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January 2025

Day on the Hill is an amazing opportunity to showcase our community’s incredible programs and engage youth in meaningful advocacy!

Please RSVP to Adriana Slaughter at aslaughter@iowaafterschoolalliance.org by letting us know:

  • Who will be attending with you.
  • What time you plan to arrive.
  • If there are any specific activities you'd like to do during the event.


Your RSVP ensures we can plan appropriately and provide tailored resources to help you connect with your legislators.


All attendees who RSVP with IAA will be sent a "What to Expect" email with more logistical information the day before the event.

New to advocacy & unsure what to expect?

Register for the IAA Pre-Day on the Hill Workshop!

This workshop will prepare participants for the Iowa Afterschool Alliance Day on the Hill by providing an overview of the event’s purpose, schedule, and key afterschool advocacy issues. Participants will learn about advocacy basics, and tips for how to engage effectively with Iowa legislators.

 

This workshop is designed for afterschool program providers, supporters, parents, and youth advocates.


This workshop will be recorded and emailed to those who RSVP.

Just need a quick advocacy refresher?

Re-visit the IAA Advocacy Guide!


Not able to join us for Day on the Hill this year? Here are some ways you can still show your support for out-of-school programs in Iowa!

Find your Legislators!
Legislator Outreach Examples
Sign the Pledge for Afterschool!

Your presence and advocacy are vital to ensuring the future of afterschool programs in Iowa. Whether you attend in person or participate virtually, your efforts will make a difference.

STEM Opportunities

For more opportunities from Million Girls Moonshot,

please visit the STEM for Iowa website.

Are you on the Mizzen by Mott app? Check out the STEM Activities for K-5th in Small Groups playlist, a mix of engineering + science activities! Click here to download the app today.

Youth Engineering Solutions (YES)

YES curricula develop students’ problem-solving abilities. Students tackle real-world problems, scaffolded by an age-appropriate engineering design process. YES Enrichment can be used in any enrichment setting, including before-, during-, and afterschool programs such as STEM specials and electives, clubs, camps, and summer school.

I'll Make Me A World Education Day

Attended each year by hundreds of students across Iowa, I'll Make Me A World Education Day includes a day-long series of workshops & learning activities for students. Activities include a STEM Festival, Black History Game Show, Biz Pitch Competition, Cultural Workshops, College Fair, and more! Free admission for middle & high-school students. Education Day is for ALL students regardless of heritage, GPA, or special needs. Registration deadline is January 29th, 2025.

Professional Development Opportunities

Strengthening Adult SEL for Afterschool Success

Social-emotional learning (SEL) is the process of developing self-awareness, self-control, and interpersonal skills that are vital for success in life. In this workshop, out-of-school time professionals will explore how enhancing their own SEL can strengthen relationships, boost resilience, and create a more supportive environment for the youth they serve. Join us Wednesday, January 29th from 10am-11:30am. Registration can be found on linktr.ee/iowaafterschoolalliance.

Visit our Linktree for registration & more resources!

Are You Ready for Summer? (Yes, in January!)


Planning a strong summer program is a yearlong job, but who has the time while running a school year program too? This free session will provide you with a plan on how to make yearlong summer planning possible and impactful. These strategies will center around youth development principles including youth voice and choice, engagement, and positive outcomes.


Register Here!

Afterschool Assets

Mental-Emotional Wellness Guide Book

Research shows that youth who engage in structured activities outside of the school day can experience reduced anxiety and depression, along with a stronger sense of belonging. This series will explore the various elements that frontline staff need in their “toolkit” to support youth mental health. Created by the Wisconsin Out-of-School Time Alliance.

Inside Out-of-School Time Podcast

Each month, members of the 21st CCLC NTAC team have opportunities to conduct interviews with out-of-school time practitioners and subject matter experts in a range of roles. Listen and learn about strategies and best practices that will help your Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) Program succeed! Podcast premiere available now!

Neurodiversity in OST

ACT Now created this guide to help afterschool and out-of-school time providers understand neurodiversity and its impact on programming. It offers resources, strategies for inclusion, practical accommodations, sensory support guidance, and key terms to help create spaces where neurodiverse youth feel valued and empowered.

Crayola Creativity Week: January 27th - February 2nd, 2025

Crayola Creativity Week is a nationwide celebration designed to inspire creativity and self-expression in students through fun, engaging activities. Afterschool programs can join in by accessing free resources, including lesson plans, activity guides, and videos featuring artists, authors, and educators. This week-long event encourages youth to explore their imaginations, develop creative skills, and celebrate the joy of making art—no matter their age or experience level!

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Need technical assistance? Access to materials? Professional development or trainings for your team? Visit our Linktree or website for guidance to IAA resources!

The Iowa Dept of Education is hiring!

The Education Program Consultant (Title IV, Part B) will be an integral member of the Federal Programs Bureau, providing leadership and oversight of the Title IVB, 21st Century Community Learning Centers program.


Application closes 2/9/2025 - find the position details here!

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Iowa Afterschool Alliance | www.iowaafterschoolalliance.org