Newsletters

With so much unfolding this month—from the devastating California wildfires to critical updates from the new federal administration and the fears around ICE and immigration—it’s understandable and natural to feel overwhelmed. In times like these, prioritizing rest and self-care isn’t just important; it’s necessary. We’ve gathered resources to help you navigate this moment while taking care of yourself and your community.

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.

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

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!

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.”