CAN Newsletter – December 2024
December 17, 2024
As many of us wrap up the year
and prepare to sign off to spend intentional time with our
loved ones and those who will continue to support our children
and families during the holidays, we’d like to remind everyone to
take a moment to acknowledge what was done this year to serve our
youth.
This year, there were many wins, a major one being that ELO-P funding was protected even during a difficult budget year. You all also continued to support students during difficult times and were innovative when necessary. You laughed with young people and made space for them to be their best selves. You held families when they needed it and advocated for them when you could. There are many wins this year, so take them! Cheers to 2024, and now we get ready for 2025!
On behalf of the CAN team, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
In This Newsletter:
Welcome Vanessa Hernandez!
CAN Team Member Welcome
We are so excited to welcome Vanessa Hernandez to our team! Vanessa joined the CAN team in early November 2024 as a Senior Specialist for the Policy & Outreach team.
Vanessa will be leading the strategic design work that will result 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.
CAN is Hiring!
October & November 2024
The CAN team is growing! We are currently hiring for two positions:
- Senior Specialist, Equity & Quality
- Administrative Assistant
Apply for the 2025-26 CAN Leadership Team!
Deadline Extended to January 20, 2025
CAN is Seeking New Leaders to join the CAN Leadership Team! CAN has a biannual process for recruiting new Leadership Team members (Leaders) that begins in October during the recruitment year. This year, CAN seeks 10+ new Leaders to join the 2025-26 Leadership Team. Yes, we are looking for you! We seek diverse perspectives related to advancing out-of-school time in California. No matter your leadership or expertise level, you have something to offer. Your voice and perspective are more than enough to begin leading today!
Happy 6th CANniversary Heather Williams!
December 3, 2024
This month marks an incredible milestone: Heather Williams, our Director for Policy and Outreach’s 6th CANniversary! Heather joined the CAN Team in 2018 and has shaped our policy and communications work. As the Director for Policy & Outreach, Heather oversees our policy, research, events, communications, graphic design work, and more.
Heather is an incredible leader – she holds each and every member of the Policy & Outreach team with care, always making sure we are taken care of and have the space to be the most excellent version of ourselves. Thank you for holding us with such grace, Heather! Cheers to six years!
CDE Updates
November & December 2024
Read updates from the California Department of Education for November and December 2024:
- Release of the ASES Universal RFA for FY 25-26 (November 19, 2024)
- Revised ELO-P Plan Guide is Posted on CDE Webpage (November 22, 2024)
- Cycle-A-ASES Renewal Application for FY 2025-26 (November 27, 2024)
- Fiscal Year 2025-26 ASES Frontier Transportation Application (December 12, 2024)
- ASES Universal RFA for FY 25-26 – Errata (December 17, 2024)
2025 Site Coordinator Symposium Announcements!
December 2024
We are excited to share
significant updates for the 2025 Site Coordinator
Symposium, which will be held February 5, 7, and 8, 2025, in
Sacramento, CA.
REGISTRATION - Secure your registration before late registration fees begin! We have extended General Registration, which closes on December 31, 2024. Late registration begins January 1 and closes on January 15, 2025. Tickets sales end on January 15, 2025. Register Today!
ELO-P Office Hours – Winter 2024-25
Register Today!
The California AfterSchool Network (CAN), in partnership with the California Department of Education (CDE) Expanded Learning Division (EXLD) and other members of the System of Support for Expanded Learning, is excited to co-host Winter ELO-P Office Hours!
Office Hour Dates & Registration
Select Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM:
- December 6, 2024 – This session has passed.
- January 17, 2025
- January 31, 2025
- February 21, 2025
Registration is Open!
21st Annual CA Afterschool & Summer Challenge
Registration is now open for the Afterschool and Summer Challenge in Sacramento on March 3-4, 2025! Join us as we support CalSAC at this annual event, which educates and empowers professionals, youth, and families to engage in grassroots advocacy for the out-of-school time field. By bringing personal stories from youth, parents, and practitioners directly to our representatives, the Challenge amplifies voices and inspires local advocacy, fostering civic engagement across the state.
Registration is OPEN for the CAUDLeading the Way 2025 Summit!
January 30 & 31, 2025; Stockton, CA
Registration is open for the CAUDLeading the Way 2025 Summit! The CAUDLeading the Way Summit is a unique gathering for California educators focusing on Universal Design for Learning (UDL). Participants will engage in discussions, workshops, and presentations by experts, exploring the latest UDL strategies, evidence-based concepts, and technologies.
*Virtual and In-Person Opportunities Available
Engage Every Student Recognition Program
Application Deadline: January 31, 2025; 8:59 PM PST
Applications are now live for the 2024-25 Engage Every Student Recognition Program! This recognition program aims to recognize non-profit organizations, city municipalities or local government entities and local education agencies (LEAs) working together to engage students in high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs. The application closes on Jan. 31, 2025 at 8:59 p.m. PST with two Office Hours opportunities to learn more about this year’s eligibility criteria and the application.
- Nov. 13, 2024 at 10:00 am PST. Register for the November Office Hours.
- Jan. 8, 2025 at 1:00 pm PST. Register for the January Office Hours.
Read more on the Recognition Program and access the application.
Mark Your Calendars for the 2026 and 2027 Site Coordinator Symposium!
We’re thrilled to share that the excitement for Site Coordinator Symposium doesn’t end in Sacramento. Be sure to mark your calendars – we’ll be in Long Beach in 2026 and Fresno in 2027!
While the Site Coordinator Symposium has a new, clearer identity with our full rebrand, our mission remains unchanged: to unite Site Coordinators across California to build community, ignite passion, and transform futures. We hope you can join us in this new chapter of our journey!
Promoting Cultural Proficiency in Youth Sports
Professional Development Resource
In this article, Positive Coaching Alliance highlights the importance of creating inclusive and respectful environments in youth sports through cultural proficiency. It explores how embracing diversity enhances team cohesion, athlete development, and equitable opportunities. It also addresses the risks of exclusion and stereotypes in culturally insensitive settings. Learn how coaches and programs can foster belonging and empower young athletes by celebrating their unique cultural identities.
Check Out Our Other Newsletters!
Access the CAN newsletter archives to view past newsletters today! You may be interested in some of our other newsletters as well:
CAN Health and Wellness Newsletters
- Get informed on the connections between afterschool and Whole Child Health and Wellness.
- Subscribe today!
CAN STEAM Newsletters
- Get informed about the Million Girl Moonshot project and access other STEAM resources.
- Subscribe today!
CAN Policy Newsletter
- Get informed about policy-related content, including national, state, and local updates, that supports our Expanded Learning programs.
- Subscribe today!