Happy Attendance Awareness Month!

Did you know that afterschool can increases attendance? And attendance plays a key role in student achievement. This month is our opportunity to help spread the message that attendance matters, particularly for our most vulnerable children. Afterschool programs are often one of the ways to increase attendance by not only inspiring youth but supporting working parents need for additional hours of supervised care. You can join the effort on social media #SchoolEveryDay or find other resources at AttendanceWorks.org.

National Afterschool Funding One Step Closer to Passing

Earlier this week, the Lowey/DeLauro Amendment (#161) to restore $100 million of 21st Century Community Learning Centers funds passed the House by a vote of 228 - 188! We still have some work to do to get through the rest of the appropriations process, but this is a great sign and sets the stage for final negotiations between the House and the Senate.

We went from the prospect of losing $1.192 billion in afterschool funding with President Trump's budget proposal this spring to a likely funding level between $1.1 billion and $1.192 billion based on current projections. Way to go afterschool advocates - Keep up the good work! 

Join Us November 4th for the Oregon Afterschool Conference!

Working with Museums will feature partners from Gilbert House Children's Museum, California Academy of Science, and more. This is your chance to ask, plan and discuss ways for connecting with museums to help support youth, increases learning and expose youth to the broader community.  

Recognizing & Interrupting Bias will feature Alic ia Santiago and Crystal Persi.  As past presenters at our Afterschool Conference, both are well-liked for providing engaging & insightful opportunities.  Alicia works with the National Girls Collaborative on creating inclusive and engaging  materials, focused on increasing opportunities for young women, particularly women of color. Crystal has decades of experience working with educators on creating a welcoming environment, working as a statewide trainer in this field of expertise. If you are interested in creating the most inviting, inclusive, encouraging environment - and understanding your role in that - this session is for you!

Don't Forget Lights On Afterschool

Register your event by September 21  and you'll be entered to win a photo booth package from the Afterschool Alliance, including:

• 10 free posters
• 3 #AfterschoolWorks hardhats
• Set of photo booth stick props
• 20 Lights On Afterschool postcards
• 20 Lights On Afterschool strobe blinkers

Use  #LightsOnAfterschool  and  #AfterschoolWorks  to get the conversation going and share your story. And check out  supportafterschool.com  to find the perfect gear for your celebration!