Newsletters
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.
CAN Newsletter – Celebrating the 25th Annual Lights on Afterschool!
October 10, 2024
#LightsOnAfterschool is right around the corner! Join the largest nationwide celebration for afterschool and summer learning programs on Oct. 24, 2024! Lights On Afterschool is the biggest day of the year for afterschool programs to make a splash online, get trending, and reach new audiences about their impact. We’re proud to join communities in celebration!
CAN Newsletter – Setting Up for Success!
September 10, 2024
As 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
The End of the Legislative Season + Light’s On!
September 17, 2024
We are at the end of the legislative
season! The bills that passed the legislature are now
awaiting the governor’s decision. The deadline for the governor
to sign or veto them is September 30th.
Due to it being an election year, the legislative season ends early, giving legislators time to work on their campaigns for election or reelection.
STEAM Newsletter – Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month!
September 24, 2024
National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated every year from September 15 to October 15. This month, we honor the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in shaping our world—not only in history, art, and culture but also in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
From artists such as Frida Kahlo, known for her deeply personal and emotional art, to scientists such as Ellen Ochoa, the first Latina astronaut to go to space, the fusion of Hispanic culture and STEAM has sparked creativity, resilience, and innovation. This collective of trailblazing engineers, scientists, and artists continues to inspire the next generation of thinkers and creators, breaking barriers, and driving innovation forward.
Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
Health & Wellness Newsletter – Back-to-School Wellness
August 27, 2024
It’s back-to-school season! As youth development practitioners, youth, their families, and communities prepare to embark on a new school year, remember to prioritize your physical, emotional, and mental wellness like you did over the summer.
CAN Newsletter – Back to School!
August 13, 2024
As summer break ends, the CAN Team
wishes children, youth, families, OST practitioners, and
educators a great 2024-25 school year! Whether you’re a
student, teacher, or parent, here’s to a school year full of
growth, learning, and success!
Shout out to the Youth Development practitioners who play a crucial role in shaping the lives of young people. Youth development isn’t just a job—it’s a mission. Thank you for being a beacon of hope and support for so many.
CAN Policy Newsletter – California’s Budget Agreement & Expanded Learning
July 10, 2024
In late June the Governor and Legislature reached an agreement on the 2024-25 California Budget and on June 26, Governor Newsom signed the Budget Act of 2024 (AB 107). Governor Newsom made it clear that the budget would maintain strong support for schools, including Expanded Learning.
STEAM Newsletter – A Summer of Workshops and Activities!
July 23, 2024
Summer is more than just a break from school—it’s the perfect time to engage students in the exciting world of STEAM. This week commemorates the National Summer Learning Association’s National Summer Learning Week (July 15-19, 2024), which is dedicated to celebrating and emphasizing the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy throughout the summer and ensuring they return to school prepared for success in the upcoming year.
CAN Newsletter – Celebrating National Summer Learning Week!
July 9, 2024
“Let the summer begin with adventures that never end.”
The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has transformed the annual National Awareness Day into a week-long celebration, now known as National Summer Learning Week, July 15 – 19, 2024!
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.
CAN Policy Newsletter – May Revise Protects Expanded Learning!
June 5, 2024
May Revise has come! After the Governor delivered his May Revision presentation on May 10th, more details were shared, and much discussion ensued.
We are grateful for our Governor’s commitment to education and are happy to see Expanded Learning funding protected!
“I want to see us preserve the progress we’ve made on Community Schools, Preschool, Afterschool, and Summer school for all. The work we’re doing is nation-leading in the education space.” -Gavin Newsom.
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.
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.