| | As you read this newsletter, it has been two weeks since federal 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) funds have not been released by the federal government. This means approximately $23.3M for Virginia. This withholding has already had a negative impact on many of the nearly 23,000 Virginia youth and their families who rely on these programs for a safe, nurturing space to attend and enjoy. Summer programs, in particular, are a key component to a young person’s educational experience, helping to reduce learning loss when they aren’t engaged in active learning.
Across the nation, 10,000 sites serving nearly 1.4M youth are also being impacted. Quite simply, these funds need to be released. VPOST needs your voices and energy to make this happen. Let’s contact Governor Youngkin to urge him to support the release of these funds so that Virginia families can access these programs for their children. The Afterschool Alliance has also made it easy to advocate for the release of these funds: Use this form to send a message to your representatives in Congress. Encourage the parents in your program to fill out the form as well as your friends and family members.
This act of advocacy takes less than five minutes to show your unwavering support for children and families. Thank you for taking action. | | | Registration NOW OPEN! The 16th annual VPOST conference is just two months away! Join us on Monday, September 15, at the Virginia Crossings Hotel and Conference Center in Richmond. With the theme The Heartbeat of OST: Relationships that Inspire, Empower, and Transform, conference attendees can expect a full day of learning, fun, and connection. In addition to attending the event, there are other ways to be involved: | | Be a great colleague!: VPOST will recognize up to three individuals dedicated to quality for an OST Champion Award who are nominated by their colleagues. Use this form to nominate a colleague who you believe encompasses these qualities. Deadline is Friday, August 1.
Be an exhibitor!: The conference typically draws 200 OST professionals and is a great way to showcase your services or program. With multiple times throughout the day for attendees to enjoy the exhibit hall, think of all the conversations you can have. Download the exhibitor info packet here.
Be a star!: VPOST will create short conference spotlight videos featuring OST professionals, youth participants, and advocates to be featured during the conference. What makes OST unique in your community–and how do you see the positive impact of relationships? If interested, email Christine to get started. (Remember, you don’t have to attend the conference to be featured in a video!) All video submissions must be received by August 4. | | | | It’s National Summer Learning Week! This nationwide celebration shines a spotlight on the importance of summer learning programs that provide safe, creative learning spaces that spark interest–and help close the learning gap that occurs when children aren’t engaged in learning opportunities during the summer months. These programs help working families, who know their children are fortified not only by fun learning, but also nutritious snacks and meals.
Summer Learning Week is an excellent opportunity to invite community leaders and policymakers to your programs and show them what you do is crucial for children's growth and success. And in this trying time of funding, showcasing the brilliance of your program’s efforts is even more essential. VPOST wants to hear what you’re doing this summer. Please share photos and stories using the hashtags #SummerLearningWeek, #KeepKidsLearning, and #vpost4vakids on your social media channels! | | | Advancing Computer Science Education Grant FY26 Request for Proposal
VDOE has announced the release of the FY26 Advancing Computer Science Education Request for Proposals with funding to support K–12 computer science initiatives. This competitive grant opportunity supports the implementation of the 2024 Computer Science SOL, and provides funding to develop high-quality instructional resources, professional development, student experiences, and expand access to advanced CS learning opportunities. A required pre-proposal webinar will be held on July 17, at 9:00 a.m. Registration is required. Visit the VDOE Computer Science webpage for details or contact Keisha Tennessee with questions. | | | If you need engaging ideas for your OST program, then Mizzen Education is your new best friend! Created by the Mott Foundation, Mizzen is a free education platform specific to the OST field that eases the burden of finding high-quality content and adapting it for young people. Mizzen partners with education organizations like PowerUp Fitness, Learn Fresh, The Nature Conservancy, and others to provide activities that teach skills using hands-on and minds-on strategies.
You can create a free individual or team-based account to get access to learning resources vetted by members of the OST field as well as weekly content delivered to your email address. Sign up here to get started! | | | On June 26, VPOST was proud to present at the Metropolitan Educational Research Consortium (MERC) Summit. Blaire and Christine’s session highlighted how state investments in OST results in expanded access to programs and improved outcomes for children and families. They were also energized by the opportunity to connect with fellow OST champions, including an independent researcher working to bring local private funding to OST programs in his region of Virginia. Thank you, MERC, for bringing us together to discuss policy, research, and practice. VPOST hopes to return next year! |
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