What if “bad” behavior is actually communication – a signal of unmet needs, chronic stress, or survival strategies? This interactive workshop explores how trauma and nervous system dysregulation shape youth behavior, and how shifting our lens from judgment to curiosity helps us respond with insight instead of reactivity. When we understand behavior as a clue to what’s needed, we can de-escalate, co-regulate, and begin to heal. Together we will learn practical, compassionate, evidence-informed strategies to support youth resilience – and our own.

Get ready for a LIGHTNING round of proven tools and strategies to raise your workforce engagement game. We’ll cover the BEST of technology (like a free gamification app for 2000 participants), program design (how to use the roller coaster method to life), and media (including FREE mashed-up mixes of today’s music and movies). You’ll leave with your head spinning, a listing of resources, and NEW ideas to take back to your program! Hold on as this presentation will roll at warp speed and showcase 16 new FREE resources that you’ll be excited to use IMMEDIATELY in your programs!

Is your staff inspired… or in pain? Staff training and professional development is often viewed as a painful process – but it doesn’t need to be! When you apply a 13 Minute Roller Coaster approach, combined with a MIST formula of facilitation, and integrate FREE innovative assessment, technology, and group development techniques… training can be ROCKSTAR like! Don’t miss this showcase of multiple strategies, techniques, and examples of how (and why) staff training and DYNAMIC professional development can be the SPARK to keep your organization healthy and moving forward.

In the current funding landscape, managing a federal grant feels less like strategy and more like survival. In this session, attendees will learn how to navigate the real-life challenges of grant-funded OST work in times of uncertainty—funding delays, shifting expectations, political roadblocks, and site capacity limits. Drawing from experience managing a rural, multi-site internship program funded by a federal NBRC grant, the presenter will share tools for staying compliant while remaining flexible and responsive to community needs. Topics include building in contingency plans, simplifying reimbursement tracking, supporting partners through administrative overwhelm, and maintaining morale when the rules change midstream. Attendees will receive adaptable templates, messaging strategies for internal stakeholders, and examples of how to protect program integrity under pressure. This session is ideal for anyone currently managing—or preparing to manage—federal or state grants in afterschool or youth-serving spaces.

Join us for a dynamic panel discussion exploring how a two-generation (2Gen) approach is reshaping the path to economic mobility for families. This conversation will highlight innovative strategies and community collaborations in the Suncoast Region of Florida that support parents in pursuing post-secondary education and workforce opportunities – creating ripple effects of stability, prosperity, and upward mobility for the entire family. Rooted in the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s commitment to addressing intergenerational poverty, the 2Gen model recognizes that the well-being of children is inextricably linked to the success of their parents. This panel will focus on the critical role that accessible post-secondary pathways, skills training, and career development programs play in helping parents build brighter futures – for themselves and their children. Panelists representing education, workforce development, and lived experience will share insights on designing and delivering wraparound supports for student-parents, breaking down systemic barriers to higher education and employment, strengthening cross-sector partnerships to amplify family outcomes, and cultivating inclusive, responsive systems that meet families where they are. Whether you are a service provider, policymaker, educator, or community member, this conversation offers a valuable opportunity to learn how we can work together to create lasting change and upward mobility – two generations at a time.

In this unique, lively, and highly interactive session, attendees will learn how to inspire students to find and develop their unique voice. Whether it’s through journaling experiences, spoken stories, or rap songs, sharing one’s own voice is the key to unlocking self-esteem. Attendees will learn how to identify topics that are relevant, show students how to express their unique points of view, and foster an environment that supports meaningful self-expression.

When school is out, where do children continue to grow, explore, and learn? Afterschool and summer learning programs play a decisive role in sparking curiosity, nurturing interests, and developing young people’s skills. These programs often occur in places many of us already love and trust – zoos and aquariums, libraries, children’s museums, science centers and museums, schools, and community-based centers. These vibrant community anchors leverage the power of informal learning to support children and their families as they grow and learn together. Through guidance from Dr. Munro Richardson, this session will explore the significance of developing “unconstrained” skills in children outside of school hours. Dr. Richardson defines unconstrained skill building as involving much more socially oriented information that allows children to explore, expand, and apply a broad range of skills based on their needs and interests that include vocabulary, comprehension, relational thinking, word problem-solving, inhibition control, perspective-taking, and knowledge. Unconstrained skills are developed both inside and outside of formal classroom settings and generally take longer to build than constrained skills (reading, math, science). Join us for a panel discussion where we do a deeper dive and spotlight the potential roles that informal, community-based learning opportunities can play in intentional skill development on a larger scale.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest innovations from Arux. Explore new features that strengthen community connections and simplify child tracking throughout the day. Get a first look at upcoming enhancements and tools shaping the future of after school management. Plus, gain insights into emerging trends and key learnings from programs nationwide to help you stay inspired and connected.

This session brings something attendees have been strongly asking for – real, candid guidance on how to diversify funding streams and build stronger pathways to sustainable support. A distinguished panel of national funders will reveal the thinking behind their funding priorities and the decision-making processes that shape which organizations they choose to support. Rather than focusing on specific grant programs, panelists will go deeper to share the why behind their strategies and the how behind their choices. Attendees will gain insight into the following topics that funders consider before extending an invitation, reviewing a formal request for support, or proactively identifying organizations they may want to partner with how funders determine mission alignment and the ‘signals’ that tell them an organization is a strong strategic fit, the factors that demonstrate true organizational readiness (capacity, leadership, systems, and sustainability indicators), how storytelling and data quality work together to make an organization’s impact clear, credible, and compelling, the role of relationships, trust, and transparency in shaping funding decisions (before, during, and after an award), and how funders identify or seek out organizations (including invitation-only processes) and what makes an organization stand out. Whether you’re new to fundraising, expanding your development approach, or preparing for your next big opportunity, this conversation will leave you with practical, actionable guidance on becoming a more compelling partner to mission-driven funders nationwide.

In this interactive workshop, educators will explore practical, culturally responsive strategies for building strong partnerships with families to support math achievement. Participants will learn how to communicate effectively about math learning, foster positive mindsets, and design inclusive family engagement activities. Walk away with actionable tools to turn families into confident, empowered math partners.

Step into a fast-paced, playful session where learners design using a pocket-sized deck of colorful cards packed with characters, vocabulary, and system components, and educators enjoy a setup that’s refreshingly simple. In this hands-on workshop, educators will experience how MindLabs sparks open-ended creativity while keeping materials, transitions, and cleanup – easy. Participants will jump into quick design challenges from four augmented reality units: experimenting with light and sound in a theater, taking on robots and villains with energy and circuits, designing animals in a zoo, testing force and motion in sports, all while collaborating on open-ended builds. Throughout the experience, you’ll see how MindLabs’ streamlined notebooking tools capture student thinking and design decisions in real time, turning the learning process into clear, shareable artifacts. Throughout the session, we’ll highlight MindLabs’ streamlined digital notebooking tools, which capture student thinking, design decisions, and reflections in real time. You’ll leave with a clear picture of how MindLabs supports joyful STEM learning and provides meaningful evidence and metrics to share with families, partners, or funders.

Step away from the bustle and settle into a supportive chair-based practice that fuses gentle movement, focused breath work, and guided visualization. In just half an hour you’ll loosen shoulder, spine, and hip tension while activating the calm, creative mind-state needed for big-picture thinking. We’ll flow through accessible poses – seated sun salutes, grounding twists, and heart-opening stretches – paired with rhythmic box breathing and a closing future-self meditation. No mats, special clothes, or prior yoga experience required; every element is fully adaptable. Leave feeling centered, refreshed, and equipped with a mini-routine you can replicate at your desk to spark visioning and reflective pauses anytime your day demands clarity.

This session presents actionable, research-based strategies from Springboard Collaborative’s proven model for accelerating early literacy through family engagement. Participants will explore how out-of-school time educators can partner with families – especially those with struggling readers and multilingual learners – to co-create literacy-rich routines at home. Drawing on Springboard’s Family-Educator Learning Accelerator (FELA) approach, we’ll share tools for building relationships, aligning home and school strategies, and empowering families to become confident reading coaches. With a focus on shared goals, progress monitoring, and culturally responsive supports, attendees will leave with ready-to-use templates, literacy tips, and planning tools that help sustain high-impact family partnerships and drive measurable reading growth.

Rural communities face persistent staffing challenges in out-of-school-time (OST) programs, limiting youth opportunities and straining existing teams. This session explores how Monadnock United Way developed the Monadnock Region Partnership Program (MRAPP), a replicable workforce pipeline that places high school and college students in paid internship roles across 15 rural sites. Participants will learn how to build cross-sector partnerships, align classroom learning with real-world experience, and create supportive, youth-centered onboarding systems. The session will also highlight early steps toward credentialing pathways that strengthen OST career pipelines. Attendees will receive actionable tools and strategies to launch or expand similar models in their communities. Whether you’re facing staffing shortages, seeking to engage youth in purpose-driven work, or exploring sustainable workforce development in small towns and rural areas, this session offers practical, scalable solutions that bridge education and employment.

Young people spend approximately 80 percent of time outside of the classroom – but who are the adults supporting them in these spaces, and what do these youth workers need to thrive in these roles? A groundbreaking new report offers perspectives from over 7,000 staff working with young people in strengths-based interest development and enrichment opportunities offered by community organizations, institutions, and agencies. For the first time, we now have a better idea of who these essential youth workers are – what brings them to the field, why they stay, and what they need. In this session we will share findings around key areas: professional learning, career pathways, professional wellbeing, and compensation. Workshop speakers, including practitioners and researchers, will share actionable insights on how out-of-school time leaders and staff can use these new data to improve programming, inspire teams, and ultimately benefit the youth they serve. Through turn and talk and table discussions, attendees will discuss strategies with other participants as they process what is being shared.

Ignite your leadership journey in this hands-on session that turns big dreams into daily practice. Together we’ll unpack the “why” behind your program, crystallize it into a concise, guiding statement, and then reverse-engineer a roadmap you can start using Monday morning. Through rapid reflection prompts, peer coaching rounds, and a live “vision-to-action canvas,” you’ll leave with:

– A refined, organization-specific vision statement that energizes staff and stakeholders
– 3–5 measurable objectives aligned to that vision
– Two+ actionable practices to live the vision each day—ready to pilot “Monday morning”

Whether you’re a new director or a seasoned leader seeking fresh momentum, come ready to think, share, and build. Walk out with clarity, confidence, and a toolkit to keep your team moving forward—well beyond school hours.

Youth work is powerful – and it can also be overwhelming. The emotional labor of holding space for others, responding to crisis, and navigating daily stress takes a toll on our bodies and hearts. This reflective, restorative session offers a steady place to land. You’ll be introduced to simple mindfulness-awareness practices – including sitting and walking meditation – designed to support nervous system regulation, personal resilience, and emotional clarity. Grounded in both practice and science, this session centers your wellbeing as essential to the work you do with young people. No meditation experience required – just come as you are, and bring the work you carry.

Strong partnerships are the foundation of thriving out-of-school time programs. This interactive session will help participants explore what makes community and family partnerships authentic, equitable, and sustainable. Attendees will reflect on successful collaborations, identify shared goals, and use a Partnership Map to assess current relationships and opportunities for growth. Facilitators will share simple, effective tools – like feedback strategies, engaging event ideas, and consistent communication practices – that build trust and amplify family voice. A live visual map of participant insights will highlight a range of partnership types and successes. Participants will leave with ready-to-use resources, new ideas, and a personal commitment to try one new partnership strategy in the next 30 days. Whether you’re new to partnership-building or looking to deepen your impact, this session offers practical inspiration and space to connect with peers.

Join us for an engaging workshop that empowers students’ voices, choices, and expressions while offering invaluable insights into their experiences. In this session, participants will embark on a transformative journey into the realm of digital influencers and content creators, equipped with a powerful tool for student empowerment.
Crafting a personal brand and producing content becomes an exciting endeavor as participants explore what it means to be creative in the age of AI. With a keen focus on online safety and responsibility, attendees will develop captivating personal brands founded on authenticity, honesty, and reliability. Through hands-on activities utilizing innovative tools such as Canva, participants will bring their digital narratives to life. This workshop ensures that paticipants are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to guide students through the digital landscape responsibly.

Want to create a secret sauce of after-school programs that kids want to attend? It comes down to three core ingredients: culture, content, and connections. In this fast-paced, interactive session, we’ll explore what makes expanded learning programs truly impactful where students feel seen, learning is meaningful, and the energy keeps them coming back. Through hands-on activities, group discussions, and real-world examples, you’ll gain practical strategies to build relationships, design engaging content, and create a team culture that sparks an all-in attitude. Reflect on your own site’s strengths and needs to begin crafting your own recipe for Continuous Quality Improvement rooted in your community needs. Whether you’re leading a program or working on the front lines, this session is built to recharge your practice and your purpose.

Join Mizzen Education for a high-energy, interactive session that will spark connection, reflection, and action! This session is designed for program staff at all levels – whether you’re brand new or an experienced leader – and will lay the groundwork for understanding how and why high-quality youth programs begin with strong relationships and environments that celebrate authenticity and belonging. Unpack the meaning of belonging and othering, digging into how these forces show up in program spaces – intentionally and unintentionally – for both youth and staff; then, using design-thinking-inspired activities and collective wisdom, we’ll explore and identify how the core design practices of feeling, seeing, and shaping belonging influence program design, delivery, and team culture. Expect to move, talk, play, and walk away with tools and insights you can immediately use to make your program space more inclusive, joyful, and connected.

Are you managing your program with a tangle of spreadsheets and outdated systems that don’t talk to each other? You’re not alone. Many afterschool programs juggle separate platforms for hiring, registration, scheduling, and reporting — wasting time and increasing the risk of errors. In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how to assess your current systems, choose accessible and flexible software, and build simple, sustainable connections between the tools you rely on. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap to streamline operations and reclaim your time.

Incorporating youth voice into organization and educational spaces is a powerful tool for fostering engagement, equity, and lasting change. However, the process of authentically amplifying youth perspectives requires intentionality and strategic action. This session will explore best practices for not only integrating youth voice but elevating it in ways that are impactful and sustainable. Through discussions on common challenges, real-world applications, and tangible strategies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how to create environments where young people are active contributors and decision-makers. The session will culminate in an interactive brainstorming exercise, allowing participants to develop actionable steps for applying these insights with actual youth in their respective contexts.

What does it take to build environments where trans and nonbinary youth are not just protected, but celebrated? In a time when LGBTQIA+ youth – especially trans youth – are being targeted by unprecedented legislative attacks and public rhetoric, our role as youth development professionals is more vital than ever. This interactive workshop explores how to center belonging and resilience in our programs using trauma-informed practice, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs), and the Circle of Courage model. Together, we’ll reflect on the harm caused when belonging is denied – and the healing that’s possible when it’s restored. Participants will leave with practical tools, affirming strategies, and a renewed commitment to co-creating spaces where trans youth can thrive.

Finding meaning beyond ourselves keeps us healthier, happier and we live longer. It is vital that we maintain a powerful sense of purpose to preserve our well-being. Intentionally knowing ourselves allows us to live our passions, explore our gifts, and share our greatness with the world. We can learn to embrace change, manage our stress, re-invent and re-imagine ourselves. It allows us a sense of belonging, helps shape our lives, and influence the world around us. It is a journey that lasts a lifetime.

In the ever-changing landscape of after-school education, growth and sustainability depend on more than just passion—they require a solid understanding of financial and operational forecasting. This session will guide after-school leaders through the essentials of scenario planning using real-world data to support smarter resource allocation, staffing decisions, and program expansion. Designed for nonprofit and education program professionals, this hands-on workshop introduces practical tools and techniques to build flexible forecasting models. Participants will explore how to analyze trends in enrollment, staffing costs, grant funding, and vendor expenses to prepare for best-, moderate-, and worst-case scenarios.
Through interactive exercises and case examples, attendees will learn how to iIdentify key data inputs needed for meaningful forecasting, build simple, adaptable scenario planning models using spreadsheets or online tools, translate forecasts into actionable decisions for staffing, budgeting, and funding proposals, and communicate forecasting insights clearly to boards, funders, and program staff. No advanced technical skills are required—just a willingness to explore how better planning can support long-term impact. Whether your organization is managing limited resources or planning to grow, this session will leave you better equipped to anticipate challenges and plan with confidence.

Experience a high-impact introduction to the Interpersonal Whole-Brain Model of Care® (IWBMC™), Amy O’Dell’s revolutionary methodology that has transformed over 6,000 lives across three decades. This lightning session demonstrates how neuroplasticity-based assessment can unlock potential in students with complex challenges by addressing root neurodevelopmental causes. Participants will discover the IWBMC™’s comprehensive approach, which evaluates seven key domains, including brain health, learning style, and social structure, using 1,300+ assessment metrics. Through rapid-fire demonstrations, educators will experience practical screening techniques, analyze real transformation data, and learn micro-interventions that build therapeutic relationships. Based on 30 years of research, the IWBMC™ proves that every brain can heal and develop new capacities regardless of diagnosis or age. Educators will leave with immediately usable assessment tools, digital resource access, and networking connections to a global community of practitioners implementing this evidence-based methodology in diverse educational settings.

Since launching in 2023, the EJS Project’s EmpowerU Mental Health Program has transformed our organizational culture—destigmatizing mental health for our youth, families, and community. In this interactive session, join our Founding Director Emanuel Dupree Jackson, licensed mental health clinician Darius Murray of ReAbleU Therapy, and EJS students and alumni as we share how we took safe spaces beyond conversation and into action. Learn how consistent therapeutic circles, strategic partnerships, and proactive planning can embed mental health support naturally into youth programming. Hear our journey—from building readiness through restorative practices, to overcoming challenges like finding relatable therapists, to creating a seamless pipeline from group circles to one-on-one therapy. Participants will leave with practical strategies and actionable steps to cultivate stigma-free environments where young people feel safe, supported, and empowered to seek help.

Work-based learning thrives when education, out-of-school time, and workforce systems operate in sync, not silos. Join us as we bring together voices from education and the workforce to explore how work-based learning experiences are built, sustained, and leveraged for youth success. We’ll examine strategies for aligning goals, sharing data, and building intentional partnerships that support meaningful work-based learning experiences. Through this powerful discussion and planning tools, you’ll leave with actionable steps to break down barriers and build synergy across systems that shape youth success.

Telling your program’s story effectively is one of the most powerful ways to attract support, funding, and community engagement. In this interactive workshop, out-of-school time leaders will focus on two essential skills for sustainability: crafting a concise, compelling impact story and choosing the right channels to share it. Participants will use guided prompts and a simple storytelling template to highlight their program’s unique value, blending data with a human story. Through discussion and real-world examples, we’ll explore practical outreach strategies that require little to no budget. By the end of the session, each participant will walk away with a polished impact story draft, a short list of priority marketing channels, and the confidence to start sharing their message immediately to make their program’s value visible, memorable, and worth investing in.

Comprehensive, quality afterschool and summer learning programs need sustained funding and strong partnerships to achieve success for students. Learn how to fund and sustain quality out of school time programs through federal, state and local funding sources and partnerships, as well as about the role of advocacy to leverage new funding sources during a challenging federal fiscal environment.

Looking to ignite your staff’s enthusiasm and elevate your gym and outdoor game sessions? This interactive and engaging session will equip you with practical strategies to develop consistent routines, provide classroom engagement tips, and learn new games. Discover fresh ideas that can be implemented at your after-school program. Get ready to move and have FUN!

This interactive kickoff uses movement, creativity, and connection to help participants reset and arrive fully present. Designed to build community and spark energy, it sets a grounded, human-centered foundation for a future-ready conference experience.

Discover how to help your students in grades 3-8 Grow, Create, & Innovate using STEM and the Arts to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving. Explore hands-on activities aligned with key standards that foster creativity and real-world skills, providing actionable strategies to transform your classroom through engaging, interdisciplinary learning experiences.

Transform your approach to discipline and community building with this comprehensive how-to session that moves beyond traditional punitive measures. Participants will walk away with a practical toolkit of restorative strategies, from proactive circle processes to responsive harm repair protocols. Whether you’re just beginning your restorative journey or looking to deepen existing practices, this session offers the roadmap you need to create more connected, healing-centered learning environments.

More than two decades of academic research suggests that there are two types of skills – constrained and unconstrained – that are essential for success in school and life. Each has distinct developmental pathways. Most children reach relatively high levels of proficiency in constrained skills. It’s the unconstrained skills that limit further progress and are largely responsible for pervasive and persistent achievement gaps. This insight (known as Constrained Skill Theory) is well-known within academia but has not made its way into mainstream PK-12 education circles or the broader afterschool and summer learning movement. In many ways, it is analogous to where we were on research about summer learning loss 30 years ago. Join us for a cutting edge conversation about skill development that can happen beyond school hours.

Tutoring we know but what’s all the buzz lately about “High-Intensity Tutoring” and can it really work in out-of-school-time programs? Out-of-school-time programs have the potential to make significant impacts on student academic gains–if they’re implemented correctly. This workshop will help attendees determine if high-intensity tutoring is a good fit for their program; what adjustments can and can’t be made; if they should target afterschool, summer or both; and what results to expect. Participants will help design an on-the-spot tutoring program and receive recommendations for related resources.

Ever have one of those days where you’re just trying to get through your session, but… one child questions everything you do, another is dissatisfied with their craft because it’s not ‘perfect,’ someone else loses patience when their friends don’t ‘get it,’ and then there’s the child who can list 539 ways you could do things differently. Sound familiar? You’re not alone! But what if you had information to anticipate and navigate these moments before they derail your day? This session will help you understand how both you and your participants approach challenges, so you can work together as a team. By exploring how people think and problem-solve, you’ll learn how to create an environment where everyone can engage and thrive. You will leave with strategies to recognize their thinking preference, what they need when they are with you, and what you can say to help smooth the path along.

A 2023 Pew Research poll revealed that nearly 9 in 10 young people aged 14 to 25 regularly face mental health challenges. The reasons for high rates of sadness and depression in teens are complex, and it can be hard to differentiate between mental health issues and typical hormonal changes. In this session, we’ll explore strategies to identify teens struggling with mental health, how to ask the right questions and address the modern mental health crisis. We’ll discuss early intervention, exchange ideas, and explore how school culture can foster mental health support. Join us and get ready to talk!

Arts for Learning Maryland’s award-winning, arts-integrated summer and afterschool programs are in their 10th year. The secret to this longevity is their approach to hiring and training staff, which yields a 90 percent retention rate year after year. In this interactive, arts-integrated workshop we’ll talk about designing components for program success, attracting and training the talent that will make your program thrive, and considering useful tips for managing different scale programs.

This session equips afterschool professionals with evidence-based strategies to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration – key skills for youth in a dynamic future. Participants will outline a future-focused project (e.g., community mural or storytelling show-case) and discuss partnership strategies in small groups. Addressing challenges like resources, the presentation offers a printed toolkit for sustainable programming. Backed by research and a 20 percent increase in youth-reported belonging, attendees will gain tools to build lasting community connections.

Research shows that the major factor in determining a student’s success in and out of school time hours is their capacity to connect with others and to their own ideas. This workshop engages participants in fun, magical, meaningful, and disguised improve games and project-based poetry experiences they can easily do with their staff for team-building and ice-breakers in meetings AND OF COURSE transfer to their work with students. The strategies shared are designed for ALL humans of ALL learning styles to think critically, act empathically, play, and communicate ideas and feelings confidently!

Relationships are the foundation of this program. Whether it’s the partnership provided by Enrichment City, the hands-on engagement with the Virginia Air and Space Science Center, Enrichment Providers or the family partnerships. —every relationship nurtures growth, inspiration, and lasting program success. This session speaks directly to the strand by demonstrating how Hampton City Schools leverages community partnerships and family engagement to deepen student support, expand learning opportunities, and create a network of impact that extends beyond the classroom.

How you show up for the game, is how you show up for life. Learn how play is essential in building academic skills and student motivation. Learn how to select and adapt activities that foster academic success, regardless of ability. Learn the educational principles that are found in play and how they enhance learning in general.

Feeling stuck in your teaching, leadership practice, or in your heart? Holding on to stress, disappointment, or grief from the challenges of our times? You’re not alone – and you don’t have to carry it all. In this experiential workshop, we’ll pause to breathe deeply, engage in a guided circling process, and use creativity and reflection to release what’s been holding us back. Together, we’ll build connections, restore our sense of purpose, and rediscover the joy in our work. Come prepared to lean into vulnerability – it’s where growth begins.

Launched in partnership with the MLB Players Trust, MLB Players STEM League is a baseball-inspired program for students in grades 4-8. The program brings to life the energy of the sport through a board game and curriculum that cultivate students’ math and social-emotional skills. The program is FREE for youth-development organizations and schools of all types, helping young people build new skills, confidence, and a passion for learning through a fun and engaging program rooted in sport.

Fast-paced creativity so colorful you can’t contain your captivating connections to colleagues in a collaborative chorus of commitment to curiosity, critical thinking, and communication that’s so courageous, your confidence collides with comprehension to make for a VERY cool conference workshop! You will engage, delight, and laugh and you’ll leave with a set of easily implementable activities that address whole student development, as well as colorful resources and scaffolds to use in the classroom and beyond.

NBA Math Hoops leverages the game of basketball and the NBA/WNBA brands to build fundamental math and social-emotional skills through a physical and digital basketball-themed board game, a curriculum, and a community program experience. Designed for students in grades 4-8, this free program develops students’ algebra readiness prior to entering high school, while strengthening important skills including self-regulation and executive function. The NBA Math Hoops program is implemented in in-school, out-of-school, and home learning environments.

Struggling to recruit or retain students in your after-school program? Having trouble engaging your students? Spending too much time striving to facilitate social and emotional learning? Esports may be the solution – as it has transformed our after-school programming. Esports blends education and gaming, enhancing skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and strategic thinking.
During this session, participants will discover how esports could revolutionize their programs by boosting engagement, fostering STEM interest and teamwork, and preparing students for diverse careers. Whether you are new to eSports or have an existing program – this presentation has next steps for you!

This interactive workshop explores how storytelling can be a powerful tool when advocating for our programs. Participants will learn how to guide themselves and program staff in crafting personal narratives using nationwide data that inspires action and drives social change. Through real-world examples, hands-on activities, and reflection, attendees will gain practical strategies to amplify their voices and connect stories to advocacy goals. Whether you’re working in education, nonprofits, or community programs, this session will equip you to support various youth program advocates in making their experiences matter and their voices heard. Leave with tools to turn lived experiences into collective impact.

In just 30 minutes, we’ll break down what makes school-community partnerships work, and what causes them to stall. This fast-paced, interactive session gives you tools to build stronger relationships with families and community partners. We’ll explore ways to align goals, keep communication flowing, and create structures that lasts. You’ll leave with a simple self-check tool, real-world examples, and one clear action step to take back to your school or program.

The presenters will use case studies and PowerPoint slides with embedded videos and resources for creating trauma sensitive environments that support mental wellness and promote meaningful learning. It will include the sharing of hands-on trauma informed practices and instructional strategies for participants to use with youth. The terms grit, growth mindset and resilience will be examined as related to trauma, mental wellness, and learning. Lastly, participants will be provided with a list of resources and a trauma informed checklist which can be used to support the learning and wellbeing of youth. Small group, turn and talk, quick writes, post it storms, interactive technology use, and other participation techniques will be utilized to engage participants. A discussion and handout will assist attendees in developing a plan on how to use the presented strategies in their own settings.

This interactive social emotional learning workshop deals with the psychology of music, movies, and how images on TV are causing our youth/teens to end up in prison, committing suicide, and getting pregnant. A study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine noted that the average adolescent is exposed to approximately 84 references to explicit substance use per day and more than 30,732 references per year. In this session, participants will learn how music affects the mental health of young people and how it affects their spending and drinking habits. They will learn how alcohol companies target youth between the ages of 13-24 utilizing mainstream media. Participants will learn how music can be used in a positive manner instead of to the detriment of young people. We have the ANSWER on how to get through to the average at-risk student and help them make better choices.

What do you do with a student who seems dead set on disrupting class daily? How do you reach someone like that? How do you build relationships with others who are difficult? This session focuses on building rapport and leadership among your students, creating unconditional positive regard for all students, including those that are hard to reach. You’ll leave the session with resources and strategies, such as diffusers and self-control, that can be implemented the next day to create a positive classroom environment, minimizing distracting interruptions. Find out how to build relationships that give respect and get respectful behaviors in return. The best part? You will learn techniques and strategies that work – and don’t cause extra work for the teacher! Teachers will find themselves with more time to teach, parents will hear more positive feedback about their children, and students will feel like a valued part of the classroom community.

This interactive workshop explores four research-based practices that strengthen relationships and create meaningful learning and community experiences. Participants will engage in activities focused on welcoming interactions, active listening, relevant and applicable content delivery, and reflective closures that leave lasting impressions. Through collaboration and reflection, educators will learn practical strategies to build trust, foster engagement, and ensure students, families, and communities feel valued and connected – resulting in more successful programs, events, and classroom experiences for all stakeholders.

In this session, we will explore innovative, comprehensive strategies to protect and empower children beyond the classroom. Drawing on Prenicia Clifton’s 20+ years of national leadership in youth programming, policy creation, and mental health advocacy, this session blends research-based practices with lived experiences to equip educators, youth workers, and community leaders with actionable tools. Participants will learn to identify early warning signs of mental health challenges, respond to grooming and peer-to-peer abuse, safeguard youth data, and create culturally responsive, inclusive environments-especially for Black and Brown youth. Through real-world case studies, interactive safety audits, and trauma-informed approaches, attendees will leave with a practical safety action plan tailored to their programs. This workshop emphasizes that true youth safety is not just about protection from harm-it’s about building environments where young people feel safe, seen, and supported to thrive.

Federal funding for afterschool programs is in grave danger, and more than ever, this is the time to advocate for afterschool! Discover how to effectively talk about the important role your afterschool program plays in your community. This interactive workshop will discuss what works and what doesn’t when communicating about afterschool, how to tailor your message for key audiences, and how to leverage this information to advocate and build support for your program. We’ll also share strategies for engaging and activating parent and youth advocates. An overview of the new America After 3PM data will be included in this session.

Youth programs help young people find purpose and passion. Studies show that over 50% of nonprofit leaders experience burnout due to the demands of sustaining and growing their, programs, causing vital programs to close. This session provides strategies to help leaders avoid burnout and build sustainable, scalable organizations. When youth programs reach their potential, the young people they serve can reach theirs. This workshop helps nonprofit leaders scale their organizations while avoiding burnout. It focuses on balancing operational demands with leadership responsibilities through effective funder engagement, ensuring you can communicate in the language that helps you stay funded. Participants will learn strategies to attract and retain funders and communicate vision and impact to all stakeholders. The session will also explore systems that support long-term sustainability.

An unregulated adult cannot help youth regulate. They can only go where we lead. Modeling a variety of appropriate coping and stress management skills can be the very best gift those that work with youth can give. Being able to recognize and regulate emotion is essential in building healthy and lasting relationships with others. Join us and learn how to develop self regulation in yourself and those you serve.

“Sparking Innovation, Shaping Futures: Creative Strategies for Next-Generation Youth Engagement” is a 75-minute in-person workshop for the Beyond School Hours conference theme, Education Evolved: Future Themed. Led by Jenna Kmitch of The Curious Creators’ Club, this session equips afterschool professionals with evidence-based strategies to foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, essential skills for youth in a dynamic future. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, including designing a future-focused project (e.g., community mural or storytelling showcase) and small group discussions to tailor strategies. Addressing challenges like engagement and limited resources, the workshop provides tools to build family-community partnerships. Backed by research, including a 20% increase in youth-reported belonging from The Curious Creators’ Club programs, attendees will receive a printed toolkit to implement sustainable, future-ready programming that evolves out-of-school time education.

Stack Up for Success’ is an energizing and interactive session that blends physical activity with cognitive skill-building through the exciting sport of stacking. Designed to engage students both mentally and physically, this session encourages participants to improve their eye-hand coordination, enhance their math and reading abilities, and boost self-esteem. Students will work individually and in teams to master stacking techniques, participate in friendly challenges, and experience the benefits of physical fitness. Along the way, they will develop valuable social-emotional learning (SEL) skills, such as teamwork, communication, and emotional regulation. Whether racing against the clock or collaborating with peers, this session will keep everyone moving, learning, and growing in a fun, supportive environment.

Looking for a fresh, high-energy activity that builds coordination, focus, and confidence? Join us for a hands-on session exploring Sport Stacking, a fast-paced, movement-based activity that’s perfect for afterschool programs. Whether you’re new to stacking or already familiar, you’ll experience how this unique sport engages students of all ages while promoting teamwork, goal setting, and active fun.
Attendees will learn how to lead Sport Stacking activities, implement group games and challenges, and use stacking as a tool for behavior reinforcement and inclusive play. You’ll leave with access to free resources, instructional videos, and practical strategies to bring stacking back to your site—no matter your space, schedule, or experience level. Get ready to stack, move, and inspire your students like never before!

Staffing is one of the biggest challenges facing afterschool and out-of-school time programs today. In this interactive 75-minute workshop, we’ll explore practical, people-centered strategies to attract and retain the team your program needs to thrive. From crafting compelling job postings and building inclusive pipelines, to developing internal growth pathways and keeping staff connected to purpose, this session is packed with real examples and hands-on tools. Participants will also have time to reflect on their own staffing systems and leave with ready-to-implement ideas that work in both school- and community-based settings.

This session will focus on the STEAM-to-Careers program that is operating at two high schools in San Diego County. We will describe how United Way partners with over 30 organizations and businesses to create an afterschool program and a summer paid career exploration cohort where students learn how to get on a pathway to high-paying jobs here in San Diego. The session will highlight the importance of collaboration to help create pathways for students who have historically been held out of these jobs that pay a living way and help students become thriving San Diegans. You will leave this session understanding how you can partner with local organizations to create experiences that engage students and prepare them for the workforce by creating a comprehensive collaborative approach that includes school, community, and corporate partners.

This session will focus on the STEAM-to-Careers program that is operating at two high schools in San Diego County. We will describe how United Way partners with over 30 organizations and businesses to create an afterschool program and a summer paid career exploration cohort where students learn how to get on a pathway to high-paying jobs here in San Diego. The session will highlight the importance of collaboration to help create pathways for students who have historically been held out of these jobs that pay a living way and help students become thriving San Diegans. You will leave this session understanding how you can partner with local organizations to create experiences that engage students and prepare them for the workforce by creating a comprehensive collaborative approach that includes school, community, and corporate partners.

Bring hands-on STEAM learning to life with PCS Edventures! This interactive session showcases engaging, play-based activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in young learners. Explore three dynamic stations tailored to different grade levels: Cubelets Bot Builder introduces engineering and robotics, Rockin’ Robots with Sphero indi combines coding and music, and Ready Set Drone! builds teamwork and problem-solving skills through mini-drone challenges. Discover how these activities promote critical thinking, collaboration, and a love for STEM while making learning fun and accessible for all students. Walk away with ideas to elevate your program with interactive, age-appropriate experiences!

Unlock the potential of your afterschool program with strategic planning that empowers your team and drives sustainable improvement. This interactive workshop introduces the fundamentals of strategic planning using a hands-on SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis approach tailored for the unique needs of expanded learning organizations. Participants will work collaboratively to identify internal program strengths and challenges, explore external opportunities and threats, and create realistic action steps for immediate impact. Through practical exercises, resources, and peer feedback, attendees will leave with a completed SWOT analysis, a user-friendly template, and fresh strategies for leading effective planning sessions in their own programs. This session equips site coordinators, directors, and frontline staff with tools to facilitate goal-setting, align teams, and make data-informed decisions ensuring ongoing growth and resilience in today s dynamic educational environment.

The journey of parenting a child with disabilities brings both deep love and unique challenges. While all parents navigate uncertainty, parents of children with disabilities often experience heightened stress, increased caregiving demands, and a shift in family dynamics that can feel isolating. Strength for the Journey creates a supportive, affirming space for parents to connect, reflect, and learn together through guided conversation. Grounded in the Parent Café model, this workshop centers the voices and experiences of parents, recognizing them as experts in their own lives. Participants will engage in meaningful dialogue, share strategies, and gain access to resources that support resilience, well-being, and community connection. The workshop emphasizes mutual support, practical knowledge, and the power of a strong village in sustaining families over time.

This workshop explores the role of student volunteerism in fostering meaningful community engagement and strengthening local partnerships. Participants will learn how youth-led service projects benefit both program participants and the broader community. The session will share practical methods for integrating volunteerism into youth programming, with a strong emphasis on incorporating student voice in planning and implementation. Attendees will engage in hands-on activities that mirror the approaches used in our program, leaving them equipped with tools and strategies to build authentic, lasting community connections through youth involvement.

Transform your classroom into a hub of inquiry-based discovery with AI as your educational co-pilot. This dynamic, hands-on workshop demonstrates how educators can harness artificial intelligence to deepen student engagement and enhance critical thinking skills. Participants will interact directly with Brenda, TeachMe TV®’s voice-activated AI companion, experiencing firsthand how AI can guide students through questioning, investigation, data analysis, and reflective learning processes. Through collaborative breakout sessions, role-playing exercises, and live demonstrations, attendees will design and test ready-to-implement classroom activities while building confidence with AI integration. The workshop emphasizes practical application—participants will leave with printed STEM project materials, K-5 AI companion strategies, interactive games, and metacognitive learning tools. Perfect for directors and educators seeking innovative approaches to student-centered learning, this session bridges traditional pedagogy with cutting-edge technology. Discover how AI can amplify curiosity, support diverse learning styles, and create more personalized educational experiences that prepare students for tomorrow’s challenges.

This workshop delves into the concept of emotional and intellectual investment within the workplace, highlighting the crucial role individuals play in shaping a positive and productive work environment. The session underscores the importance of consistently contributing more to your workplace than you withdraw, not just in terms of effort and time but also through the quality of interactions and the positive energy you bring to your role. Participants will gain valuable insights into how their personal investment can significantly impact the overall dynamics of their workplace. They will be guided through practical strategies designed to strengthen relationships with colleagues, enhance communication, and foster a more inclusive and supportive workplace culture. By the end of the session, participants will have a deeper understanding of how to actively contribute to a thriving work environment where mutual respect, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose are at the forefront.

Eye to Eye National was founded 25 years ago with the mission of improving the educational experience and outcomes of students who learn differently. Our direct-to-student and learning community programming raises awareness of the neurodiversity movement and creates a more equitable and inclusive society for all learners.
In 2020, Eye to Eye National created The Neurodiversity Alliance (ND Alliance), our club-based school program designed and led by neurodivergent students. During this workshop, we will discuss the ND Alliance club model and share data about how the program impacts positive youth development, builds safe spaces and welcoming environments, mobilizes civic engagement, and offers college and career readiness and basic life skills. Additionally, attendees will deepen their understanding of The Neurodiversity Alliance’s other programs that support and empower neurodivergent students. Participants will learn how these programs help support students, develop leadership skills, and increase self-advocacy and positive identity.

Effective parent engagement is a cornerstone of building strong communities and supporting the holistic development of children. This workshop facilitated by members from the BSF Parent Leader team delves into best practices and strategies for cultivating and sustaining meaningful parent engagement. Drawing upon the expertise and experience of our team, participants will gain valuable insights and practical tools to foster authentic partnerships with parents/ caregivers.

An AI-driven and tech-savvy world is set to drive innovation and change at an unprecedented speed. How can we model adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, and innovation in the classroom while also preparing our students to thrive in this increasingly dynamic environment? In this session, we will discuss the impact of AI on our lives thus far and explore our expectations for the future. We will examine ways to embrace AI and incorporate programs that teach higher-order thinking skills through new and innovative formats within our curriculum. Lastly, we will highlight the importance of neurodiversity and the value of embracing differences. By focusing on strengths rather than deficits and encouraging all learners to pursue their interests and passions, we can better prepare and inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators.

ESSA-certified and National Science Foundation-funded, BuddyBooks turns oral reading into engaging, AI-driven micro-interventions, with most struggling readers build confidence and improve in less than 6 weeks.
BuddyBooks is being used in many afterschool programs to address the diverse literacy challenges faced by today’s youth. Learn how other Afterschool directors in Florida, South Carolina and Texas are using BuddyBooks to help get their struggling readers get back to grade level.
You’ll hear from other directors, see BuddyBooks in action, preview live dashboards and review outcome data. In one afterschool program, students who failed their end-of-year reading test in 3rd and 4th grade were back on grade level within months.

Please join us for a good laugh! Laughing is crucial for stress relief as it triggers the release of endorphins. These chemicals promote well-being and act as a natural stress buster. Laughter reduces stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, contributing to a more relaxed state. The physical act of laughing also leads to muscle relaxation, easing tension, and providing a momentary escape from stressors.

Moreover, the social aspect of laughter fosters connections, creating a supportive environment that further alleviates stress. Overall, laughter offers immediate relief and plays a role in promoting a positive mood and enhancing resilience to stress over time!

Research shows that the major factor in determining a student’s success in and out of school time hours is their social-emotional skills. This workshop demystifies S.E.L. by engaging participants in fun, magical, meaningful, and disguised S.E.L. and literacy activities they can easily transfer to their work with students, particularly during this critical time. The strategies shared are designed for ALL students of ALL learning styles to think critically, act empathically, play, and communicate ideas and feelings confidently.

What if your students didn’t just write stories – but discovered their voice, value, and vision in the process? In this interactive session, Shana Danielle, Curriculum Director at ThriveIn Learning, introduces youth authorship as a powerful tool for meaningful learning. You’ll explore how storytelling helps students build confidence, strengthen literacy, and develop leadership through their lived experiences. In just 30 minutes, you’ll walk away with one practical, plug-and-play resource you can use to help students begin writing their own books – even in a short-term program. Whether you lead afterschool sessions, SEL activities, or project-based learning, this workshop will leave you inspired and equipped to unlock student potential through the power of authorship.