Newsletter | October 2022
Learn more about what South Dakota Afterschool Network is doing across the state. Find resources for training, grants, activities and more as you explore our monthly newsletter.
Growth, Education, Community at SoDakSACA Conference
The SoDakSACA Conference provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with peers from across the state. Executive Director, Billy Mawhiney provided the Pre-Conference Session on Writing Your Evolving Story while Director of Programs, Jeff Sebern was able showcase the TMC Mobile Labs and provide resources during his session.

Each year conferences like this provide a great deal of growth and education opportunity but most importantly a chance to be surround by our community. Lighting up the Dignity statue to Lights on Afterschool was the perfect way to celebrate the amazing work being accomplished.
Youth Opportunity Project Representatives Announced
We are excited to announce that 11 students were selected from across the state for the inaugural Youth Opportunity Project Council. The Youth Opportunity Project aims to provide students the opportunity to gain leadership skills, network with peers and key-decision makers while helping to create meaningful change and impact in out-of-school time programming throughout the state. 

Participants are South Dakota teens ages 13 and older who attend out-of-school time programs in their communities. They have first-hand experience regarding the impact these programs have made in their own lives, the lives of their families and community. Through monthly virtual meetings participants will provide a youth voice to a variety of issues faced. Students will work on building leadership skills and explore advocacy through interactions during Day at the Capitol mid-January in Pierre where students will have the opportunity to learn about our state's legislative system and the many moving parts that create change and impact.

Participants will be led by Madelyn Hinkleman, a junior at Summit High School who has taken on the title of Youth Advocate Coordinator with SDAN. Madelyn will work under the guidance of SDAN’s Dawn Marie Johnson, Director of Leadership & Culture to plan and implement a robust experience for participants, giving them a valuable learning experience and outlet to provide meaningful insight that programs throughout the state can benefit from. 

“Madelyn is a passionate and accomplished young woman,” said Dawn Marie Johnson, Director of Leadership & Culture for SDAN. “Her drive and tenacity are exhilarating and I’m excited to see her shine in this role as we work together to launch the Youth Opportunity Project and lay the groundwork for what will become an annual opportunity for teens across the state.”

Teens joining Madeyln as the inaugural Youth Opportunity Project Council include:

  • Shaylee Arrendondo, Sioux Falls

  • Amy Barillas, Sioux Falls

  • Olivia Kolbrek, Sioux Falls

  • Caleb Messhesha, Sioux Falls

  • Yusuf Mire, Sioux Falls

  • Lily Pressler, Watertown

  • Liza Purdy, Summit

  • Woneyah Red Eagle, Waubay

  • Jaxon Sheff, Montrose

  • Ella Weber, Montrose

The Youth Opportunity Project will begin meeting in late October. 
In The Media



We love talking about the great work happening at the 343 programs across this state and how SDAN is working to support that effort. Check out our story from Dakota News Now HERE.



See our coverage of the Youth Opportunity Project in this article by the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
Collaboration at the Mott Conference
We had the opportunity to attend the Mott Conference in Washington DC recently and hosted key collaborators from across South Dakota. Back for the first in-person meeting in two years, the Mott Conference is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with all 50 state networks and glean valuable information from industry leaders like Terry K. Peterson (pictured right) and so many others.
TMC Mobile Labs in Action at Newest Kid Link Location
One of the Think, Make, Create Mobile Labs made it to the Sioux Falls Thrive's newest Kid Link location at Terry Redlin to share STEM and art activities with families.

These unique events are part of a community learning center model that focuses on the whole family. Creating moments of family engagement in education is an important ingredient for success…getting to be a small part of the engagement fills our cup.
SDAN Resources to Support Programs
Program Evaluation Available Now

Is your program in need of an evaluation? Reach out via email to learn more.
TMC Mobile Labs

Immersive, hands-on learning delivered to your doorstep. Reserve a Mobile Lab now!
Need activity ideas? Training opportunities for staff? Resources to expand further on topics that interest kids? Click the links below and find fresh content each month to support your program, kids and staff.
Gather your mad scientists, your ghouls and goblins for some spooky (and not so spooky) science activities. We have curated a list of fun for all ages that celebrates for the season!