New Job Shadow Program at North Valley Extended School Project

Afterschool is a prime opportunity to provide career exploration for students in all grade levels. The North Dakota Workforce Development Council Summary Report, published in October 2018, highlighted five recommendations that emerged through the Council's work, with one of the  recommendations  being the need for Youth Engagement & Earlier and More Diverse Career Exploration. 

Out-of-School Time Programs across North Dakota are engaging in innovative programs, strategies, and partnerships to provide career readiness and workforce skill development for students, including North Valley Extended School Project.

North Valley Career and Technology Center (NVCTC) and North Valley Extended School Project (ESP) launched a Job Shadow Program in September 2019 to provide opportunities for students and families during out-of-school time over the next three years through a partnership with the Red River Regional Council. 

The aim of the program is to expose students and their parents to high-quality careers and good paying jobs in health, trades, industry, business, and marketing that are available in their own rural communities.

Every NVCTC student in grades 9-12 will have the opportunity to job shadow in the program area they are enrolled in and receive support and surveys to identify areas they may be interested in learning more about. T here are currently 18 local businesses participating with more than 80 different career opportunities and over 200 students who have expressed an interest in participating in the job shadow program. 

To learn more about how your afterschool program can build workforce skills in students, find Five Suggestions to Leverage Afterschool Programs to Promote College and Career Readiness through the American Youth Policy Forum or connect with the ND Afterschool Network to help identify partnerships and opportunities in your community. 
Over 10,000 Lights on Afterschool Events held across the Nation
From Times Square to 18 communities across North Dakota, billboards highlighting Afterschool were displayed throughout October!

The 20th Lights on Afterschool was celebrated with 1 million people, 10,000 events, 1,000s of lightings and billboards across the nation during October 2019. 

Students, parents, educators, businesses and faith leaders, policy makers, and community members gathered at schools, parks, state capitols, city halls, museums, malls, and other venues to show their support fo r afterschool programs. 

CREA Extended School Program celebrated with a Glow Party


Here in North Dakota, out-of-school time programs celebrated in many ways, including:
  • Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley - Light Bulb artwork sent to Congressional district offices
  • Mott Public Library - Glow in the Dark Art & Story Time
  • Northwood - Lights on Afterschool celebration 
  • St. Thomas Extended School Program - Light bulb art at local post office, cafe, and family homes
  • CREA Extended School Program - Lights on Afterschool Glow Party
  • SEEC 21CCLC Programs - Congressional district office visits  

Boys & Girls Club of the Red River Valley decorated Light Bulb artwork

Request for Presenters: 2020 ND Out-of-School Time Summer Conference
conference session

Seeking Engaging Presenters for the 2020 ND Out-of-School Time Summer Conference!

July 28-29, 2020
Holiday Inn, Fargo

This annual conference brings together youth programs, schools, and community partners to connect, learn new ideas, access valuable resources, and transform learning beyond the school day in North Dakota. 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. Attracts approximately 150-175 attendees. 

Presentation Themes:
- 21st Century Community Learning Centers
- Classroom Management
- College/Career Readiness
- Family Engagement & Community Partnerships
- Indoor & Outdoor Environments
- Leadership, Administration & Staffing
- Programming & Activities
- Quality Best Practices
- Safety, Health &  Nutrition
- Social Emotional Learning
- STEAM
- Summer Learning
Deadline to submit proposal: December 10, 2019

Selection Process: Each presentation proposal will be reviewed by a team of peer reviewers, including the 2020 ND Out-of-School Time Conference planning committee. 

Questions or interested in being a part of the planning committee? Contact ND Afterschool Network Lead at  kristin.knorr@k12.nd.us  or 701-446-3195. 
Join the 2020 Conference Planning Committee!

Committee members will provide input on conference topics, themes, and activities. Afterschool professionals & advocates from across the state are welcome to join. Meetings will be held via Skype & members are able to attend conference at no cost to their program. 

Interested? Contact the Network by November 15!
Afterschool Funding
Rep. Armstrong Fargo Visit
L to R: Kristin Knorr, Network lead, Mary Christy, Director of Constituent Services with Congressmen Armstrong, and Jolene Garty, SEEC

Congressional Visits

The ND Afterschool Network conducted congressional visits to celebrate Lights on Afterschool. Visits were made with the district offices of Sen. Cramer, Sen. Hoeven and Rep. Armstrong to share updated information about 21st Century Community Learning Centers, the state of afterschool in ND, and encourage site visits to afterschool programs throughout the state. Interested in visiting a congressional office to share your story of the power of afterschool? Find tips and information or contact the Network.  

Youth Workforce Readiness Act

In late September, plans to introduce the bipartisan Youth Workforce Readiness Act were announced in the House and Senate by Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) and Reps. Josh Harder (D-CA) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA). The Youth Workforce Readiness Act would establish a competitive grant program at the U.S. Department of Labor for eligible afterschool programs. The grants would focus on four pillars of youth workforce: essential skills development, career exposure, job-readiness, and work-based learning. Learn more. 
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Afterschool Grant Opportunities:

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!

EDUPORIUM TECHNOLOGY GRANTS
Eduporium is awarding $500 grants to a school or teacher that wants to increase STEM technology. Ideal candidates are educators who have demonstrated innovation and creativity within their school or afterschool community, those who have a financial need, & those who can provide a clear & concise product plan that can be implemented within six months. Application form is due on the 20th of each month. 

OTTERTAIL POWER COMPANY
Funding available in communities served by Ottertail Power to support young minds, invest in current & future workforce, create vibrant culture & community, improve health & human services, and protect natural resources. Applications reviewed quarterly with next deadline Dec. 15. 

WALMART COMMUNITY GRANT PROGRAM
Grant funds from $250 to $5,000 are available to organizations located within the community of each Walmart location. 2019 grant cycle begins February 15, 2019 and  applications accepted through December 31, 2019.    

Find additional afterschool funding opportunities at Afterschool Alliance and  BOOST.
Upcoming Trainings & Events
Last chance for FREE STEM Kits!
STEM2D Flyer
Supporting Positive Social-Emotional Climates in Out-of-School Time- Part II
November 7 | Webinar 2-3pm CT
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Office of Child Care is offering a free webinar series on supporting positive social-emotional climates in out-of-school time settings. Learn promising practices around state systems, partnerships & funding, building staff capacity for improvement of social emotional climates, and mental health consultation. Register Online

How to Introduce Fun & Playful STEM Robotics in Your Afterschool Program
November 12 | Webinar 12pm CT
The early grades are a wonderful time to spark young people's interest in coding, robotics, and engineering but it requires age-appropriate tools and hands-on activities. What better place to introduce easy, engaging and fun robotics than in your afterschool setting? Register for webinar. 

Why Planning & Reflection?
November 20 | Webinar 1pm CT
From toddlers to youth serving institutions, everyone benefits from engaging in a plan-do-reflect cycle. This deep dive into planning and reflection explores the research around cognitive development and how a planning and reflection cycle supports learning, and then shares examples of ways to incorporate these strategies into your afterschool programs. Register for free webinar offered through the Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality. 

SEEDS of Relationship-Based Infant-Toddler Caregiving
December 9, 10, 11 | Fargo
Have Striving Readers funding and need a solution for your Birth - Age 3 demographic? This is for you! SEEDS of Learning is a set of Early Childhood Professional Development frameworks using a train-the-trainer model and coaching support that caregivers need to create supportive, caring, and productive interactions with children. Find more information. 

Building Compassionate Schools
Jan 7, March 5, April 21 | Fargo
Trauma Sensitive Schools (TSS) recognize the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences and understand the systemic impact of chronic stress. TSS helps all students feel safe so they are ready to learn. Building Compassionate Schools will expand the discussion to systems & policies in your building that impact trauma sensitivity. Explore if your systems & policies support a trauma sensitive environment. More information. 

Quality Management Practices: SEL for Managers and Administrators
February 19, 2020 | Webinar 1pm CT
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 CT
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. 

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