On July 24, 2015 California Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson released A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0. This new release is the next iteration of the state road map for Education, building on the 2011 release of A Blueprint for Great Schools. The original blueprint contained recommendations to elevate the California Department of Education After School Office to a Division (The After School Division), which resulted in a strategic plan for expanded learning in California. The Blueprintfor Great Schools Version 2.0 contains a recommendation (page 8) to Continue to build statewide capacity for expanded learning through the ongoing implementation of the CDE After School Division Strategic Plan. Additionally, many of the guiding principles outlined in the updated Blueprint are consistent with expanded learning quality including meaningful learning, supporting the whole student, community engagement, collaboration and coherence, and equity. Access the Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0. 

The California School Age Consortium and the California Academy of Sciences Science Action Clubs recently teamed up to bring Science Action Clubs to expanded learning programs. Science Action Club is a science earning experience designed for middle school youth in out-of-school time. The full suite of resources includes easy-to-read science curriculum guides, supplies for hands-on investigations, custom-configured digital learning tools, and professional development training that enables afterschool providers to offer Science Action Club in their local communities. Participating programs enroll 2-3 staff as Science Action Club facilitators that participate in professional development and recruit 18-24 youth to participate in Science Action Club. Programs will receive six trainings as well as the curriculum and materials to implement 24 hands-on environmental science activities and facilitate citizen science projects. Learn more and apply to participate in Science Action Club.