CAN Newsletter – November Reflections
November 13, 2024
November is here, and so much has already happened! The elections have concluded, and now we begin to analyze and understand the changes that will come on January 1, 2025. You can read our election results post for results on the state propositions and election resources.
Our country and state have undergone significant changes in recent years, which can understandably lead to feelings of anxiety and nervousness when reviewing the election results. However, we firmly believe in the power of young people and the dedication of those who show up every day to educate them before, during, and after school. It is crucial for us to stay grounded in our purpose each day, as our families and young people need our support.
On a note of celebration during this election, young people ages 16 and 17 voted for the first time in their local school board elections in Berkeley and Oakland! This achievement required voter approval and the organizing efforts of youth in the community. To learn more about this, you can read the EdSource article or listen to their Education Beat podcast.
November is also Native American Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the history of Native Americans in our country, their impact, and their resilience. It is a moment to appreciate their rich cultural contributions and foster gratitude and reflection. As we gather with our families during the holiday season, we encourage everyone to remember their stories of courage.
In This Newsletter:
CAN is Hiring!
October 2024
Do you or do you know someone who is passionate about Positive Youth Development and dedicated to supporting thriving children, families, schools, and communities?
CAN is hiring a Senior Specialist to join the Equity & Quality Team!
The Senior Specialist’s primary responsibility, under the supervision of CAN’s Director of Equity and Quality, will be to support a new and innovative cross-sector initiative to advance school-based mental health in Expanded Learning settings. The Senior Specialist will also support diverse local collaboratives as they seek to implement school-based mental health efforts sustained through the CYBHI Statewide Multi-Payer Fee Schedule.
CAN On the Move
October 2024
This last year has been a year of growth, and with that comes exciting changes within the CAN team. Join us in celebrating new professional milestones for our CAN team members:
- Leslye Lugo has been promoted to Senior Specialist, Policy and Outreach. Leslye joined the CAN team in 2021 as a Specialist for Policy and Outreach. Leslye works primarily on the policy side of the house: authoring the State of the State of Expanded Learning, co-leading our SOC Code Work, and building the field’s capacity on advocacy and policy.
Congratulations, Leslye!
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!
2025 Site Coordinator Symposium Updates!
We are excited to connect with virtual and in-person participants at the 2025 Site Coordinator Symposium, which will be held February 5, 7, and 8, 2025, in Sacramento, CA. Below are a few updates:
Celebrating the California Expanded Learning Leadership Awards!
Thursday, October 24, 2024; 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The California AfterSchool Network, California Department of Education, and System of Support for Expanded Learning celebrated Lights On Afterschool by recognizing leaders across the state!
Congratulations to the Awardees, and thank you for the fantastic work you do in your communities!
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
The first approximately 30 minutes will be set aside to provide the latest updates. The remaining time will be used for Q&A and for sharing promising practices.
Registration Details:
- Register for each Office Hour session by accessing each individual registration link above.
- Please note you will need to register separately for each office hours session. There is a meeting cap as we try to keep the space small enough for generative discussion.
- After registering, you will receive a confirmation email from Zoom containing information about joining the meeting.
We look forward to connecting with you! For questions or support, please contact Melissa Perez.
Afterschool Funding Database
Did you know that the Afterschool Alliance has a Afterschool Funding Database? Funding for programs comes from various sources, including federal, state, and local governments, foundations, and other donors. Finding and assessing these funding options can be time-consuming, especially with limited resources.
This tool lets you search for funding by state, grade level, program area, and funding type (private or government). You can quickly see application deadlines, eligibility requirements, and a brief description of each opportunity.
Greater Good Educators Winter/Spring 2025 Cohorts Applications Are Open!
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley is accepting
applications for their Winter/Spring 2025 Cohorts. These
cohorts provide educators with insights into the science and
practical strategies for enhancing individual and collective
well-being, helping develop classroom environments where students
and adults thrive.
This Winter/Spring, they are offering two different
communities of practice:
- Re(Rooted to Others): Grace, Love, and Sense of Worth: Explore the science of grace, love, and sense of worth to create more inclusive, compassionate, and empowering educational environments.
- Bridging for Belonging: Empathy, Humility, and Forgiveness: Explore the science of empathy, humility, forgiveness, and hope to develop skills for bridging differences in schools.
FREE Social Emotional Learning Course at UC Berkeley
Spring 2025; Orientation begins February 5, 2025
UC Berkeley Extension and School of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sacramento County Office of Education, and California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) CalHOPE Student Support Project, is currently enrolling for their Spring 2025 cohort of the UC Berkeley Social and Emotional Learning Foundations course!
SEL Foundations is a 12-week, 3-credit, online, graduate-level course designed for California classroom teachers who work directly with PreK-12th grade students.
This course will bolster participants’ capacity to support their students with research-based SEL and well-being practices in their classrooms and schools while supporting their own personal development and wellness. Upon successful completion, participants will be credited 3 graduate units from UC Berkeley, rated the number one public university in the world.
Orientation begins February 7, 2025 - begin the enrollment process today!
*Use priority registration code: SP25PARTNERS
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.
Save the Date!
21st Annual CA Afterschool & Summer Challenge
Registration for the annual statewide California Afterschool & Summer Challenge will open on November 15. This event aims to educate and empower professionals, youth, and families to engage in grassroots advocacy. By participating, attendees help advance the out-of-school time field and also learn how to speak out and create change in their communities.
Election Updates & Resources
Though the elections have passed, not all ballots have been counted and posted, which can sometimes create more nervousness as updates come in. It’s important to take time for yourself, prioritize your well-being, and ensure you are managing your needs. Below are the current results for state propositions and additional resources for you and the families and students you support.
Election Results for State Propositions
As of November 13, 2024
Prop 2 Public Education Bonds – Yes
Prop 3 Right to Marry – Yes
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!