VPOST is Expanding! Welcome to the Team, Michelle and Nathan! | | VPOST is excited to announce that Michelle Simpson has joined our team as the VPOST Youth Ambassador Coordinator! In this role, Michelle will be responsible for managing and supporting VPOST's Youth Ambassador Chapters by facilitating leadership, civic engagement, and advocating for youth while fostering relationships with educators and community partners. Michelle Simpson has been a passionate advocate for youth development for over 25 years. She is currently a Youth Development Specialist and Coordinator for Alternatives Inc. Michelle has extensive leadership experience including serving as a Community District Commissioner for the city of Hampton, representing non-profit youth programs, National Afterschool Alliance Ambassador for the state of Virginia 2021-2022, and Vice Chair of the Stonehouse community youth activities programs. To learn more about Michelle and her work, visit her page on our website. | | VPOST is excited to welcome Nathan Groce to the team as our new Development Consultant. Nathan is the CEO of Market Me Consulting and brings over 20 years of experience in fundraising, development, and marketing across the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors. He is partnering with VPOST to strengthen our fundraising capacity, diversify revenue streams, and ensure our development efforts align with our long-term strategic goals.
As a proud beneficiary of out-of-school time programs in his home state of Maryland, Nathan brings both professional expertise and a personal passion for expanding access to high-quality OST opportunities. He holds a BS in Finance and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business.
To learn more about Nathan and his work, visit his page on our website. | | | | 1.4 million children across the United States are at risk of losing their afterschool programs, including +23,000 in Virginia, if 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding is eliminated in next year’s federal budget. Supporters like you must urge Congress to protect afterschool funding! Here's some ways to act: Complete the Action Alert: Fill in your information to contact your representatives and demand they protect funding! Send a Postcard: Postcard messages can be fun and easy! Personal notes with stories about the impact of afterschool in their communities gives policymakers insight on the critical role of programs—and why afterschool programs must be funded. Share on Socials: Use curated social media tools to connect with elected officials online, rally your networks, and share the campaign to protect federal funding for afterschool programs!
| | EMU Graduate Certificate Program: Supporting Professionals Engaged in Out-of-School Time Youth Work | | | | |
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has educator resources for increasing your own knowledge plus lesson plans, LGBTQ+ themed/inclusive books, and more. The Proud Trust has created a downloadable Pride Pack for schools, to equip you in being fully LGBT+ inclusive in your practice and curriculum. The LGBT+ resource includes weekly pre-planned lessons for assemblies and tutor time; engaging activities to help young people create their own Pride event and tips on how to make your school environment more inclusive. Live Out Loud inspires, nurtures, and empowers LGBTQ+ youth to build a successful future by connecting them to positive role models and affirmative experiences in the LGBTQ+ community. They have multiple lesson plans and resources for Gay-Straight Alliances, Diversity Clubs, and more. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ young people under 25. Side by Side is one of Virginia's leading LGBTQ+ serving organizations whose services include youth programs and training for youth-serving organizations across Virginia.
| | | | Juneteenth annually falls on June 19th and commemorates the day that enslaved Texans learned they would be free. This came 2.5 years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation that legally ended slavery.
Juneteenth is both a learning opportunity and a cause for celebration for youth, families, and staff alike. There are numerous local events. Honor the day in your program with historical lessons of the fight for freedom and celebrate the enduring resiliency and empowerment of Black American culture and people. Here are some resources to get you started.
VPM: In this lesson, students will explore and discuss the history and context of the Juneteenth holiday in the United States. Topics include the history of racial injustice and the limitations of the Emancipation Proclamation. Additionally, students will explore the modern significance of Juneteenth. Teaching Juneteenth from Teaching for Justice provides historical information and educators can sign up for a learning plan. Juneteenth in Picture Books recommends illustrated picture books for younger readers that explain Juneteenth
| | | National Summer Learning Week is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer, ensuring they return to school ready to succeed in the year. This year the festivities will take place July 14-18, 2025. Celebrating is easy with this toolkit that has ready-to-go resources. | | | YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR PITCH CHALLENGEOut-of-School Time contest open through July 31, 2025 The 2025 Out-of-School Time Pitch Challenge is in full swing, and YEI would love to help you get started. Young Entrepreneur Institute is offering virtual kick-off sessions where we can pop into your summer program (via Zoom or your platform of choice) to introduce the challenge, share pitch tips, and get your students excited to create their own business ideas. It’s a great way to: Spark creativity and curiosity Help students feel confident about pitching Make entrepreneurship come alive in your program
Whether you’re just getting started or already registered, we’re here to support you. Want to participate in the pitch challenge? Things To Know: Students will compete in grade-level divisions (K–4, 5–8, and 9–12) for over $3,000 in prizes, with a chance to be featured in our Winners Showcase. Top student pitches can win up to $250! If your program submits 5 or more video pitches, you’ll earn a free class party — choose from pizza, ice cream, or donuts! The deadline to submit your pitch videos is July 31st. Register your program.
Book a virtual kickoff session today and let’s launch your students into the world of entrepreneurship! |
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