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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.
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:
CAN Newsletter – Happy Holidays from CAN!
December 12, 2023
It’s the season for love and cheer! On
behalf of the California AfterSchool Network and the CAN
Leadership Team, we wish our CA Community of Educators during the
core day and Out-of-School-Time/Expanded Learning hours a
Happy Holiday!
Reflecting on the year’s ups and downs, we are grateful for all the memories made this year. Though the end of a year might seem bittersweet, it’s a new start that brings clarity and hope. In true CQI fashion, we embrace the lessons learned in 2023 to get wisdom, inspiration, and joy in the new year!
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #3
Fireside Chat: November 27, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #57!
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 continues a series of chats with 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:
STEAM Newsletter – Celebrating Native American Heritage Month
November 2023
November is Native American Heritage Month and is a time to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans and honor the significant contributions they have made to our society and STEAM. Check out NativeAmericanHeritageMonth.gov! This website has resources for teachers, educators, and our communities to learn more about the heritage and history of American Indians.
Interview with CA EXL Leadership Awardees #2
Fireside Chat: November 16, 2023
Join us for Fireside Chat #56!
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 continues a series of chats with 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:
