Women's History Month, Honoring Those Who Have Come Before Us
To celebrate Women's History Month we are delving into a brief history of afterschool and the connection to female identifying individuals. In the 1970's, more women began to enter the workforce which caused a rise in single parent families. Since then, the percentage of working women with children has increased by over 70%. As a result, youth needed a place to go once the school day ended. In 1990, the Child Care Development and Block Grant (CCDBG) was enacted, which subsidized child care and afterschool programs for low-income families, allowing the parents of these children to pursue employment or job-related training. Over the years the world of afterschool has expanded its horizons, we are now in an era in which afterschool is being recognized for its astounding abilities to enrich youth's lives.
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Supporting Safe and Healthy Spaces for All Youth to Thrive
To continue down the path of empowerment and resilience, Expanded Learning Partners are working to ensure all youth have access to afterschool programs. Those who attend programs regularly have nearly twice the graduation rate compared to those who don't--thus equipping youth for a brighter future.
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Word of the Month for Expanded Learning
We are all aware that this past year has been full of pivoting, patience, and learning. With the COVID-19 vaccine multi-phase release in progress, new challenges lay ahead for going back to in-person programming. Whether you're still virtual, or have been in-person for some time, it's important to reflect on the remarkable resilience we've individually, and collectively, experienced.
Motivational Resilience: Hard work and persistence in the face of challenging coursework, life events, projects, and other challenges. Similar terms: Asset-Based, Habits of Mind.
*Check out our website's updated glossary to see more terms on the ABC'S Of ELOs
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Leap into Science Light & Shadows Virtual Training
This training prepares educators to host Leap into Science: Light and Shadow workshops for children 3-10 and their families. This training introduces educators to the two workshops for children, as well as strategies for facilitating science and literacy learning in family workshops. Educators will practice facilitation techniques, and explore resources to lead Leap into Science programs. Participants will earn 2 hours of Set 2 Learning Environments Curriculum (LEC) through Oregon Center for Career Development at PSU.
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Asset-Based Mental Health Support Cohort
Weekly trainings April 14th-May 12th
This 5 consecutive week series will provide time and space for afterschool professionals to explore and apply strategies from the breadth of mental health resources. The series will incorporate asset-based approaches from 40 Developmental Assets and Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) frameworks that emphasize strategies most applicable to afterschool & summer programs.
This cohort model will encourage participants to share real life challenges as they deepen their understanding and participate in a space where they apply strategies and incorporate practices within organizational systems. Participants will examine how out-of-school time programs work to support students' social-emotional health outcomes over the students' lives, particularly incorporating culturally-responsive practices that recognize not everyone deals with Mental Health in the same ways.
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Lessons Learned Virtual Conversation March 2nd- Postponed
You may send questions or inquiries about a new time to Rachel.Kessler@oregonask.org
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OregonASK Virtual Fall Conference October 22nd
It's never too early to save the date and plan to join this fall's virtual Western Conference; Open Minds Open Spaces on October 22, 2021!
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In the Field with one of Oregon's Next Generation Leaders, Maritza Ruiz
Congratulations Maritza Ruiz, Multi Site Coordinator for Eugene Family YMCA!
When asked about her work, Maritza said, "I have been with the Eugene YMCA for seven years, serving as an afterschool staff, an afterschool director, and now a Multi Site Coordinator. When I am not working, I enjoy being outdoors, spending time with friends, exercising and reading. I feel very fortunate to be recognized as a Next Gen Leader in Afterschool as well as to be a part of the YMCA team doing amazing work.
Maritza was nominated for her dedication and passion, noting that Maritza's optimism, hopefulness, and nurturing attitude each day help her authentically mentor children, staff, and the broader community through action! Maritza has a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon and is a strong believer in the Safe Routes to School program. As one of the Eugene YMCA’s afterschool leaders she helped launch this program at the Eugene YMCA to help provide safe and equitable access to schools for all children.
In 2020, Maritza was one of the first employees to join the inaugural Diversity, Inclusion, and Global Engagement committee that the Eugene YMCA formed with a vision of helping develop more intentionality and alignment throughout their work in relation to marginalized and underserved members of the Lane County community. Maritza’s leadership on this committee has helped lead YMCA through the last year of uncertainty and trials as they continue to respond to the needs throughout the community.
"Almost exactly a year ago, the Eugene YMCA transitioned to Emergency Childcare. What a year of twists and turns it has been. Today, we are still operating Emergency Childcare programs and we are currently gearing up to move into elementary schools at the end of March with the goal of providing after school care. We are led by an amazing Youth Development Director (Holly), we support each other and we believe in what we do. The work that Youth Development staff are, and have been doing is nothing short of incredible. I am inspired every time I walk into a program and see youth feeling safe and supported through what has been a very uncertain/stressful time."
Congratulations Maritza on being recognized for your hard work and dedication!
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National Training & Resources from Summer to STEM |
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Don't let COVID-19 get in the way of summer this year, attend this series to expand your knowledge in supporting the whole child in a safe, inclusive, and engaging way.
Register HERE now for sessions the first week of March.
The first in a three-part series, this webinar focuses on STEM role models for afterschool networks and programs, presented by the National Girls Collaborative.
This free opportunity will help programs who want to map the implementation of quality STEM programming practices and positive youth development by reflecting on their current activities/programs.
Learn about gender equity in STEM and the impacts of girls and women involved in STEM. Hear from a variety of speakers ranging from the NGCP founder to research scientists.
This is the fourth in a series of surveys the Afterschool Alliance is conducting to monitor the situation and help provide solutions. The survey, which is focused specifically on the ways in which the pandemic has or has not affected your winter/spring programming and your summer planning, should take approximately 10 minutes and responses will be anonymous.
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With the Biden-Harris Administration in mind, five major recommendations were developed by the STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice. The goal of these recommendations is to improve STEM learning for all, and foster collaboration. Read the entire policy memo HERE.
Stay updated on the American Rescue Plan making its way through Congress now in hopes of addressing major needs for recovering, including funding for summer learning. Read more HERE about how funds could be used to support afterschool and summer activities in the coming months.
State Policy
Senate Bill 50 requiring programs to be in registry system (including current recorded programs)
House Bill 3073 Creates Early Learning Authority separate from Department of Education
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OregonASK Sharing about the Value of Afterschool in Oregon
For every dollar Oregon invests in afterschool programs, $4.60 is returned to our state through reduced drug and alcohol addiction, increased graduation rates, reduced crime rates, and lower healthcare costs due to increased physical activity. Read the Executive Summary HERE and view ROI Graphic HERE.
If you are interested in getting directly connected with your state legislators to share this valuable information, please reach out to us at general@oregonask.org.
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Recognizing Women in STEM Who Have Paved the Way
Many of the women in STEM who came before us have taken a pivotal role in shaping the STEM field. This past February 18th the first ever audio was recorded on Mars. On the topic of space exploration, mathematician Katherine Johnson, played a key role in the field of space science. She contributed calculations which helped lay the groundwork for orbital spaceflight.
See a few examples of amazing women in STEM linked below, from Dr. Patricia Bath who was the first African American woman to receive a medical patent for her invention of the Laserphaco Probe, to astronaut Dr. Mae Jemison, to Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett who is on the frontline of the COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more about Women in STEM from PBS American Portrait collection. Similar to the innovational work of these women, Million Girls Moonshot is constantly striving to close the gap by transforming programming and increasing the inclusivity of STEM available resources.
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Camp Fire Columbia: Looking for Passionate Professionals
Camp Fire Columbia is searching to fill two positions. Founded in 1910, the program works both in the Metro Area, with dozens of partnerships; and in the summer months, at Camp Namanu--bordering the Sandy River. They strive to spark passion in youth and help achieve their future goals. Click the links below to read the full job description.
Before & After School Program Specialist: "Responsible for planning and teaching sequenced club-style lessons in after school settings for up to 15 youth, while helping manage day-to-day directives that support the overall health of the program and follow Office of Child Care (OCC) health and safety licensing guidelines"
Before & After School Site Supervisors: "Responsible for supervising and facilitating Camp Fire Before & After School sequenced, club-style lessons in after school settings for diverse student populations at elementary schools in grades K-5. During summer months, the Site Supervisor is responsible for supporting Summer Day Camp programs through training, working on-site, performing observations, traveling on field trips and supply/materials coordination."
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2021 Save the Dates!
March 17th: Access & Equity Advisory Meeting
March 22nd: Million Girls Moonshot Strategic Team Meeting
April 15th: Two Weeks Ready Workgroup Meeting
May 14th: OregonASK Partner Meeting RSVP HERE
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OregonASK Expanded Learning Partnership
Wilsonville, OR 97070
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