Dan River OST Network
VPOST is working to support and help establish local OST coalitions in service of a field that is connected and coordinated on the national, state, and local levels. On January 8th, VPOST Executive Director Blaire Denson shared strategies with the Dan River Regional OST Network on using continuous improvement to plan quality summer programming. This regional group works collaboratively to build and grow a strong OST local network, aligning with state goals in both Virginia and North Carolina. The United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania was released an impactful Case Study sharing the work of the network and how local philanthropy is working to increase OST program quality. Read the case study here. | | | Introducing the Quality Boost
This month, VPOST is launching a new newsletter feature: the Quality Boost. Each Boost offers a quick, practical tip or resource aligned to one of the Quality Standards for Virginia’s Out-of-School Time Programs. Think of it as a bite-sized way to offer aligned, high-quality practices.
To kick things off in January, the focus is on Health and Wellness, a timely reminder as many programs and educators set fresh goals for the year.
The Standard Health and Wellness says What It Might Look Like in practice: Provide opportunities for movement and education on the benefits of physical activity. When providing meals or snacks, include healthy options. Provide opportunities for nutrition education to children, youth, and families.
Did you know the National Afterschool Association (NAA) in partnership with the Collaborative for Advancing Health Equity in Out-of-School Time has National Standards for Healthy Eating and Physical Activity in OST Programs? Check them out here! Another great resource is Health Rocks from 4-H. The program has activities that youth can use to develop critical-thinking skills to navigate peer pressure and make decisions about health. Get those here.
Another What It Might Look Like: Use the toolkit from the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's resource library to set up a calming classroom space. Then walk your students (or staff!) through a 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique.
If you want to dive deeper into Health and Wellness or any of our other Quality Standards, you can learn more here. | | | General Assembly News The Virginia General Assembly will begin meeting on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, for a 60-day session to handle legislation and the state budget. After our historic win to establish the first state budget line item for OST, VPOST will advocate for this program to remain level-funded. Stay tuned to VPOST communications on opportunities to support these advocacy efforts.
OST Workgroup Recommendations Finalized
Over the summer, VPOST joined the General Assembly directed the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) workgroup to develop recommendations on the future of out-of-school-time (OST) care for school-age children. The findings and recommendations were reported to the Governor and the Chairmen of the House Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education and Health by December 1, 2025.
The final recommendations can be viewed here and focus on three key areas: health and safety, access, and program quality.
What's next? This report will not automatically change childcare licenses, as that is something that is codified into law. What the report does is provide materials to increase state government leaders' awareness and understanding of the current status and needs of the field. VPOST will use this report to advocate for policies that support the field and children served in OST programs. | | | | | | Aim High Grant, RFP Now Open
On behalf of the New York Life Foundation, the Afterschool Alliance invites out-of-school time programs to apply for a competitive grant opportunity to support and bolster the ability of afterschool and summer learning programs to help prepare middle school students for success in high school, college, and life.
Forty general operating grants of $20,000 will be awarded. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations providing afterschool and summer programming for middle school youth, with at least 80% of those served from families with low incomes. Join Afterschool Alliance on on January 15, 2026 to learn more (Register for the webinar). RFPs are due Friday, February 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. View the full RFP and submit your application here. | | | Mott Million Dollar Pitch Challenge
Join the Mott Million Dollar Challenge — a pitch competition for kids and teens. This is the place where your best ideas come to life. Kids and teens grades K-12, from any U.S. state or the District of Columbia can enter solo or with a team of up to three. Just jot down your idea, record a simple 30-90 second video about it and submit by February 27th, 2026. Kids and teens will compete for real cash prizes throughout the competition, with a total prize pool of $1M. Learn more here. | | | 826 National invites applications for 2026 Write to Thrive Fund grants
826 National invites eligible youth-serving organizations—such as schools and out-of-school-time providers to apply for $20,000 grants that provide access to 826 National’s writing and SEL curriculum and training, strengthening partners’ capacity to support young people’s creative expression and well-being. RFPs are due January 21, 2026. Learn more here. | | | National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) Power of We Creativity Contest
Our friends at the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) have announced The Power of We Creativity Contest in celebration of Civic Learning Week! Students in grades 6–12 are invited to creatively explore how working together for the common good strengthens communities and how civic learning, service, and engagement can drive positive change.
One winner will be selected in each of four creative categories, with each receiving a $1,000 prize. Submissions are due by March 1 at 11:59 PM CST. Learn more here. | | | Chronic Conditions Webinar, January 29, 2026Youth with chronic health conditions participate in out-of-school time (OST) programs every day, and with the right support, these environments can play a powerful role in their overall well-being. This training equips OST professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to create safe and supportive experiences for all youth.
Join the Collaborative for Advancing Healthy Experiences in OST (CAHE-OST) on Jan. 29th at 2:00. Register here. | | | NAA 26 Convention, March 11–14, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is thrilled to invite you to NAA26, the largest gathering of out-of-school time professionals in the nation. VPOST is proud to serve as the NAA Affiliate for Virginia.
This year’s theme Dream. Dare. Do. is a bold call to action for our field. At a time when OST and summer programs are facing serious challenges, NAA26 will be a space to reconnect with purpose, gather strength, and take action.
Whether you're a new professional or a seasoned leader, you'll find powerful learning, inspiring keynotes, and a vibrant community at NAA26.
Learn more and register today! | | | | January is Mentoring Month
January is National Mentor Month. Our friends at MENTOR Virginia have resources to support your mentoring programs. MENTOR Virginia training sessions: Important Dates January 19th: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is a holiday dedicated to acts of community service by volunteers across the nation to honor Dr. King's legacy. January 28th: Is #ThankYourMentor Day, a day for the movement to celebrate mentors by expressing gratitude for their presence, support, and the profound impact they've had on their mentees.
The National Mentoring Summit: This event brings together mentoring practitioners, researchers, philanthropic investors, youth leaders, government and civic partners, and Affiliates from across the country to unite under the shared goal of driving positive change for young people. Register here.
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