Resources

Since 2005, Jodi Grant has been executive director of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs.

Applications are now being accepted for the STEMworks database of effective STEM learning programs. Any STEM programs that serve preK-12 students and teachers—in or out of school—can and are encouraged to apply. Applications are due Friday, September 12, 2014.

Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage across the country each year.

Non-competitive games help young people get to know each other, teach cooperation, and make all children feel welcome. The first day of a new program or days when new children visit your site are great times to utilize non-competitive games.

Over the past three years, the National Science Foundation has sponsored a series of STEM Smart Workshops, which have showcased promising practices and resources in support of effective K-12 STEM Education in schools and programs.

Working with a board of directors can be frustrating at times when there are differences of opinion on the management and direction of the organization. Keep the following tips in mind when those frustrating moments arise:

Keeping kids engaged in this day and age is almost next to impossible when their minds are focused on the technology in front of them. For any teacher, it's always a battle to fight for kids' attention and keeping them involved and participating with the activity the rest of the class is doing. Here, we provide you with ten ways that you can keep kids in your program engaged and focused on whatever task is at-hand. 

I often look forward to the holidays as a time to sneak in a little extra reading. Whether you are reading for business or pleasure, I hope you’ll enjoy these books I’ve read this year. Feel free to send me your suggestions, too! I’m always looking for a good book!

As we welcome a new year, I want to take a moment to share ten trends I see on the horizon for the afterschool field:

I often look forward to the holidays as a time to sneak in a little extra reading.  Whether you are reading for business or pleasure, I hope you’ll enjoy these books I’ve read this year.  Feel free to send me your suggestions, too!  I’m always looking for a good book!