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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.” 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.