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The Quality Boost offers quick, practical tips or resources aligned with one of Virginia's Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs. Think of it as a bite-sized way to offer aligned, high-quality practices.
November brings the start of the winter holiday season when so many of us are spending time with loved ones. It's a great time to reflect on our Standard on Relationships.
The Standard Relationships says What It Might Look Like in practice: To put this into action try: Checking in regularly on how people are feeling Share your thought processes, like explaining how you came to a decision on something Admit mistakes and lessons learned Use a calm, respectful tone Ask for feedback and respond without defensiveness Be explicit about expectations (clear is kind!) Avoid public shaming or sarcasm Address issues privately when appropriate Offer training on de-escalation, conflict resolution, and active listening Notice and praise when people communicate well
Want to dive deeper? Complete a relational culture survey. This resource is from the Search Institute and offers a self-assessment of core mindsets, skills, practices, and supporting structures that cultivate a relationship-rich culture.
To learn more about Realtionships or any of our other Quality Standards, find more information here.
| | | | Regional Coalitions Showed Up and Out for LOA! | There are so many benefits from OST programs participating in their regional OST networks. One of our favorties is watching them collectively host Lights on Afterschool events. Here is how some of our coaltions celebrated last month. | | The members of the Harrisonburg OSL Coalition came together at City Hall to celebrate Mayor Reed signing the Lights on Afterschool proclamation and lit up their city blue! | | Alexandria Beyond the Classroom celebrated Lights on Afterschool at The Campagna Center and Liberty's Promise. They hosted several local elected officials to shine the light on afterschool programs in Alexandria! | | In Danville, the City Council signed the Lights on Afterschool Proclamation supporting afterschool and summer learning programs. The Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors also signed a Lights on Afterschool Proclamation.
Way to shine a light on afterschool! | | | | Family and Children Trust Fund
FACT (Family and Child Trust Fund) provides up to $5,000 in ad hoc financial support to organizations that host statewide and local activities that improve the prevention, treatment, or public awareness of family violence. Grants support activities that improve the prevention, treatment, or public awareness of family violence for Virginians and have a statewide or local impact. Requests for the quarter are due November 30th and must be submitted to FACT’s Executive Director, Nicole.poulin@dss.virginia.gov
Full details here. | | VFHY: Rural Health Innovation Grants | | Individual Grant Awards:Â $300,000 to $1.5 million Eligible Service Area: 76 rural Virginia localities Initial Funding Period:Â Contract start date through Aug. 31, 2027 Application Deadline: Thursday, Dec. 17, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET
Who Can Apply? Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, for-profit businesses, schools and school divisions, Tribal entities, and government agencies. Applicants do not need to be technology companies. Technology should be used as part of a broader approach to improve youth health, and project success should be measured by health impact, not simply by the adoption, use, or expansion of a technology product.
Priority will be given to projects serving youth who face greater barriers to good health, including those in low-income communities. Learn more here. | | | Join Us at NAA 2027 in Denver
Join us March 14–17, 2027, in Denver, Colorado, for NAA27 Convention: Built to Last. Ready to Rise.
As a proud NAA Affiliate, we invite our members to be part of this national gathering of afterschool professionals. NAA27 is an opportunity to step outside your day-to-day work and connect with people who understand the challenges you face, exchange ideas you can put into action, strengthen your leadership, and return home energized for what’s ahead.
Whether this will be your first NAA Convention or one of many, there’s a place for you in this community.
And this year is especially meaningful: together, we’ll celebrate 40 years of NAA and the people who have helped build and strengthen the afterschool profession.
Our field has been built to last. Now we’re ready to rise.
đź“Ť Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center | Denver, CO
📅 March 14–17, 2027
| | | | | | | 2027 Next Gen Nominations Now OpenThe next generation of afterschool leadership is already here. You may work alongside one of its leaders every day.
From November 2 through December 4, nominations will be accepted for NAA’s 2027 class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders. This recognition honors young professionals whose ideas, persistence, and contributions are making a difference beyond their immediate roles.
They may be elevating youth voice, designing creative programs, supporting colleagues, advocating for afterschool, or finding new ways to strengthen their communities. A thoughtful nomination can affirm that their leadership has been noticed and connect them with opportunities to learn, grow, and build relationships across the national afterschool community.
Who in your network is ready for this recognition?
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