Resources

The Learning Expo at NAA's Annual Convention is much more than rows of booths and giveaways—it's an engaging, interactive and educational experience you'll want to visit again and again! Learn about the most innovative and creative ideas in afterschool from our 100+ exhibitors, enjoy networking with your afterschool colleagues, and test hands-on experiences and products via the Learning Labs.

The Partnership for Afterschool Education (PASE), recognizes the crucial role afterschool programs play in fostering young people's intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. The organization works toward improving the quality of afterschool programs for children and teens living in poverty.

The afterschool space is more than just a safe place for students to wait for caregivers to pick them up. It's where you can challenge students and help them learn skills in multiple areas. As you work on improving and growing your program, consider the following areas as a framework for organizing your space and your curriculum to bring out the best in your afterschool students.

Providing high-quality STEM learning is bigger than simply presenting hands-on activities. The goal is to create an atmosphere of discovery where kids are engaged in creative and critical thinking. Asking good questions is an important part of creating the right environment. Through intentional questioning you can stretch young peoples' curiosity, reasoning ability, creativity, and independence.

An innovative guide called "Preparing Youth to Thrive: Promising Practices in Social & Emotional Learning" has been launched in an effort to help afterschool programs across the country bring social and emotional skill development to the youth they serve.

Recently, the NAA Convention was ranked as one of the top Educational Conferences for 2016 by STEAM Education!

Positive behavior begins and ends with relationships—not with the rules. While systems and guidelines can provide structure for young people, cultivating an environment of meaningful connections between staff and youth creates a culture where positive behavior is part of the ongoing learning and development of youth.

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) has announced a new funding opportunity for park and recreation agencies. These grant funds are intended to support the health of the children served at USDA Summer Food Services Program (SFSP) and Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) sites.

Afterschool professionals are superheroes that go above and beyond the call of duty. Show the world your superpower with our downloadable graphic! At Convention, we'll focus on the power of afterschool - the power of YOU!

STEM Gems are short discovery-based experiences designed to engage young people in active experiential learning. They involve little or no materials and may be easily implemented by educators who are not STEM specialists.