Afterschool Quality Standards Project

Quarterly Newsletter

Truman Pierce Institute

January - March 2022

Spotlight on the Standards

Alabama Afterschool Quality Standards

"The 'How' of Building Deeper Relationships with Students"

by Hoa P. Nguyen

1. Develop your empathic listening skills.
2. Carve out time for small talk.
3. Be genuine. It's OK to show vulnerability.
4. Track your efforts.

Staff Support

Happy New Year! The past two years have brought several new challenges, and many people are relieved (or even ecstatic) to see them in the rear-view mirror. With the beginning of 2022 comes an opportunity for a fresh new outlook. Take time to focus on the things you CAN control. In her article, "How to Set Goals Instead of Resolutions for the New Year," social worker Malika Boyd shares five tips to help you identify realistic goals and increase your chances for successfully reaching them.

The New York Life Foundation is seeking applications for $1,800,000 in grants to afterschool, summer, or expanded learning programs serving underserved middle-school youth. Grant funds may be used for technical assistance, enhancing direct service activities, and/or program expansion. All applicants will need to describe how programs support youth in the transition to the ninth grade, as well as how they are continuing to serve youth still being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.