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The purpose of the California AfterSchool Network is to increase access to high-quality out-of-school time programs that support success for all children and youth.
News and Events
We are committed to providing you with the resources and tools necessary to build high quality out-of-school time programs in California. Keep up to date with all the latest news and events.
CA FY 2024-25 Budget Updates & Impacts on Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: July 12, 2024
Join us for the 62nd Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the recently adopted FY 24-25 budget including the K-12 Education Trailer Bill and their impacts on Expanded Learning, as well as Legislative Updates related to Expanded Learning.
Resources
CAN is Hiring!
July 2024
Exciting news! We are hiring a Senior Specialist to join the Policy and Outreach team at CAN!
Senior Specialist – Policy & Outreach
The Senior Specialists’ primary responsibility, under the supervision of CAN’s Director of Policy and Outreach, will be to oversee and manage a strategic design process resulting in an “Ecosystem Plan to Leverage California’s Expanded Learning Infrastructure.” This strategic design process and plan will build on the foundation of A Vision for Expanded Learning in California, Strategic Plans 1.0 and 2.0. This role will work with the CAN Director Team to hold the primary responsibility for oversight of the design process including garnering data from multiple interest-holders, designing, implementing, reflecting on, and continuously improving implementation efforts for maximum impact. This includes completing associated financial and administrative tasks, convening multiple teams, and providing leadership, guidance, and support for different configurations of interest holders with unique roles and responsibilities to ensure the success of this process.
CAN Policy Newsletter – California’s Budget Agreement & Expanded Learning
July 10, 2024
In late June the Governor and Legislature reached an agreement on the 2024-25 California Budget and on June 26, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2024 (AB 107). Governor Newsom made it clear that the budget would maintain strong support for schools, including Expanded Learning.
CAN Newsletter – Celebrating National Summer Learning Week!
July 9, 2024
“Let the summer begin with adventures that never end.”
The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has transformed the annual National Awareness Day into a week-long celebration, now known as National Summer Learning Week, July 15 – 19, 2024!
Health & Wellness Newsletter – Supporting the Whole Child
June 25, 2024
June is the start of Summer, but it is also a month full of celebration and remembrance. This month, we honor LGBTQ+ Pride Month and Juneteenth—two important observances pivotal to recognizing the intersectionality of identity and diverse lived experiences of our communities children, youth, and families. The diversity of our youth highlights that caring for them isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.
CAN Newsletter – Happy Pride, Juneteenth, & Summer!
June 19, 2024
CAN is Committed to Equity and Justice. We stand in solidarity and celebrate Pride Month every June to honor the LGBTQ+ community’s triumphs, present struggles, and the ongoing fight for equality.
Policy Updates and Conversation with Vallejo Expanded Learning & Lead by Learning
Fireside Chat: May 30, 2024
Join us for the 61st Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the Governor’s recently released May Revision of the budget for FY 24-25, and chat with Vallejo Expanded Learning and one of their partners Lead by Learning to learn more about their culture of supporting adult learners and building high-quality programs. Guests include:
STEAM Newsletter – Get Ready for a Summer of Computer Science!
May 28, 2024
Summer is right around the corner and you know what that means - the start of Summer of CS, a part of California’s Year-Round Computer Science (CS) Professional Learning Program! With schools on break, afterschool programs can step in to offer enriching, hands-on experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom. Whether it’s through coding boot camps, robotics clubs, or app development workshops, these initiatives can inspire the next generation of tech innovators.
CAN Newsletter – Celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month!
May 22, 2024
Did you know that more than 40% of teens said they persistently felt sad or hopeless?
Did you know that 98% of educators said mental health challenges are a barrier to children’s education? According to the Kids Mental Health Foundation, the leading organization promoting mental health for children in the United States, states, “For kids, building connections matters,” and “helping children and youth build healthy relationships helps protect their mental health.”
Health & Wellness Newsletter – Spring into Self-Care!
April 23, 2024
As we move out of Winter and into the bloom of Spring, there’s a natural inclination to embrace renewal and rejuvenation. With longer days comes the opportunity and celebration of self-care in all of its different forms!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and a perfect time to reflect on your well-being and how you can continue to support yourself and the people around you.
CAN Newsletter – Celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!
April 9, 2024
On April 22-26, 2024, we will join others in celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW)! Led by the National Afterschool Association (NAA), APAW is a dedicated week to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
STEAM Newsletter – Celebrating Women’s History Month!
March 2024
As Women’s History Month draws to a close, let’s take a moment to honor the remarkable contributions of women in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics). Throughout history, women have played pivotal roles in shaping the landscape of scientific discovery, innovation, and technological advancement. Today, we honor women making waves in STEAM, from ground-breaking research to fostering diversity. Their success emphasizes the importance of breaking gender barriers in pursuing our passions and shaping a brighter future.
CAN Newsletter – Spring into Events Season!
March 12, 2024
With Spring Equinox around the corner, you know what that means… events season is here! CAN is excited to participate in multiple convenings in Spring and Summer! In case you missed it, we are wrapping up day two of the 20th annual California Afterschool and Summer Challenge in Sacramento. Hosted by CalSAC, CAN is a proud partner of the annual statewide Challenge, which educates and empowers professionals, youth, and families to engage in grassroots advocacy.
Budget Updates Education Omnibus Trailer Bill
Fireside Chat: February 13, 2024
Join us for the 60th Fireside Chat!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). They provide updates on the recently released Education Omnibus Trailer Bill and in particular the proposal around Attendance Recovery.
Resources
Health & Wellness Newsletter – Honoring Black History Month in March
March 5, 2024
This past February, we honored Black History Month with a profound appreciation for Black individuals’ resilience, achievements, and contributions throughout history. This month serves as a reminder of the struggles overcome, the triumphs celebrated, and the ongoing journey toward equity and justice.
CAN Newsletter – The 2024 Symposium Was a BLAST!
February 29, 2024
We are still riding high on all the Symposium & Agents of Change love! The Symposium Planning Team, with support from the California AfterSchool Network, California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division, and the System of Support for Expanded Learning, convened the 7th annual Site Coordinator Symposium - Agents of Change: Growing with Expanded Learning, this past week, virtually on Wednesday, February 21, via Zoom and in person on Friday, February 23, and Saturday, Febr
Budget Updates & Highlighting Partnerships to Support Expanded Learning
Fireside Chat: January 23, 2024
Join us for Fireside Chat #59!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD).
They provide updates on the Governor’s recently released, proposed budget for FY 24-25, and chat with district leaders across the state and one of their partners that support them to provide unique, high-quality opportunities for students, including:
CAN Newsletter – Happy New Year 2024!
January 11, 2024
Welcome to a new year and a new
beginning! In Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
fashion, CAN appreciates the lessons 2023 brought and
the growth 2024 will show. Check out our post below with
highlights from 2023; we are
grateful for our experiences, partnerships, and work with all of
you wonderful humans! We are excited to kick off a leap
year with 366 new days and 366 new opportunities to
support children, youth, and our OST and EXL fields.
STEAM Newsletter – #MentoringAmplifies
January 30, 2024
Happy New Year! Welcome to the first
installment of the CAN STEAM newsletter for 2024! In honor
of National
Mentoring Month, we reflect on the profound impact
mentors have on shaping the lives of individuals. Whether it’s
guiding aspiring minds, offering valuable insights, or providing
a supportive shoulder, mentors play a pivotal role in nurturing
the potential within each of us.
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #4
Fireside Chat: December 5, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #58!
In this chat, Heather Williams from the California AfterSchool Network is joined by Michael Funk, Director of the Expanded Learning Division of the California Department of Education (EXLD). This chat wraps up a series of chats with the 2023 California Expanded Learning Leadership Awardees who were recognized earlier this year during the annual Lights On Afterschool celebration. In this first inspirational chat, we are joined by:
