CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL NETWORK

Thriving Together: Building a Stronger Expanded Learning Ecosystem

This workshop series explores the interconnected elements that help Expanded Learning and OST programs flourish—from advocacy and quality to workforce development, well-being, and integrated systems. Participants will engage in sessions that strengthen each part of the ecosystem while contributing to a shared vision for resilient, community-centered supports.

The CAN Workshop Strand will be held in the Smoketree D/E room. 

Wednesday, April 29

10:30AM-12:15PM

Building a Culture of Care: Integrating Wellness as a Way of Being to Support Site Coordinators
Lupita Perez, Senior Specialist, Equity & Quality; Tiffany Gipson, Director, Equity & Quality; Melissa Perez, Manager, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

Thriving workplaces begin with a culture that centers care, belonging, and balance. From the Site Coordinator’s vantage point and experience, learn practical ways to weave wellness into daily routines and relationships. CAN will share how wellness strategies and practices are an integral foundational element of the Fellowship and Registered Apprenticeship Program.
PK, E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership

2:45PM-4:45PM

Shaping the Future: Advancing the Education, Health, and Human Services Ecosystem Plan
Vanessa Hernandez, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach; Nat Rosales, Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

This timely session provides a look at emerging themes and progress made since March while offering space to influence the final direction of the education, health, and human services ecosystem plan. Participants will help shape a cohesive, future-ready framework for Expanded Learning.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability

Thursday, April 30

10:00AM-12:00PM

Leadership in this Moment - How We All Impact Social Change
Leslye Lugo, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach; Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach; Heather Williams, Director, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

Dive into how social change really happens, the role each person plays in advancing change, and how you fit into the larger picture. Together, we’ll unpack the many ways individuals, organizations, and networks spark influence and how you can channel your own impact to fuel meaningful change and support youth flourishing.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships

1:15PM-2:30PM

Strengthening Systems: Quality as the Foundation for Thriving Programs
Troy Selvey, Manager, Equity & Quality; Peter Alton, Specialist, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

Quality isn’t a checklist—it’s a system-wide commitment. This session illustrates how quality practices shape positive conditions across afterschool, expanded learning, health, and human services. Participants will explore tools for building a culture of continuous improvement and aligning partners around shared definitions of quality.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability

3:45PM-5:15PM

Connected Supports: Integrating Mental Health and Expanded Learning
Donielle Prince, MS.Ed, Ph.D., Senior Specialist, Equity & Quality; Jeff Davis, Executive Director, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

When schools and Expanded Learning programs collaborate effectively, student supports become stronger and more seamless. This session provides practical strategies for creating self-sustaining systems that promote mental health, engagement, and overall well-being.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Friday, May 1

9:15AM-11:15AM

Youth Development Practitioners: Intentionally Creating Pathways for Careers Into, Within, and Beyond Expanded Learning
Bill Fennessy, Senior Specialist, Equity & Quality; Crystal Jo (CJ) Blanchard, Specialist, Equity & Quality; Lupita Perez, Senior Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

Youth Development Practitioners are an essential yet often under-utilized force within our education, health, social, human and public service systems. This workshop invites participants to examine practical workforce strategies; ranging from student leadership and mentorship to job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships. Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of the various programming opportunities to help them identify which strategies they could implement and support.
H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network Strand; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth

afterschoolnetwork.org