CAN Newsletter – Setting Up for Success!
September 10, 2024

CAN Newsletter

humans leaping in the air with their arms in the air, almost as leaping for joy, with a sunset behind themAs we embrace the Back to School season, our partnership with the Statewide System of Support (SSEL) empowers us to help OST practitioners and educators throughout the state set the stage for success. Together, we provide the tools and resources to support a strong start and a successful year ahead. Below are a few capacity and community-building opportunities you don’t want to miss to help Set Up for Success! 

Resources & Upcoming Events

  1. We highly encourage folks to check out and bookmark our Frequently Requested Resources, which are a hub of resources related to Expanded Learning, STEAM Learning, Health & Wellness, Supporting Site Coordinators, Policy & Advocacy items, and more! 
  2. The Fall 2024 ELO-P Academies kick off tomorrow, September 11, 2024, at 10:00 AM. This multi-day virtual convening of workshops is designed to support our District, School, and Community Partner practitioners with the design and continued implementation of the CA Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Learn more in our post below. 
  3. Join us at the Power of Expanded Learning to Support Substance Use Interventions, Health, Mental Health, and Thriving Families Workshop on September 25, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM. Learn from leaders in the field about Expanded Learning programs’ role in addressing Social Determinants of Health and connect to resources Expanded Learning programs can use for substance use prevention, intervention, and access to treatment. 
  4. Save the Date for the 2024 Light On Afterschool Celebration and the CA Expanded Learning Leadership Awards on Thursday, October 24, 2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM! Details are in our post below. 

In This Newsletter:

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Register Today for the Fall 2024 ELO-P Academy

Join Us for the Fall 2024 ELO-P Academy!
September 11, 12, 17 & 18, 2024

The Fall 2024 Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Academy begins in less than a week! Have you secured your spot yet? Don’t miss out and register today!

Hosted by the California AfterSchool Network in partnership with the CA Dept. of Education’s Expanded Learning Division and the System of Support for Expanded Learning (SSEL). This multi-day virtual convening of workshops is designed to support our District, School, and Community Partner practitioners with the design and continued implementation of the CA Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. Participants can connect, learn, strengthen, and hear promising practices from our ELO-P community. Each day, we will focus on one specific hot topic of ELO-P based on the overall needs of the field. Each workshop will be offered daily via Zoom from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST and includes a presentation on the topic with opportunities to engage with participants. 

Below are details for each workshop and registration links. Please note that each workshop requires registration. 

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four adults standing in front of a school bike shop with a bike shop sign.

Site Visit with Senator Laphonza Butler’s Office
September 3, 2024

CAN joined by Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) in hosting Thomas Hernandez, legislative correspondent from Senator Butler’s office, who joined us from DC. The visit to California was to see programs that showcased Youth Empowerment and Workforce Development. Naturally, BACR started us off by visiting Rusdale Newcomer Continuation High School in Oakland, where we got to see their after school program where they offer multiple programs that are popular with their students, including the Urban Arts and Beat Making program, the Recreation Team Building program, and the incredible Bike shop and program (pictured). Francisco Sanchez, Program Manager from BACR and former Site Coordinator at Rusdale, showed us all the excellent programming. 

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Symposium updates

2025 Site Coordinator Symposium Updates!
February 5, 7 & 8, 2025

In case you missed it, we recently announced essential updates for the 8th annual 2025 Site Coordinator Symposium in Sacramento, CA!

The Site Coordinator Symposium, presented by the California AfterSchool Network and supported by the Site Coordinator Network, California Department of Education Expanded Learning Division, and the System of Support for Expanded Learning, is an annual event designed to empower California Site Coordinators, Expanded Learning (EXL) educators, Out of School Time (OST) professionals, and their partners. This field-driven convening provides participants with valuable opportunities for capacity-building, networking, community-building, and plenty of fun while learning from peers, colleagues, and experts across the field.

This year, the Symposium will feature sessions dedicated to the growth, development, and success of Site Coordinators and Direct-Service staff. Additionally, there will be sessions on how Leadership can create systems and supports to enhance their success and overall program quality. We hope you can join us!

Check out our updates below. Questions or need support? Please contact our Symposium Support Team:

Read Symposium Updates

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2024 – 25 ELO-P Audit Guide

Please see the 2024-2025 ASES and ELO-P Audit Guide. Familiarize yourself and your team with the ASES and ELO-P audit procedures included in the 2023 – 24 Audit Guide. If you have any questions, please reach out to your regional CDE representatives. You can find their contact information here: https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/ex/sosexplearncontacts.asp.

Please note, to avoid an audit finding and its associated fiscal penalty, LEAs must document a resolution by the LEA’s governing board and provide documentation substantiating the need for such closure and show it to the auditors during the audit for meeting the school day and non-school day offering requirements.

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2024 LOA poster

Lights on Afterschool 2024!
Thursday, October 24, 2024

#LightsOnAfterschool, the national showcase for Out-of-School Time & Summer Learning Programs, is around the corner! Sign up and see how you can join the nationwide celebration on October 24! Learn More!

Afterschool programs make a difference in the lives of young people every day, inspiring learning and preparing students for a bright future! Put the #LightsOnAfterschool for the programs that help our kids, families, and communities thrive.

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BOLD flyer

Applications are Open for Building Our Leaders and Dreamers (BOLD Youth)!
Applications Due: September 20, 2024

ASAPconnect’s 2024-2025 cohort for Building Our Leaders and Dreamers (BOLD Youth) is accepting applications! They are looking for High School Juniors and Seniors who want to:

  • Build strengths-based leadership skills
  • Plan, research, and present about a community issue that is important to you
  • Practice mindfulness
  • Learn effective discussion facilitation methods

For more information, please click on this link. Applications are due September 20, 2024.

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Join Us for The Power of Expanded Learning to Support Substance Use Interventions and Health & Wellness Workshop
September 25, 2024, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

The Power of Expanded Learning to Support Substance Use Interventions, Health, Mental Health, and Thriving Families Workshop  promo The California AfterSchool Network (CAN), in partnership with California Youth Opioid Response (YOR CA), is excited to announce an informative workshop focusing on the Power of Expanded Learning to Support Substance Use Interventions, Health, Mental Health, and Thriving Families.

Workshop Details 

California boasts the most comprehensive system of school-based and school-linked Expanded Learning programs in the nation, encompassing before-school, after-school, intersession, and summer initiatives.

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Print-Ready Publications Graphic

Print-Ready CAN Publications are Now Available!

Are you preparing for the 2024-25 School Year? Do you need CAN Publications to support your Professional Development? We are happy to announce that print-ready files of our publications are ready to be shared with the field so you can print at your own convenience! 

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Suicide Prevention Month graphic

Suicide Prevention Month
September 2024

September observes Suicide Prevention Month. Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-14, the 3rd leading cause of death among those aged 15-24, and the 12th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. By sharing stories, educating communities, and promoting open dialogue, we can break down stigmas, offer hope to those struggling, and encourage a more compassionate approach to mental health challenges.

Explore more resources on Suicide Prevention from NAMI.

Remember, you are not alone. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or harm, help is available. Call or text 988.

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Recovery is Real graphic

National Recovery Month
September 2024

September is National Recovery Month! Started in 1989, National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Explore this year’s resources from SAMHSA on how you can spread awareness this September.

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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!