool and summer learning programs. From ballet to sailing, and from rocketry to theater, afterschool programs are...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/03/23

Celebrating 25 years of masterpieces with a masterpiece of a movie

“We want to show the softness.” – Mingotae Kebede, director and producer A filmmaker and former staff of a long running Washington, DC Afterschool program, Life Pieces to Masterpieces was asked to help the program create a small video to commemorate the program’s 25th...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/09/22

California celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Proposition 49

The energy was buzzing at Bell Gardens Intermediate as students, school leaders, and afterschool advocates including former California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona gathered to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Proposition 49, the initiative that created...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      12/05/22

Fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia in afterschool

As the war in Gaza continues to grind on, college and university campus protests calling for ceasefire and divestment from Israel are grabbing headlines. While many of the protests are peaceful, some have turned violent, with protesters chanting antisemitic slogans or calling for harm against...

BY: Alexis Steines      05/24/24

Celebrate Black History Month in afterschool

February marks the celebration of Black History Month, an opportunity to honor and commemorate the profound contributions of Black folks throughout history. See new resources for afterschool providers to engage students in meaningful discussions and activities that highlight and celebrate Black...

BY: Maria Rizo      02/16/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

Recapping NIEA's Convention: Education Sovereignty. It Begins with Us.

In October, advocates came together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the National Indian Education Association’s 54th annual Convention and Trade Show. This year’s theme was "Education Sovereignty. It Begins with Us." The convention was filled with inspiring speakers and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/03/23

The power of representation: Being a role model for the next generation

By Dawn Marie Johnson, MSW, Director of Leadership and Culture for the South Dakota Afterschool Network; School Board Member, Sioux Falls School District Dawn Marie Johnson has been involved in supporting young people and school and afterschool organizations for the past decade. Growing up...

BY: Guest Blogger      07/27/23

Success stories: The Burma Center

Reflecting on the findings from our recent voter poll, "Afterschool a Priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander Voters," the Afterschool Alliance is amplifying the work of out-of-school providers supporting AANHPI students and their families. The Burma Center is a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/26/23

Activities and resources to celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month - a month to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States while celebrating their diverse heritages. Here are a few resources and ideas to help you think about ways...

BY: Ursula Helminski      05/15/23

Building peer-to-peer relationships and taking "safe risks": Project Morry

In a conversation with Dawn Ewing, Executive Director of Project Morry, we sat down to discuss how the program is fostering a safe space for youth to re-engage during the summer and how youth are able to define success on their own terms. Project Morry was one of the 36 grantees of the 2021 Aim...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/19/23

Celebrating 25 years of masterpieces with a masterpiece of a movie

“We want to show the softness.” – Mingotae Kebede, director and producer A filmmaker and former staff of a long running Washington, DC Afterschool program, Life Pieces to Masterpieces was asked to help the program create a small video to commemorate the program’s 25th...

BY: Jillian Luchner      12/09/22

Guest blog: A book about everyday superheroes inspired Girlstart campers to pursue world-changing careers in STEM

By Alexa Brown and Hannah Winkler, coordinators at Girlstart. Girlstart aims to increase girls’ interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) — a mission accomplished through free summer camps and after-school programs across Texas,...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/12/22

Plug-and-Play Playlists for K-12 youth

This information was provided by the team at Mizzen Education. Sign up for their newsletter today! Mizzen offers a wealth of high-quality learning tools to the out-of-school time field. This week, we are focusing on one particular type of resource: plug-and-play playlists. Unlike Mizzen...

BY: Guest Blogger      08/08/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

It's CS Ed Week! Here's how to celebrate.

December 4 through 10, 2023 is Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek)! CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      12/04/23

21st CCLC programs are supporting STEM learning

The Afterschool Alliance is continuing our year-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the only federal funding stream solely dedicated to out-of-school time learning that currently supports programming at more than 10,600...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/30/23

Welcome Leslie Brooks, our new STEM Hub Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Leslie Brooks and I am so delighted to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as the new STEM Hub Manager. I am trained as a veterinarian with several years’ experience working as a clinical practitioner. Now, you might be wondering, how does a veterinarian end up at the...

BY: Leslie Brooks      09/19/23

Summer activities! Fun free coding classes for kids & teens

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash In our fast-paced digital world, computer science skills have become increasingly important for the future success of our children. That's why we're excited to announce an incredible opportunity for your community: free coding classes for kids and teens!...

BY: Nicole Pettenati      08/10/23

Enhancing STEM opportunities for all students

By Katelyn Miller, Youth Afterschool Ambassador, class of 2023. Hi everyone! My name is Katelyn Miller and I participate in the Create 205 Lab at the Birmingham Public Library, which has encouraged me to pursue computer science as a career option. While participating, I have also won two...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/21/23

Supporting young people to engage at the intersection of STEM & society

We are living through some challenging times—societies across the world have been battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate is rapidly changing around us and making our planet less hospitable to human beings, technology is evolving at a dizzying rate with dramatic consequences, and a new...

BY: Anita Krishnamurthi      09/27/22

Guest blog: A book about everyday superheroes inspired Girlstart campers to pursue world-changing careers in STEM

By Alexa Brown and Hannah Winkler, coordinators at Girlstart. Girlstart aims to increase girls’ interest and engagement in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) — a mission accomplished through free summer camps and after-school programs across Texas,...

BY: Guest Blogger      09/12/22

Welcome Leslie Brooks, our new STEM Hub Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Leslie Brooks and I am so delighted to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as the new STEM Hub Manager. I am trained as a veterinarian with several years’ experience working as a clinical practitioner. Now, you might be wondering, how does a veterinarian end up at the...

BY: Leslie Brooks      09/19/23

Welcome Lucy Maddox, our Communications Associate!

Hello! My name is Lucy Maddox, and I’m very excited to be joining Afterschool Alliance as a Communications Associate! When I was growing up, afterschool and summer programs were a big part of my childhood. My parents, who both had full-time jobs, pushed me to join every afterschool activity...

BY: Lucy Maddox      07/24/23

Welcome Rebecca Salms, our new Office Administrator!

Hello! My name is Rebecca Salms, and I am so excited to be the new Office Administrator at the Afterschool Alliance. As is the case for so many others, raising a family without access to afterschool programs would have been a struggle, maybe even impossible, for me. Luckily, we did have access...

BY: Rebecca Salms      06/15/23

An afterschool champion starts a new chapter

It was September of 2004 when the Afterschool Alliance first lauded David Cicilline, then Mayor of Providence, for headlining a rally at the Rhode Island State House that was the culminating event in the state’s remarkable four-day Lights On Afterschool celebration. Our appreciation for him...

BY: Jodi Grant      06/12/23

Amobi Okugo joins board of the Afterschool Alliance

We are thrilled to introduce you to the Afterschool Alliance’s newest board member, Amobi Okugo! When we first met Amobi, he was surrounded by excited youth at a Lights On Afterschool celebration. A former professional soccer player, he had volunteered to come play with kids and show them...

BY: Ursula Helminski      05/16/23

Introducing Jasmine Crovador, our new Administrative Assistant!

I am beyond excited to have joined the Afterschool Alliance team as an Administrative Assistant for our Executive Director, Jodi Grant. In this role, I will be able to apart of both the development and administration side of Afterschool Alliance. Please allow me now to dive into who I am and why...

BY: Jasmine Crovador      04/20/23

Welcome Elizabeth Bannan, our new Project Associate!

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Bannan (she/her) and I am the new Project Associate on the Field Outreach team at Afterschool Alliance. I will be focused on supporting our youth ambassador program and the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew program. Throughout my childhood and teenage years, I was able...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      01/17/23

Introducing Emily Murtaugh, our Engage Every Student Fellow!

Hi! I’m Emily Murtaugh, and I am one of two Engage Every Student (EES) Fellows on the Research Team. In this role I am researching how ESSER III dollars have been allocated and will be spent by school districts. As a result of this work, we will have a better understanding of the impact ARP...

BY: Emily Murtaugh      11/14/22

Welcome Liana Shivers, our Engage Every Student Fellow!

Hello! My name is Liana Shivers and I am one of the Engage Every Student Fellows at Afterschool Alliance. As a fellow, I review ESSER III school district spending plans to identify how federal COVID-recovery funds are being allocated to afterschool and summer programs. I have always gravitated...

BY: Liana Shivers      11/11/22