How Does the Census Impact Afterschool?

The results of the 2020 census will be used to determine how more than $900 billion of federal spending will be allocated for the next 10 years. Thousands of children across North Dakota, and millions across the U.S., rely on federally funded afterschool and summer learning programs. 

The next U.S. census count will begin in March 2020 with households receiving a letter with details on how to fill out the census online. Additional follow-up mailings will be provided, with a paper census mailed to households in April 2020 if they have not yet replied. Home visits will begin in May 2020 for households not yet counted. 

How can afterschool programs make a difference?
  • Encourage members of your community, including youth age 18 or older, to apply to be paid census takers. Applications now available. 
  • Educate students, families, and communities about the importance of the census.
  • Share information with families in your program about how to complete the census. 
Read more and  find a toolkit for the afterschool community created by the Afterschool Alliance.
2020 Out-of-School Time Conference

The 2020 ND Out-of-School Time Conference brings together afterschool & summer learning programs, schools, and community partners to connect, learn new ideas, access valuable resources, and transform learning beyond the school day. This 2-day learning opportunity is open to any teachers, program directors, coordinators, leaders, and staff working in before school, after school, summer and weekend programming for students PreK-12. 

Do you have a presentation idea? Best practice in working with students? New program resources to share?


Themes can include: 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Classroom Management, College/Career Readiness, Family & Community Engagement, Leadership & Staffing, Programming & Activities, Health & Nutrition, STEAM, Social Emotional Learning, and more!
Afterschool Funding
capitol hill

Federal Afterschool Funding Renamed and Increased

House and Senate appropriations reached an agreement mid-December to avoid a government shutdown and releasing final bill language for funding levels of all government programs. The bill provides $1.25 billion for afterschool and summer learning programs, increasing the number of students served by 28,000. 

Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative is the new name for 21st Century Community Learning Centers. 

______________________________________________________

Afterschool Opportunities:

Girls Go CyberStart Program
Register by January 31 
Innovative online cybersecurity competition offered free for schools and females in grades 9-12. Register and setup club now through January 31. Students start participating in a fun online tryout called CyberStart Assess January 13 - January 31, with clubs that meet the program's selection criteria will move on to CyberStart Game February 10 - April 17 where they'll master techniques needed to compete in an online game of Capture the Flag in CyberStart Complete April 23- 24. 

ecoSolution Grants
Captain Planet Foundation's ecoSolution Grants award $500 - $2,500 to support solution-oriented, youth-led projects that result in real environmental outcomes. Funding supports direct project costs throughout the United States & grant deadlines are January 15 and July 15, 2020. Find more information

New York Life Foundation Aim High Grants
The Aim High local grant program supports afterschool, summer, or expanded learning programs serving middle schoolers. A total of 26 grants will be made nationwide, ranging from $15,000 - 100,000 for 1 or 2 year grants in New York Life Foundation's ongoing investment in middle school OST programs to help eighth-graders reach ninth grade on time. Proposals due January 24, 2020. Find full application and eligibility requirements.

Eduporium Educational Technology Grant
Eduporium's monthly grant program awards a $500 grant to a deserving school or teacher, helping educators build 21st century learning environments and equipping students with the skills they need for the future through discovering and acquiring new STEM technology. They look for educators who have demonstrated innovation and creativity within their school community, those who have a financial need, and those who can provide a clear and concise plan that can be implemented within six months. Grants awarded each month. Find more information.

Girls Who Code
The ND Afterschool Network is now a statewide partner with Girls Who Code, which offers FREE afterschool programming for girls in grades 3-5th and 6-12th, including grant funds to use on supplies, snacks, field trips, and other costs, and coding curriculum provided at no cost. Start a club now!

Find additional afterschool funding opportunities at Afterschool Alliance and  BOOST.
Upcoming Trainings & Events
Family and Community Engagement in STEM
January 22 | Webinar 2pm CDT
How do we help close the gap rather than increase the opportunity gap in STEM with family engagement? How can we make sure that every parent feels confident & has the resources to support their child in STEM? How do we reimagine family engagement as more than a one-time, end-of-program event? In this conversational webinar, Linda Kekelis, Advisor for the Family Engagement Project at STEM Next Opportunity Fund, will share bright spots, lessons learned, and resources for supporting families in STEM from OST programs in various settings across the country.  Register for meeting. 

Quality Management Practices: SEL for Managers and Administrators
February 19, 2020 | Webinar 1pm CDT
How can programs create a culture that supports continuous social and emotional learning? Join the Weikart Center's design team to explore how managers & administrators can create environments that support adult SEL skill development, so that those adults can create environments that support SEL skill development in young people. Register for free webinar. 

Beyond School Hours Conference
February 26-29, 2020 | Orlando, FL
National conference for educators and leaders serving K-12 studnets in school, afterschool, summertime and beyond. Hear from powerful keynote speakers, exhibits that engage and inform, and over 200 content-rich workshops. More information. 

National Afterschool Association Convention
March 15-18, 2020 | Washington, D.C.
Join over 2,300 out-of-school time professionals for networking, learning and inspiration including special events, workshops, daily keynotes, and interactive Learning Expo all designed to meet the needs of the developing professionals & emerging and current leaders of afterschool. More information. 

Youth Voice & Leadership
March 18 | Webinar 1pm CDT
The most meaningful way to support SEL skill development in youth is to share power with young people in school and afterschool programs by elevating youth voices. This webinar will focus on strategies to incorporate youth voice and provide youth with meaningful leadership roles. Register for free webinar through Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. 

Crisis Prevention in the Classroom
March 19 | Fargo
Opening session with State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler. Keynote speaker Dr. Ross Greene will discuss Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) based on the premise that challenging behavior occurs when demands & expectations exceed the child's capacity to respond. Focus is put on identifying the skills the child is lacking with the goal of helping the child to solve problems rather than modify behavior through rewards or punishment. $30 Early Bird Registration through Jan 31.  Info & Registration

BOOST Conference
April 28 - May 1, 2020 | Palm Springs, CA
Join the largest, most recognized and comprehensive global convening for afterschool, expanded learning, and out-of-school time professionals. This annual event will boost your direction for quality programming and provide tools & resources that will inspire you to create change. More information. 

Save the Date! 2020 ND Out-of-School Time Conference
July 28 - 29, 2020 | Fargo
This 2-day learning opportunity for any out-of-school time professional will focus on social emotional learning, student & parent engagement, 21CCLC, STEAM, and more! Registration will open Spring 2020. 

Find additional PD opportunities through the ND Regional Education Association and National Afterschool Association .
Kristin Knorr
ND Afterschool Network Lead
701-446-3195