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2024 BOOST Conference Workshops

PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES
Tuesday, April 30

Developmental Resilience
Gil Noam, Ph.D., Ed.D, Professor, Harvard Medical School, and Founder and Chair; Jamaal Williams, Assistant Director of Training, Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR), Cambridge, MA

arship and adversity are unavoidable parts of life. However, youth can emerge from challenging situations stronger than before, able to navigate future hardships. PEAR's Pre-Conference Academy features up-to-date research on youth mental health and resilience from experts at Harvard and McLean Hospital, where PEAR began.

Developmental Resilience is the building block of DEI. It recognizes everyone's challenges and ability to be resilient in challenging environments.

Learn more about the PEAR Pre-Conference Academy here


SEL Academy- Growing Resilient Minds: Strategies for Building Mental Fitness in Students
Dido Balla, MS, Head of Education; Carrie Patterson, Executive Director, MindUp- The Goldie Hawn Foundation, Santa Monica, CA

In this in-depth interactive Academy, participants will receive simple tools and resources to support you in helping children understand the way their brain works, how the structures of the brain impact one's ability to focus attention, manage emotions, and understand the human potential for happiness. Through MindUP, over 7 million students from around the world have learned how to take brain breaks to regulate their emotions, practice perspective-taking, and bring more optimism, kindness, and gratitude into their lives.

While the focus of MindUP is on participants understanding how their brains work, we start with a focus on personal identities in order to create a safe space for all participants. Starting with personal identities and leading into the brain allows us to create safe spaces with a DEIB lens. All participants play an active role in designing a space that is safe for them individually and as a group, and by the end of the session, participants have learned more about themselves and the ways their emotions are regulated.

Learn more about the MindUp Pre-Conference Academy here


Supercharge Your STEAM Program with Invention Education and Community Partnerships
Christine Lawlor-King, Invention Education Consultant, Lemelson-MIT, Manchester, CT; Brenda Payne, Executive Director, California Invention Convention, Santa Cruz, CA

Invention Education appeals to all students! It starts with students identifying problems in their lives rather than being given a problem to solve. This inspires students to design a solution, using empathy and perseverance. Educators will experience design challenges that demonstrate agency, self-direction, and fun. Invention education is a powerful tool for connecting to your community. The session will include examples from young inventors and community involvement stories.
Leave this Academy inspired and with resources to easily implement including some accessible open-source curricular activities and tools to implement and sustain invention education programming. 

Learn more about the Invention Education Pre-Conference Academy here

Pre-registration is required for all Pre-Conference Academies. You can log into your online account and add this to your account. The deadline to register for a Pre-Conference Academy is April 15, 2024, unless they are full before the deadline. 


WORKSHOPS 

Wednesday, May 1, 2024

10:30AM-12:15PM  

#Inclusion: The First Steps to Supporting Diverse Abilities
Daniel Monterroso, Director of Staff Development; Andy Arrieta, Director of Student Support Services; Laura Rivera, Staff Development Coordinator, LA's BEST, Los Angeles, CA 

All children deserve to have safe, inclusive, and meaningful experiences that meet their diverse needs. That’s where we come in. We create environments where students with diverse abilities and tailored approaches (e.g. IEPs) can actively participate, wholly engage, and grow to their full potential. In this session, we’ll look at all levels of support from frontline staff and leadership to the organization as a whole.
E, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Palm Canyon A & B

Another Word for Learning
Moderator: TBD

What does it mean for a young person to take charge of their education? ANOTHER WORD FOR LEARNING follows Aisha, an exuberant and creative 11-year old, of Kwakwaka'wakw descent, who has always hated public school: the mean kids, the academic pressure, the lack of artistic space - and the racism. She has only one year left at her elementary school in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, but she's had enough. Her dreams don't fit into the colonial curriculum, so she wants to leave school to pursue them. While most of her family and friends are worried about her, her mother Gunargie, a residential school survivor, sees this choice to “drop-out” as an opportunity for her and her daughter to reconnect with their culture - and with each other.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival 
Horizon 1 

BEYOND ICEBREAKERS: Powerful, Non-Cringy Tools To ENGAGE and Motivate Youth
Eric Rowles, MS, CEO, Leading to Change, Huntersville, NC

Get ready to move! In this HIGHLY interactive session participants will experience how to take various risk-level activities (often mistakenly referred to as “ice breakers”) and turn them into powerful vehicles for youth participation and engagement. This session will showcase tools that youth providers can put into immediate use! Get here EARLY - this is usually a "standing room only" workshop!
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Ambassadors; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
PSCC East Lawn

Career Connected Learning in Out-of-School Time
Shira Woolf Cohen, M.Ed., Co-Founder; Tiffany Searles, M.Ed., Lead Partner of Community Engagement, Innovageous, Springfield, PA

Each youth-serving stakeholder plays a part in ensuring students are career-ready. How can your program build opportunities for career-ready youth? During this session, we will highlight 6 different ways that you can add career readiness to your program. These ideas are not meant to have you reinvent the wheel with your program’s activities, but instead to give you some entry points to share the responsibility of preparing youth for their future.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Plaza C

DigiTales: Storytelling in the Digital Age
Beth Shadd, Instructional Designer, PCS Edventures!, Boise, ID

Join our two-part workshop amplifying student voices in education while fostering digital literacy and innovation. Part 1, attendees create their own podcast with Soundtrap, while Part 2 explores digital influencers, online safety and responsibility, video production, and more.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite G/H

Dive Into FPV "First Person View" - A Unique Learning Experience
Sam Choe, Chief Manager; John Granger, Director of Training, IRONQUAD, Santa Ana, CA

Learn, Build, and Do. Specifically designed curriculum for learning science, building vehicles associated with the learning objective, and doing the mission task! No experience is needed and fun is expected. Also, dive into FPV with us to have a very unique experience by navigating your vehicle as if you were in the driver's seat! 
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality
Primrose C&D

ELOP 2.0: How to Build a Program from Good to Great!
Julee Brooks, Chief Executive Officer, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

CA is three years into ELO-P implementation, and for programs that now have a base established to meet requirements, now is the time to go good from great! With flexibility that allows every LEA to create a program that is right for their community, the possibilities are endless but really developing a high-impact programs that wasn’t previously attainable requires creativity and vision. Hear from two very different models about how they are getting creative in partnership to deliver excellence.
PK, E, ULA, MLA
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Mesquite C

Empowering Students with Agency, Voice, and Choice
Christina Robert, Educator Support Specialist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA 

Introducing SLED: A gamified leadership program where students work collaboratively to solve real problems in their community. In this collaborative workshop, you’ll dive into the five elements of student-led education and discover what is possible when we empower students with agency, voice, and choice in out-of-school time. Participants will leave with ready-to-apply strategies for bringing these concepts alive in your program.
E, MLA, DS 
Strand: ProSolve; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite B

Expanding Student Success: The State of Expanded Learning in California
Michael Funk, Expanded Learning Division Director, California Department of Education (CDE), Sacramento, CA;  Heather Williams, Director, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

California has the largest collection of OST programs in the nation, consisting of federal, state, local, city, community, and fee-based programs. Each system has its own unique networks, standards, and practices. Expanded Learning programs are a subset of OST programs in California that receive funding administered by the California Department of Education’s Expanded Learning Division. California's Expanded Learning programs are an integral part of young people's education, engaging them in year-round learning opportunities that prepare them for college, career, and life. Join the California Department of Education and the California AfterSchool Network for a conversation about Expanded Learning, including the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). 
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS, CB
Strand: BOOST Nation Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality; CA Focus 
Catalina/Madera

Guiding the Way: Leadership and Mentoring Mastery
Dr. Derrick Love, Regional Executive Director, Pioneer Technology & Arts Academy Network, Prosper, TX

"Guiding the Way: Leadership and Mentoring Mastery" is a transformative workshop focusing on leadership and mentorship skills. Participants will explore effective communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution in leadership while also mastering the art of meaningful mentorship. Through interactive activities, attendees will gain practical insights to excel in guiding and nurturing others. This session equips you to be an outstanding leader and mentor.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership
Plaza A

Harnessing the Power of Connection
Erika Bare, M.Ed., Assistant Superintendent/Author; Tiffany Burns, Elementary School Principal/Author; Ashland School District and Connecting Through Conversation, Ashland, OR

Everyone knows why building connections with our students is so important, but couldn’t we all benefit from the playbook on how to do it? This session provides practical and immediately applicable back-pocket strategies to reinvigorate and improve systems by harnessing the power of connection. Leave with the tools you need to build a culture of connection in your school where students and educators thrive.
E, MLA, DS
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships
Chino A/B

How Four District Leaders Are Addressing Their Unique Childcare Needs
Nicole Kooiker, Deputy Superintendent, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA 

Participants in this session will share the experience of four district leaders in their search for affordable, reliable, high-quality childcare. In the first half of this workshop, attendees will learn how these districts navigated their journeys while avoiding pitfalls as they tackle the problem of providing equitable care and opportunities to all students. The second half of the workshop will feature a panel discussion with an opportunity for the audience to actively participate and inquire.
PK, E, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Ventura

How Strengthening Relationships Through Restorative Practices Can Restore Hope and Healing in Communities
Robin Elliott, Ed.D., Associate Dean, School of Education and SEL Director, Long Island University, Brooklyn, NY; Elle Essenmacher, National Strategic Account Advisor, Sanford Harmony @National University, Boulder, CO 

Restorative Practices are essential for strengthening relationships within the community by creating a positive learning environment, building social capital, and resolving relational issues through healing and hope. Presenters will introduce community-wide practices, policies, and aligned learning opportunities between schools and organizations that can enhance student and adult connection, collaboration, and interaction. Presenters will share professional learning SEL resources.
H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Smoketree F

How to PEAK Your Programs
Lila Saavedra, Director of Teen & Community Programs; Maggie Kellogg, Youth Program Coordinator, The Kellogg PEAK Initiative, Milwaukee, WI

The PEAK team will share our program quality standards and show you how we incorporate best practices into the structure of our programs so that all staff, regardless of years of experience, have the tools for successful implementation. This is an interactive session where we'll learn from each other and try out a few activities so expect to be on your feet and leave with practical tips to incorporate into your next program.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
Andreas

Identifying Youth Potential Through Opportunity-Based Learning
Sonia Toledo, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Dignity of Children, New York, NY

This workshop will focus on big-picture learning where young people experience the world and are given opportunities to identify what matters to them through coping with adversity. Learn ways to empower children and youth to identify problems they care about and come up with solutions to make a difference while developing literacy, comprehension, creative activity, communication, and other vital 21st-century skills.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
San Jacinto

LEGO Education Experience

LEGO® Education’s overall ambition is to future-proof students and inspire them to become confident lifelong learners. If we meet each student where they are, challenge them appropriately, and allow them meaningful failures, they’ll ultimately succeed. With LEGO Education learning experiences in your expanded learning programs, students become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply transferable STEAM, Literacy, and Numeracy practices to solving real-world problems in the regular school day and beyond. The LEGO EDUCATION EXPERIENCE is a hands-on exploration of learning, research, and possibilities.  Done at your own pace you can even earn some fun LEGO swag!!! Jump in any time during the sessions and come back, again and again, to complete as many tasks as you can.
Strand: LEGO Education Mini-Strand 
Maker Station, PSCC

No Going Back: Summer Enrichment Programs Are Here To Stay
Dr. Ana Ponce, Executive Director, Great Public Schools Now (GPSN), Los Angeles, CA; Debe Loxton, M.A., Executive Director, Los Angeles Unified Beyond the Bell Branch, Los Angeles, CA; Lisa Salazar, Executive Director, City of Los Angeles Youth Development Department, Los Angeles, CA; Donny Faaliliu, SVP of Leadership and Community Outreach, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles, CA; Erica Lim, Senior Program Officer, Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation, Los Angeles, CA 

The LA Summer of Joy initiative uses philanthropic investment to enhance publicly funded summer programs run by LAUSD, the City of LA, and nonprofits to serve students of color and those living in poverty. Panelists will share how this partnership evolved from a pandemic response to a collective effort to offer annual summer programs. Attendees will learn reflections and best practices for expanding access, enhancing quality, and institutionalizing summer enrichment programs beyond the pandemic.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CD, DS 
Strand: Panel;  Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Pasadena

OH THE MATH THAT THEY NEED TO KNOW! - Pre-K through Third Grade Math Games Using Cards and Dice
Jane Felling, Consultant, Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks, Alberta, CA

Come prepared to play easy-to-implement and differentiated math games that are guaranteed to engage your students and will make them look forward to math after school. Your students have had a full day, so integrating games allow you to build practice and focus on the following concepts: number sense and Pre-K concepts, operational fluency for +, - , x, multi-digit operations early, and place value. You will receive gameboards to use immediately, and math journal ideas. Come prepared to play!
PK, E, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

Reimagining the Trauma Effects of Youth At-Risk: Lessons from the Unbroken
Brooke Wheeldon-Reece, MBA, President and CEO; Ashley Hunt, VP of Learning and Development, The Spark Initiative, Brandon, FL 

There is a SPARK within every human being, regardless of circumstances, that cannot be damaged. It is the birthplace of resilience, well-being, intelligence, creativity and innovation. Through lessons of hope from sex trafficking survivors, incarcerated juveniles, and children from the foster care system, this presentation will explore how a simple understanding of the mind can uncover innate resilience and the stress resistance needed to overcome trauma is naturally formed.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Older Youth
Sierra

Relentless Leadership
Hamish Brewer, Award-Winning Educator and Principal, Author, International Speaker, Woodbridge, VA

The Relentless Leadership Master Class is designed to help you laser focus on key areas for growth in your leadership journey, practices, and processes that align with successful school and student outcomes. This session will help you walk away with practical solutions and ideas to key education challenges around organizational improvement, closing the achievement gap, stakeholder culture, and participation that will help you like Hamish has done create an award-winning organization. There will be time for Q&A during this session.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Master Class; Staff Leadership 
(NOTE: there is an additional fee of $35 to attend this Master Class and you must be pre-registered)
Pueblo A/B

Rising Beyond: Navigating Life's Storms with Resilience and Triumph
Ricky Del Rosario, Owner, Ricky Del Rosario, Santa Rosa, CA 

Ricky’s journey is nothing short of a thrilling odyssey, a tale of resilience and triumph that echoes from the streets of drug-infested Seaside, CA in the 80’s, to the stages of Laffapalooza in Atlanta. Growing up as a latchkey kid, navigating through obstacles that would make most shy away, Ricky not only found solace in humor but turned it into a beacon of hope. This storytelling session will have stories of adversity, resilience, triumph, and a bit of humor.
M, H, ULA,MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storyteller's Cafe 
Tapestry

Rooted in Growth: Expanded Learning Foundations for Site Coordinators
Troy Selvey, Manager, Equity & Quality, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

We at CAN believe that Site Coordinators are the foundation to ensuring we have quality programs. They play a critical role in the success of communities, families, and youth in various ways. Join us as we share 10 things we believe Site Coordinators should know as they step into their roles in Expanded Learning to help enhance and support their effectiveness.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS, CB 
Strand California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus 
Smoketree D/E

School Shouldn’t Suck: Interdisciplinary PBL in Science and Humanities
Shannon Hurst, Ph.D., Upper School Science Teacher; Alexandra Modica, Upper School Humanities Teacher, Bennett Day School, Chicago, IL

The landscape of education is constantly evolving, and addressing the challenges students encounter requires innovative pedagogical approaches. This workshop highlights the benefits of project-based learning (PBL), cross-curricular teaching, and real-world applications. We invite educators, administrators, and anyone passionate about enhancing the educational experience to join us in this exploration of interdisciplinary PBL's potential to revolutionize learning and enhance student engagement.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; Older Youth
Plaza B

Think Together, Grow Together: PD, Retention, and Leadership
Crystal Robinson, Ed.D., Director of Organizational Development and Learning Development; Taylor Mayer, M.A., Leadership Development Manager, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

This session will focus on leveraging professional development to increase staff retention and grow the next generation of leaders. Participants will learn about Think Together’s approach to PD through capacity building and its impact on leadership development and retention. Participants will spend time connecting with other leaders to assess their current PD approaches, learn new strategies, and plan the next steps.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership 
Mesquite E/F

Youth Voices in STEM and Community Engagement: Strategies and Models
Anita Krishnamurthi, Ph.D., President of the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society (CYESS), Afterschool Alliance, Washington, DC; Leah Silverberg, Senior Project Manager, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, DC; Abbey Mae Pitcher, Program Manager, Technovation, Menlo Park, CA;  Candid Mack, Youth Advisory Board (YAB) Coach and Program and Events Coordinator, National Girls Collaborative Project, Dallas, TX

Interested in STEM? In community engagement? In centering teen voices? Come hear about a new initiative from the Afterschool Alliance that is supporting connections between these issues. We will present new research that maps effective strategies and models and features four partners actively engaged in this work: Million Girls Moonshot, National Girls Collaborative, Technovation, and the Science Museum of Minnesota. You will leave with ideas, tools, and support you can use to do this work.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality
Smoketree A-C


2:45PM-4:45PM 

50 Fabulous Enrichment Ideas & Where to Get More 
Marisa Miller, Consultant/Writer, Afterschool Publishing, Santa Barbara, CA  

Need fresh ideas for your enrichment programming? Are your current go-to resources a little stale or tapped out? Come explore a list of 50 Fabulous Enrichment Ideas and workshop how to make them work at your site or in your larger multi-site program. We'll cover numerous low-cost and completely free resources to keep the fabulous ideas flowing once you are back home as well. A hands-on interactive experience as you customize a fabulous enrichment idea just right for your program!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Catalina

All American to Stranger Things: Using Today's Streaming Series to Connect with Teens
Eric Rowles, MS, CEO, Leading to Change, Huntersville, NC

What's the connection between Netflix and the success of your youth program? From Eleven to Euphoria to Blackish? XMen & Black Panther? Come to this tool-filled (and often standing-room only) workshop to learn how to use over 20 different LEGAL and FREE media tools, including TODAY'S streaming and movie resources in your cutting-edge work with young people.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Ambassador; Program Design, Development & Quality
Santa Rosa

Always in Season
Moderator: TBD

ALWAYS IN SEASON explores the lingering impact of more than a century of lynching African Americans and connects this form of historic racial terrorism to racial violence today. The film centers on the case of Lennon Lacy, an African American teen who was found hanging from a swing set in Bladenboro, North Carolina, on August 29, 2014. Despite inconsistencies in the case, local officials quickly ruled Lennon’s death a suicide, but his mother, Claudia, believes Lennon was lynched. Determined to find answers about what happened to her son, Claudia moves from paralyzing grief to leading the fight for justice. As the film unfolds, Lennon’s case, and the suspicions surrounding it, intersect with stories of other communities seeking justice and reconciliation. A few hundred miles away in Monroe, Georgia, a diverse group of reenactors, including the adult daughter of a former Ku Klux Klan leader, annually dramatize a 1946 quadruple lynching to ensure the victims are never forgotten and encourage the community to come forward with information that might bring the perpetrators to justice. As the terrorism of the past bleeds into the present, the film asks: what will it take for Americans to begin building a national movement for racial justice and reconciliation?
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival 
Horizon 1 

BOOSTING Family & Community Engagement at Your School Sites 
Breanna Herrera, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator; Aimee Rodriguez, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator; Sara Orellana, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA 

As we work to support families and communities, it is critical that we approach this support in a way that builds the capacity of our field and empowers leaders at each site. Join us for an in-depth dive into how we build the capacity of those we support and take a linguistically and culturally responsive approach to family and community engagement. Participants will leave equipped with tools, strategies, and resources to enhance family and community engagement initiatives at their school sites.
PK, E, M, H, CB, DS
Strand: Think Together; Partnerships & Building Relationships 
Mesquite E/F

Color Me Community: A Culture Shifting Experience
Andrew Blickle, M.P.P., Director of Public Engagement and Impact, Life Pieces To Masterpieces, Arlington, VA; Minami Hofmann, Arts Administrator/Art Teacher; Juan Gonzalez, Asst. Director of Programs and Education, Life Pieces To Masterpieces, Washington, DC 

The result of Life Pieces’ more than 27 years of experience in human development, Color Me Community workshops provide a nurturing and nonjudgmental environment for people of all backgrounds to safely grapple with issues that divide us, creating the building blocks for a strong, trusting, loving organizational and classroom culture. This highly interactive workshop supports participants in exploring the lenses through which they see life; reframing equity and belonging in a community setting.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Plaza D

Designing and Delivering Evidence-Based Summer Programs: Lessons from Texas
Jessy Newman, M.A., Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Chicago, IL; Katie Willse, Engagement Manager, The Learning Agenda, Austin, TX

Have you ever wondered what it takes to design an evidence-based summer learning program? Join us to learn more about what the evidence says, gain access to practical planning tools, and connect with peers who share these same goals. Hear from summer learning experts about the work they are doing in Texas, including tips, tricks, and lessons learned along the way. You’ll leave with knowledge, resources, and new connections to give your summer planning a boost.
E, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Staff Leadership, Partnerships & Building Relationships, Sustainability
Smoketree F

Go Make A Difference: Winning the Hearts of Every Child
Kevon Lee, Empowerment Speaker, Kevon Empowers and Group, LLC, Loma Linda, CA 

Winning the heart of every student shows you how important it is to win the whole child. This workshop is an interactive presentation about a child who experienced homelessness, the foster care system, bullying, and educational barriers. I am where I am today because a teacher believed in me and would not give up until I got my goal. We need to be there for each student that needs us because we must do so. Being engaged in a student’s life can make a child successful or not.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Storyteller's Cafe
Tapestry

How Do We Address Equity From Within? Lessons From Young Leaders and Researchers on Improving OST Participation and Belonging
Bronwyn Bevan, Ph.D., Vice President, Research, The Wallace Foundation, New York, NY; Deepa Vasudevan, Ed.D., Researcher, Human Services: Youth, Family, & Community Development, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Arlington, VA; Sam Mejias, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Social Justice and Community Engagement / Visiting Fellow at London School of Economics and Political Science, Parsons School of Design, The New School, New York, NY; Spandana Pavuluri, College Student, Vanderbilt University, Louisville, KY; Helen Wilson Obuna, College Student, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO

Out-of-school-time programs help develop interests, skills, and connections. Yet youth from lower-income families don’t have the same OST program participation rates as many of their peers. Delve into the findings of a youth participatory action research project on how youth experience OST programs. While adults may focus on “quality" checklists, youth focus on the social dimensions of peers and belonging. Hear insights on engaging youth in program design and co-constructing spaces where youth belong.
H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Smoketree A-C

Inquire to Inspire: Paving Project Paths
Barry Schwartz, Vice President, Startup Smartup, San Francisco, CA

Dive into “Inquire to Inspire; Paving Project Paths and turn challenges into opportunities! Tailored for elementary through high school learners, this session equips you with tools to dissect challenges using strategic questions. Develop active observation, foster solution-oriented thinking, and pave clear paths for your projects. Explore, ask, and transform ideas into action. Join us in unlocking the power of purposeful questioning and crafting your project roadmap.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

LEGO Education Experience

LEGO® Education’s overall ambition is to future-proof students and inspire them to become confident lifelong learners. If we meet each student where they are, challenge them appropriately, and allow them meaningful failures, they’ll ultimately succeed. With LEGO Education learning experiences in your expanded learning programs, students become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply transferable STEAM, Literacy, and Numeracy practices to solving real-world problems in the regular school day and beyond. The LEGO EDUCATION EXPERIENCE is a hands-on exploration of learning, research, and possibilities.  Done at your own pace you can even earn some fun LEGO swag!!! Jump in any time during the sessions and come back, again and again, to complete as many tasks as you can.
Strand: LEGO Education Mini-Strand 
Maker Station, PSCC 

Mastering the Magic of Afterschool Programs
Mikayla Oz, Founder, The Magician School, West Des Moines, IA

Learn Magic, get free tools, and walk away feeling more confident about your afterschool programs. In this session, Mikayla Oz will show how teachers and educators can use magic as a tool to engage, entertain, and educate your students. This session will be fast-paced, and hands-on and everyone will walk away with a new tool or resource you can take back and implement. Come learn about how to make your programs a bit more magical!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite G/H

Math Camp-In: Add S'more Great Mathematical Resources to Your Program
Kelli Shrewsberry, M.A., Executive Director, Teaching & Learning Collaborative, Worthington, OH

Are you looking for s'more resources in mathematics? Join us as we hike the mathematical trail, solve camp-themed rich tasks, and earn camp badges! Leave with free Math Camp-In resources that you can use ‘at your own campsite' to engage children and families in mathematics. S'mores and handouts provided!
PK, E, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Andreas

The Next Frontier of Inclusion: Creating Programs Where Youth with Developmental Disabilities Thrive
Danny Salas, Chief Programs Officer, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

Access for children of all abilities is a goal many expanded learning programs share, but creating an environment that allows for full participation of young people with developmental disabilities can seem daunting. Over the last year, Woodcraft Rangers in partnership with California Regional Centers to build out a large-scale Inclusion Initiative so young people with I/DD thrive at every program site! Learn about our approach to partnership that can serve as a model for other programs.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, DS 
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Mesquite C

Planning with Purpose 
Kristin Stayer, M.A., VP of Engagement & Educator Experiences, Mizzen Education, Fishers, IN; Hailee Moehnke, Projects & Events Manager, Mizzen Education, Los Angeles, CA; Ray Trinidad, Co-Founder, !Mpact Players, Chula Vista, CA  

Build your creative confidence with us as we explore human-centered, highly engaging, and brain-friendly student and staff learning experiences. Use the collective wisdom in the room plus expert-designed resources from the Mizzen community to discover solutions for accessing free, relevant content and easy-to-implement activities. Learn by doing, make meaningful connections, and have a ton of fun-- and leave inspired to create this environment in your program!
M, H, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership 
Plaza A

Play | Connect | Create - Let’s Change the Way Students Learn
Christina Robert, Educator Support Specialist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA

Looking to capture students’ minds and hearts in out-of-school time? Introducing QUEST: A K-8 game experience that combines literacy, problem-solving, social-emotional skill building, and creativity, immersing students in powerful play with purpose!

Bring your energy to this hands-on workshop and discover why QUEST is so much more than a game. Players will leave with ideas and strategies to bring experiential learning to life in out-of-school time!
E, M, MLA, DS 
Strand: ProSolve; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite B

Quality Takes A Village - Partnerships, Tips, Tools, and Resources
Tiffany Gipson, Director, Equity & Quality; Nat Rosales, Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

Quality programs don’t happen by accident. It takes a grassroots to grass-tops collaborative effort from how programs are implemented on the site to the structures and infrastructure necessary to create the conditions for high-quality programming. Come and join the CAN team as we explore how to use different CAN resources to create comprehensive, high-quality, asset-based, and student-centered out-of-school-time programs. 
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB 
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; CA Focus   
Smoketree D/E

School-Community Partnerships: What Works?! A Comprehensive Study
James Doyle, Ed.D., Program Officer, The Grable Foundation, Pittsburgh, PA 

This interactive session will summarize the findings of a 2020 research study conducted to understand the elements that contribute to successful partnerships between schools and out-of-school learning programs. Practitioners looking to engage in these partnerships will learn some recommendations and working guidelines for engaging in successful school/out-of-school partnerships.
E, M ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Pueblo A/B

State of the Union – Childcare as a National Priority
Patrick Murray, Vice President of Government Affairs, KinderCare Learning Companies, Washington, DC

Long before COVID, families in the United States have faced inadequate access to high-quality childcare and education. With support for childcare spanning race, gender, and ideological differences, access and affordability are more important than ever. This session will offer a State of the Union of childcare in America. Participants will experience a workshop focused on the need for childcare, what is currently being done to mitigate the childcare crisis, and what the future may hold.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Sustainability
Ventura

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth in the Current Political Crisis
Ted Lewis, Director of Youth Well-Being, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Washington, DC

LGBTQ+ youth are under attack and that is having a devastating impact on their mental health and well-being. Over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills were introduced across the country in 2023 alone and the majority of that legislation targeted transgender youth. This workshop will provide an overview of the current political landscape for the LGBTQ+ community, share data from HRC’s 2023 Youth Report, and share key strategies youth-serving professionals can use to support LGBTQ+ youth at this moment.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Nation Town Hall; Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality
Madera

Supporting Nutrition Security through Afterschool Meals: Connecting Afterschool Programs & Nutrition Resources
Dave Palmer, Owner/Chief Dunker, Dunk Tank Marketing, La Mesa, CA; Madeline Moritsch, M.S., RDN, National Advisor, Whole Child Health, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Portland, OR; Daniel Hatcher, MPH, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Washington, DC 

School nutrition programs are critical to reducing childhood food insecurity. Afterschool programs can be vital partners in this work, yet a recent survey shows that afterschool meal participation has dropped significantly. This workshop will explore practical and aspirational solutions to increase collaboration between out-of-school time and school district operations including discussion time to work through barriers and leave with practical next steps.
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Pasadena

Team Games, Ice Breakers & ACTION!
Andy Tupy, Sr. Territory Sales Manager, Gopher Sport, Owatonna, MN

Gopher Sport will be leading participants through a workshop focused around a few of our newest activities! We won’t just be playing games though, we’ll also be showcasing some great classroom management and skill development pieces, you can take home and implement in your class. Get ready to sweat, learn, and have some fun!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Primrose C&D

Transforming Your Kids Into Eco Heroes - Saving the World Through Education!
Ryan McCarthy, Executive Director, Global Kindness Initiative; San Francisco, CA; Raynee Russell, Operations Manager/Lead Teacher, Global Kindness Initiative, Paradise, CA

Learn how to educate youth about some of the environmental challenges the world will face in the coming decades, and inspire them with practical solutions they can implement in their homes and classrooms to help address the problems. Transform your youth into Eco Heroes by engaging and exciting them about the environment and what they can do to help it!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality
Chino A/B

Unpacking the Logic Model Creation Process for Out-of-School Time Programs
Tran Keys, Ph.D., Senior Research Associate, WestEd; Ryan Lewis, Senior Research Associate, WestEd, Seal Beach, CA; Jennifer Cisneros, Director of Expanded Learning; Lupita Cruz, Assistant Director, Expanded Learning Programs, Santa Ana Unified School District (SAUSD), Santa Ana, CA 

Logic models are a useful tool for improving out-of-school time programs. Santa Ana Unified (SAUSD) and researchers from the Regional Educational Laboratory West (REL West) at WestEd collaborated this year in the development of a logic model for the district’s Expanded Learning programming. In this interactive session, presenters will share best practices for developing the SAUSD Expanded Learning logic model. Participants will learn how to start drafting a logic model for their programming.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
San Jacinto

When Behavior Speaks: Understanding and Responding to the Impact of Trauma
Michelle Lustig, Ed.D., MSW, Program Director; Mindy Corless, MSW, Program Coordinator; Rachelle Touzard, Ph.D., LMFT, Director I, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Downey, CA

Students who have been exposed to trauma, especially those in foster care, often exhibit behaviors that confound adults. This workshop will help participants understand how these behaviors are connected to traumatic experiences, how this exposure impacts a child's development, and how we can respond in a supportive and informed manner. Participants will draw on their own experiences with students and learn new ways to build connections and provide meaningful support to their students.
E, M, H, MLA, DS, CB
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality
Sierra


THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2024

10:00AM-12:00PM

#AfterschoolWorks: Crafting Your Afterschool Message & Lights On Afterschool Event
Tiyana Glenn, Project Manager; Sophie Kidd, Project Associate; Shaun Gray, Sr. Manager, Production and Office Operations, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, DC

Do you ever feel that your words don’t have the impact you think they should have when you talk to others about afterschool? This interactive workshop will discuss what works and what doesn’t when communicating about afterschool, how to tailor your message for key audiences, and how to leverage this information and build support for your program. You will also learn about our national event, Lights On Afterschool, and how to plan a Lights On Afterschool event for your program.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Nation Town Hall; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Madera

Advocacy for Students in Before & Afterschool - Equity in ELO-P
Yadira Moreno, Ed.D., Director of School, Family and Community Engagement; Cecilia Roman, ELOP Administrator; Claudia Chambers, ELOP Curriculum Specialist, Anaheim Elementary School District, Anaheim, CA 

The purpose of this workshop is to provide resources and ideas to participants on how to create a before and after school program that focuses on the CDC Quality Standards. An outline of how to plan, create, and monitor ELO-P. We hope that by attending the workshop, participants will feel confident and inspired to add programming that supports learners to have access to cultural enrichment programs and academic supports and interventions that are critical for the development of the whole child.  
PK, E, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Smoketree F

ALL HANDS ON DECK! What do Struggling Upper Elementary and Middle Years Math Students Need?
Nancy Paulson, Consultant, Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks, San Marcos, CA

If you have disengaged and frustrated students, this workshop is for you! This math game workshop will show you how to build: operational fluency, multi-digit operations, integers, solving equations, and fractions. Games use cards and dice and are easy to differentiate to meet the needs of all students. The handout contains a gameboard for immediate use. Weekly lesson plans will be shared to help you teach multi-grades and levels of understanding. Come prepared to play!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

Attracting & Retaining Top Tier OST Talent
Holly Perry, MBA, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition; Allison Lyon, Director of Talent Acquisition, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

The hiring demand for entry-level positions is still surging in 2022, and candidate behavior continues to evolve in a post-COVID world. This presentation will highlight what the future of talent acquisition looks like and creative ways to engage candidates to join the field of expanded learning.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership; Sustainability 
Mesquite E/F

Building Community One Square at a Time with 9 Square in the Air
Liz Belser, Sales Representative, 9 Square in the Air, St. Louis, MO 

9 Square in the Air® is the original fun and addictive group game that students love and has proven to be incredibly popular with students of all ages over the past 13 years. It's a perfect lead-up game to volleyball and promotes teamwork and good citizenship. This is an excellent resource to be used when integrating SEL. Our portable game can be used indoors or outside, and is height-adjustable, with a simple setup and easy storage.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality
Primrose C&D

Building Readiness in Out-of-School Programs: Why Strong Operations, Staff Well-Being, and Engaged Stakeholders Are Key
Jessy Newman, MA, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Chicago, IL 

The out-of-school time field is often the champion for new initiatives. We are creative. We are hard-working. We are tenacious. Yet sometimes, despite our best-laid plans, new initiatives may not work out the way we planned them. Why is that? The key is readiness. In this session, you will have the opportunity to learn more about what readiness is and why it is important for OST programs as they take on new work. Participants will gain access to the Ready Toolkit and readiness-building tools.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership 
Andreas

Building Social Emotional Skills in Real Time
Katie Frazier, M.S., Social Emotional Learning Trainer Specialist, WINGS for Kids, Charleston, SC 

Every moment is an opportunity to build social-emotional skills as students move throughout their day engaging with others, experiencing a variety of emotions, and making decisions. Everyday moments can become teachable if the leader senses and seizes the opportunity. Walk away from this session with tangible tips and tools for intentionally developing students' social-emotional skills in real time.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Ambassador; Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza C

California Community Schools Partnership Program
Selena Barajas-Ledesma, MSW, Ed.D., Director I, Community Schools Initiative, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Downey, CA; David Castro Jr., Executive Leadership Coach, Central Valley Regional Technical Assistance Center, The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Fresno, CA
Additional panelists coming soon

California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP) is a 4.2 billion dollar historical investment in public education. Participants will learn about what has transpired so far and how their school site and district can participate in it.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership, Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus
Smoketree A-C

Clarissa’s Battle
Moderator: Sonia Toledo, Ph.D., Founder & CEO, Dignity of Children, New York, NY

CLARISSA’S BATTLE follows single mother and activist Clarissa Doutherd as she works tirelessly to build a powerful coalition. The coalition’s goal is to make local, state, and national leaders understand a desperate need shared by families, parents, and children across the country, from low-income to middle. What these families need is simple on the surface: child care and early education funds. Enough to allow parents to continue to work. Enough to keep families off the streets. Enough to give their children a chance at a productive, successful future. This film documents the movement for childcare access, but also the tenacity of a woman who experienced the shock of financial insecurity after the birth of her son, and her determination to stop it from happening to anyone else. It’s about the struggle experienced by millions of families unseen and unspoken of by their communities. It is about what happens when a woman rises to grasp her power and says, “Enough.”
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival 
Horizon 1

Compassionate Systems: A Path to Educational Renaissance
Sargina Yonan, Director of Expanded Learning Programs, Linden Unified School District, Linden, CA; Michael Funk, Director, Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education (CDE), Sacramento, CA; Danielle Jones, Afterschool Planning Coordinator, Regional Lead, System of Support for Expanded Learning, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, CA; Sheilah Brooks, Program Advisor, Regional Lead for the System of Support for Expanded Learning, Merced County Office of Education, Merced, CA 

Join us for an engaging workshop where you'll explore the Compassionate Systems Framework from the Center for Systems Awareness. Gain tools to build caring communities at state, regional, and district levels. Experience hands-on activities to enhance your compassionate skills and incorporate them into your program design. Infuse compassion, understanding, and interconnectedness into your educational programs to be a better partner to yourself and others.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
Santa Rosa

Creating LGBTQ+ Inclusive Out-of-School Programs
Ted Lewis, Director of Youth Well-Being, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Washington, DC

This interactive workshop will focus on HRC’s efforts to create a new assessment to gauge LGBTQ+ inclusivity in out-of-school programs and organizations. This workshop will combine HRC sharing some current best practices in supporting LGBTQ+ youth and a group discussion around policies, practices, and facilities that have come up related to including LGBTQ+ youth in your organizations. Join the conversation and learn from colleagues and peers as well as HRC staff.
E, M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality
Sierra

Creating a Sense of Belonging
Dominique Smith, Ed.D., Chief of Educational Services and Teacher Support, Health Sciences High and Middle College in San Diego, CA 

In this class, participants can expect to gain valuable insights into the role of school leadership in shaping the overall climate of a school and the impact it has on relationships among students, educators, and staff. The class will provide practical strategies for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that supports collaboration, communication, and a sense of belonging.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Master Class; Staff Leadership
Pueblo A/B

Creating a Space That Matters
Matthew Emerzian, MBA, CEO and Founder; Jocelyn Guansing, MFT, Education Director, Every Monday Matters, Burbank, CA 

We have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our students every day. Whether with an enthusiastic fist bump or a few minutes of supportive connection, these moments help students feel seen, heard, and valued, and it might be what gets them through their day. We may not know what students are carrying within them but we can thoughtfully create supportive spaces for them. Let's come together to identify meaningful practices to create spaces that matter for students and each other.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza B

Culturally Responsive and Cognitively Demanding Informal Mathematical Tasks
Dr. Alessandra Pantano, Professor of Teaching in Mathematics, Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Taylor M. Wycoff, Graduate Student, UCI School of Education, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA; Cynthia H. Sanchez Tapia, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics, California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA

This workshop will engage the audience in culturally responsive and cognitively demanding informal math activities, and present related coaching material especially designed to train afterschool staff on culturally responsive pedagogy. The activities were developed by Math CEO, a high-quality afterschool program engaging Latinx middle school students. Math CEO hosts weekly sessions of joyful mathematical explorations on a college campus (UCI or CSUDH), facilitated by undergraduate mentors.
M, H, HE, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza D

Drug-Free Kids! Operation Prevention - A FREE Drug Prevention Curriculum for Students
Cathleen (Catie) Drew, M.A.T., Senior Prevention Program Manager, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Springfield, VA

Operation Prevention is an award-winning, FREE, drug prevention curriculum for elementary, middle, and high school students. It includes downloadable lesson bundles, videos, educator guides, self-paced computer modules, virtual field trips, and more! Join DEA Educator, Catie Drew, as she guides you through all of the elements of the curriculum and how to implement the lessons and activities, as well as present all of the free drug-prevention resources that the DEA provides.
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza A

Empowering Leaders 
Lynne Ann S. Fox, MA.Ed., MS.Ed., Global Education Director and Coach, FranklinCovey Education, West Valley City, UT; Lillian Perez, Director of Expanded Learning, Fallbrook UESD, Fallbrook, CA 

Come learn how to "Empower Leaders" by building organizational systems, defining roles and responsibilities, and providing key leadership training that unleashes the potential of students and staff. Learn how to identify key leadership roles that will make the greatest impact and how to achieve outcomes. 
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: ​​Staff Leadership 
Catalina

Fostering Workforce Pathways Into, Within, and Beyond Expanded Learning
Bill Fennessy, Specialist, Equity & Quality; Lupita Perez, Specialist, Equity & Quality; California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

This workshop will highlight how our work is vital to practitioners and partners coming Into, growing Within, and going Beyond Expanded Learning (ExL). Join us for a generative conversation and participate in our learner journey as we share our lessons to date - including our relationships-first strategy and “do no harm” mentality to create a more diverse, compassionate, and competent workforce in the ExL/Education sector and the larger Health and Human Services sectors.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus 
Smoketree D/E

Healing Centered Engagement 101: Cultivating Hope, Healing, and Community Transformation For Our Youth
Dr. Lee Porscha Moore, Lead Senior Trainer; Olafemi Bankole Akintunde, Senior Trainer; Julius Deshon Jackson, Senior Trainer, Flourish Agenda, Oakland, CA 

This workshop offers participants an invitation to reimagine how we support youth through the power of Healing Centered Engagement (HCE). As youth practitioners, we often fall into a routine of leading through the lens of our titles and accomplishments. But what if we centered healing as the vehicle to provide the roadmap toward the collective restoration of our communities? This fun workshop holds space for participants to leverage healing as a tool to support youth and those who support them.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
Pasadena

Leadershift - Raising the Bar on Expanded Learning Leadership
Juan Alvarado, CEO and Podcast Host, Raize the Bar LLC, Visalia, CA

Discover the 5 secrets to top-tier leadership. Learn how to build intentional relationships with your team, navigate through tough conversations that might normally intimidate you, and how to set high standards that inspire one another. Embrace your personal and professional development growth and elevate your team through your leader shifts.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Amabassador; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
San Jacinto

LEGO Education Experience

LEGO® Education’s overall ambition is to future-proof students and inspire them to become confident lifelong learners. If we meet each student where they are, challenge them appropriately, and allow them meaningful failures, they’ll ultimately succeed. With LEGO Education learning experiences in your expanded learning programs, students become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply transferable STEAM, Literacy, and Numeracy practices to solving real-world problems in the regular school day and beyond. The LEGO EDUCATION EXPERIENCE is a hands-on exploration of learning, research, and possibilities.  Done at your own pace you can even earn some fun LEGO swag!!! Jump in any time during the sessions and come back, again and again, to complete as many tasks as you can.
Strand: LEGO Education Mini-Strand 
Maker Station 

Musical Codes and Cosmic Adventures
Beth Shadd, Instructional Designer, PCS Edventures!, Boise, ID

Join our two-part immersive workshop uniting music, robotics, and space exploration! Discover music and coding with Sphero's indi robotic car in "Rockin' Robots." Then, embark on "Cosmic Coders," an interstellar experience for upper elementary students, merging robotics and space exploration.
E, MLA, DS
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite G/H

Native Chesapeake & Brave Classroom Communities
Caroline Ferrante, M.Ed., Arts Integration Coach; Ana Zandarin, Director; Sierra Billingslea, Program Coordinator, Summer Arts for Learning Academy, Arts for Learning Maryland, Baltimore, MD

My grandmother was a trapper of Potawatomi descent, and my grandfather a Pawnee storyteller. Through movement, story, ancestral song, and steady rhythm, we will celebrate the Chesapeake Bay region— built on the ancestral hunting ground of many First Nations - as participants explore their own native lands, flora, fauna, and ecosystems as they “catch” things using imagination, embody animals through dramatic play, and experience how local animals can help create brave classroom communities.
PK, E, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite A

Play | Connect | Create - Let’s Change the Way Students Learn
Christina Robert, Educator Support Specialist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA

Looking to capture students’ minds and hearts in out-of-school time? Introducing QUEST: A K-8 game experience that combines literacy, problem-solving, social-emotional skill building, and creativity, immersing students in powerful play with purpose! Bring your energy to this hands-on workshop and discover why QUEST is so much more than a game. Players will leave with ideas and strategies to bring experiential learning to life in out-of-school time!
E, M, MLA, DS 
Strand: ProSolve; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite B

The Power in Perspective
Raynee Russell, Operations Manager/Lead Teacher, Global Kindness Initiative, Paradise, CA

Raynee Russell’s story, “The Power in Perspective,'' is a tribute to the transformative power of resilience and shifting your perspective. Instead of falling into despair when faced with a series of challenging circumstances, Raynee shifted her views by turning her struggles into a source of motivation and drive. Her story highlights the profound impact of mindset and the strength in embracing positive perspectives and serves as inspiration for anyone striving to overcome life’s hurdles.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storytellers Café 
Tapestry

Pre-K for All: A Discussion About the Role and Benefits of Universal Pre-K 
Dr. Marquita Davis, Chief Academic Officer, KinderCare Learning Companies, Washington, DC

Universal Pre-K offers an opportunity for every family to send their child to a publicly funded preschool program. In this session, participants will learn about universal pre-k and its role in early education and childcare. Attendees of this workshop will walk away with new knowledge about the current landscape and a renewed sense of urgency to invest in our earliest learners. Following a short presentation, participants can engage in Q&A with a premiere industry leader and expert.
PK, E, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Sustainability 
Ventura

Structuring Organizations to Support Racial Equity in Youth Programs
Lisa Rice, Senior CQI Specialist, The Forum for Youth Investment, Tucson, AZ; Shavon Dotson, Senior Learning & Development Specialist, The Forum for Youth Investment, Clarksburg, MD

Individual and organizational well-being can benefit when organizations move beyond viewing racial equity as a checklist and instead take gradual steps to address systemic racism. Whether you can policies or simply advocate for change, your actions can support positive youth development and equity. Participants will explore ways to model equitable practices for staff and youth, examine racial equity in policies, practices, and programs, and develop a racial equity action plan to take back.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Palm Canyon A & B

Unlocking Staffing Stability: Creating a Compelling Employee Journey To, Through, and Beyond 
Eliana Mancilla, Associate Director of Learning and Development, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA 

Staffing continues to be the greatest struggle for expanded learning programs and yet, staffing stability is the foundation to truly achieve program success and efficacy. Woodcraft Rangers has achieved a remarkable level of staffing stability during volatile times by focusing on culture and strengthening every phase of the employee journey. Learn how recruitment, retention, training, culture, and investing in long-term personal and professional growth can create stability in your program too. 
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB 
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Sustainability
Mesquite C

Youth at the Helm: Enhancing Program with Teen Teachers
Marianne Bird, MS, 4-H Youth Development Advisor; Beryl Johnson, 4-H Community Education Specialist, University of California 4-H Program, Sacramento, CA; Nicole Marshall-Wheeler, 4-H Youth Development Advisor, University of California 4-H Program, Oroville, CA 

There are numerous benefits when we engage teenagers as teachers: subject matter comes alive for young learners; teens grow in planning, teamwork, and other life skills; and programs become more dynamic and fun. This session explores strategies for finding, training and truly empowering teens to deliver educational programs to younger youth.  Participants will understand the outcomes of Teens as Teachers projects and learn what’s necessary to set their own program for success.
E, M, H, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Older Youth
Chino A/B


1:15PM-2:30PM 

Addressing Hunger During the Out-of-School Time Hours
Clarissa Hayes, Deputy Director, School and Out-of-School Time Programs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Washington, DC 

The out-of-school hours can be the hungriest time for the millions of children living in food-insecure households. While the federally-funded Summer and Afterschool Nutrition Programs exist to fill those nutrition gaps, they are still not reaching all of the children who need them. This Town Hall will feature national and local anti-hunger advocates as they share why addressing hunger is essential to supporting families, engaging students, and strengthening summer and afterschool programs.
M, H, ULA, MLA, DS, CB
Strand: BOOST Nation Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Madera

All That I Am
Moderator: TBD 

After five years in the foster system, eighteen-year-old Emilie returns to her family home to rebuild a fractured relationship with her mother and younger half-siblings. She wants to heal the trauma that haunts her and move towards a self-determined future. To do that, Emilie must gather the courage to reveal to her half-siblings the reason their father was imprisoned. Told with a commitment to emotional insight and dedication to Emilie’s subjective experience, this is the story of an extraordinarily courageous young woman finding the voice that was long denied to her.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival 
Horizon 1 

Black American Students and Community Connections
Krystal Clemons, Ph.D., LSC, NCC, NCSC, ACS, Founder/CEO, Clemons Education Consulting LLC, Charlottesville, Virginia

This session discusses interventions for Black students including creating partnerships with local Black churches, hair salons/barbershops, and Black Greek Letter Organizations. These partnerships provide multiple supports for schools and families and critical mentoring opportunities for students. Schools can use data to prioritize interventions and to show the overall effectiveness of the interventions.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships
Plaza A

Building Bridges: Enhancing School Culture Through Cultural Awareness and Proficiency
Dr. Christopher Culver, Lead Learner; Dr. Kelly B. Forbes, Lead Learner, Kelly B's Consulting, LLC, Oklahoma City, OK 

"Building Bridges" workshop educates educators on school culture's connection to cultural awareness. It promotes diversity, shares proficiency strategies, and fosters inclusivity. Through hands-on activities and case studies, educators develop action plans for vibrant, inclusive classrooms.
H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Palm Canyon A & B

CAPTURE THE TAG!  - Expanded Learning New Field Content (NFC)
Joshua Blecha, Region Lead, R7 Fresno; Charles Clancy, Program Specialist, Central Valley RTAC for Community Schools; Lexie Rodgers-Velazquez, R7 Fresno, SSEL Team Member, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Fresno, CA; Fred Buggs, Education Programs Consultant, California Department of Education (CDE), Sacramento, CA

Capture the flag? No! CAPTURE THE TAG! Different game similar name! Kinda. Join us as we provide a GAME-LIKE experience where participants learn and explore complex topics related to Expanded Learning (ELO-P, ASES, 21st Century, CQI, Quality Standards, Community Schools, and more) and use that knowledge to save the world! Are you ready to ... CAPTURE THE TAG?!
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff leadership; Sustainability 
San Jacinto

Empowering Students with Agency, Voice, and Choice
Christina Robert, Educator Support Specialist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA 

Introducing SLED: A gamified leadership program where students work collaboratively to solve real problems in their community. In this collaborative workshop, you’ll dive into the five elements of student-led education and discover what is possible when we empower students with agency, voice, and choice in out-of-school time. Participants will leave with ready-to-apply strategies for bringing these concepts alive in your program.
E, MLA, DS 
Strand: ProSolve; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite B

Engage Every Student: The Power of Partnerships
Brandis Stockman, Program Manager, Education & Expanded Learning, National League of Cities, West Valley City, UT; Shital Shah, Senior Advisor, Strategic Partnerships, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Washington, DC; Lisa Salazar, Executive Director, City of Los Angeles Youth Development Department, Long Beach, CA; Sheryl Davis, Ed.D., Executive Director, San Francisco Human Rights Commission, San Francisco, CA; Nicole Kooiker, Deputy Superintendent, Cedar Rapids Community School District, Cedar Rapids, IA

As modeled by the U.S. Department of Education’s Engage Every Student initiative, this session highlights the value of intentional collaboration between state and local school districts, elected officials, and afterschool and summer learning programs. Hear from municipal and school district leaders about how they are leveraging partnerships, and come away with a plan to develop sustainable partnerships to increase access to high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs.
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Smoketree A-C

Expanding Student Self-Awareness and Career Exposure with Find Your Grind
Juan Pablo Vásquez Varela, M.Ed., Director of Student Impact, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Daniel Weidmann, Director of Partnerships, Find Your Grind, West Hollywood, CA

We often ask our students what they want to do without asking them who they are or what motivates them. Find Your Grind is an innovative software platform that asks students to think about who they are before they decide what they want to do. Think Together has partnered with Find Your Grind to implement intentional career and opportunity exposure. Learn what steps we took to integrate Find Your Grind into a unit of study for students and where you can take students with this digital resource.
M, H, ULA, MLA, DS
Strand: Think Together; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Mesquite E/F

Finding the Forest Through the Trees: The Childcare Landscape
Elanna Yalow, MBA, Ph.D., Vice Chair and Senior Advisor, KinderCare Learning Companies, Portland, OR

Participants will experience an inspirational workshop that will illuminate their perspective with a big picture of the childcare landscape. Topics such as DEI, access, opportunity, the importance of a high-quality engaging curriculum, recruiting, hiring, and more will be covered from multiple perspectives. Attendees will walk away with a deeper understanding of best practices and will be able to actively engage with a premiere industry leader and expert in early childhood education.
PK, E, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Ventura

Games You Should Know 
Phil Brown, Senior Trainer, High 5 Adventure Learning Center, Brattleboro, VT

We all have a list of go-to games. I want to share my list of games I never leave home without. Everything from icebreakers to initiative problems. This will be a fast-paced, fun-filled workshop sure to energize you and give you lots of new ideas.
E, M, H, HE
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Santa Rosa

Inquire to Inspire: Paving Project Paths
Barry Schwartz, Vice President, Startup Smartup, San Francisco, CA

Dive into “Inquire to Inspire; Paving Project Paths and turn challenges into opportunities! Tailored for elementary through high school learners, this session equips you with tools to dissect challenges using strategic questions. Develop active observation, foster solution-oriented thinking, and pave clear paths for your projects. Explore, ask, and transform ideas into action. Join us in unlocking the power of purposeful questioning and crafting your project roadmap.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

An Innovative Approach to Engaging Teens and Cultivating Your Next Generation of Youth Workers
Jody Rhodes, M.S., Executive Director, Neu-Life Community Development, Milwaukee, WI

In this workshop, learn how a youth development program has developed an innovative model to engage middle and high school students in meaningful projects, programming, and initiatives while preparing them for the youth workforce world. What started as an after-school program 23 years ago has now become the Youth Work Innovation Center, a center where teens accomplish amazing things while also getting the training they need for their futures. Currently, 64% of our staff are alumni of the program.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Smoketree F

KiwiCo STEAM Kit Demonstration
Courtney Morgan, Account Manager; Emma Zang-Schwartz, MPH, Sales Operations Manager, KiwiCo, Mountain View, CA

Come join us to see our STEAM kits in action, ask questions, interact with the items in a class setting, and claim your free sample! We will be hosting a demo implementing our K-12 STEAM learning kits. Our team will be walking through the crates step by step as we all work to build the kits together. We will highlight various aspects of the crates and engagement opportunities coming from our supplemental materials. Plus, there will be recommendations for expanding on the kits over multiple days. 
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite G/H

LEGO Education Experience

LEGO® Education’s overall ambition is to future-proof students and inspire them to become confident lifelong learners. If we meet each student where they are, challenge them appropriately, and allow them meaningful failures, they’ll ultimately succeed. With LEGO Education learning experiences in your expanded learning programs, students become increasingly sophisticated in their ability to apply transferable STEAM, Literacy, and Numeracy practices to solving real-world problems in the regular school day and beyond. The LEGO EDUCATION EXPERIENCE is a hands-on exploration of learning, research, and possibilities.  Done at your own pace you can even earn some fun LEGO swag!!! Jump in any time during the sessions and come back, again and again, to complete as many tasks as you can.
Strand: LEGO Education Mini-Strand 
Maker Station, PSCC

Let’s Showcase Our Field! Increasing Visibility Through Advocacy
Heather Williams, Director, Policy & Outreach; Leslye Lugo, Specialist, Policy & Outreach; Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

Civic engagement goes beyond voting in elections and encompasses a range of activities that contribute to the well-being and development of society. This workshop is designed to demystify advocacy, providing participants with the tools to advocate for youth needs effectively and highlighting the significance of OST programs in their communities. Join us to equip yourself with actionable tools aimed at elevating the visibility and impact of OST initiatives within your community.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus 
Smoketree D/E

No Bad Parts: Authentic Leadership
Susie Estrada, MPA, M.Ed., Family and Community Engagement Specialist, Utah State Board of Education, West Valley, UT

Through the power of storytelling, participants will work to empower themselves and each other as they self-reflect on the ways they present themselves in public spaces. Participants will identify the various faces of their identity and will work to reconcile them for effective leadership.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Ambassador; Staff Leadership
Pasadena

Positive Social Connections: Supporting the Development of Youth Relationship Skills 
Nathaniel Hilliard, MPPA, Director, Training; Crystal Smith, Director, Teen Connection Project, Wyman Center, Inc., Eureka, MO

Strong, positive connections support healthier lives—as youth continue to report feeling isolated it is essential that staff are prepared to assist youth in developing healthy social relationships with their peers. This workshop builds knowledge and teaches strategies to increase connectedness, which is an essential promotive factor in healthy adolescent growth and development and an important protective factor when youth may face challenges in their lives. 
M, H, HE, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Older Youth
Plaza B

Promoting Student Connectedness and Wellness Using Sandy Hook Promise "Know the Signs" Programs and SAVE Promise Clubs
Christina Garza, Senior Director, Business Development - West, Sandy Hook Promise, Newtown, CT

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization with a mission to end school shootings and create a culture change that prevents violence and other harmful acts that hurt children. Join us to learn about how your school or district can participate in the evidence-informed  Know the Signs prevention programs, where students learn how to recognize, intervene, and get help for individuals who may be socially isolated and/or at risk of hurting themselves or others.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; Older Youth
Andreas

School District and Community Partnerships - Making the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) a Reality
Jessica Gunderson, MPA, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Partnership for Children & Youth, Sacramento, CA 

California invests $4 billion in ongoing funding for ELO-P to move us closer to universal access to expanded learning. This much-needed funding is new, and school districts and community partners need time, resources, and technical assistance to blend and braid ELO-P with existing afterschool funding, as well as strengthen their community partnerships to expand and create the most impactful programs possible. Join us to hear how communities and districts can partner to be more effective.
E, ULA, MLA, CB  
Strand: Panel; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Catalina

SPARK Physical Activity Strategies, Activities & More!
Julie Frank, MPH, MBA, SPARK Executive Director, SPARK, Owatonna, MN

Don’t miss this ACTIVE session to experience SPARK After School – The World’s Most Evidence-Based Physical Education & Physical Activity Programs! Leave ready to create connections, including 3 strategies to ensure all youth are active, and build bridges (academic & SEL integrations) plus a chance to win equipment!
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality
Primrose C&D

Social Anxiety: The Silent Pandemic That Needs a Louder Voice
Kyle Mitchell, Founder, Social Anxiety Help, LLC, Floyds Knobs, IN 

Kyle Mitchell takes us on his own personal journey through teen social anxiety with his 3 simple steps to overcoming it and creating solutions for a happier, healthier life. Come learn to get out of your comfort zone and build your confidence. 
M, H, MLA, DS 
Strand: Storytellers Cafe 
Tapestry

Sustaining Summer Learning: National Tools & Lessons from Tulsa
Hillary Oravec, MA, Managing Partner, The Learning Agenda, Akron, OH; Brenda McLaughlin, Founding Partner, The Learning Agenda, Springfield, PA; Joe Bertoletti, Senior Consultant, The Learning Agenda, Ypsilanti, MI; Caroline Crouch, Executive Director - Communications and Strategy, Family, Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, OK 

ESSER funding will sunset this year. Districts and cities leveraged stimulus funds to build system capacity and expand program access for youth who need it most. What now? This workshop will introduce free sustainability tools from The Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and offer examples from Tulsa, Oklahoma, and other communities to guide your next steps. The session will be informative and interactive, with opportunities to explore strategies for your community.
E. M, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Sustainability
Pueblo A/B

Team Building: It's in the Bag!
Elinor Blankenship, Out-of-School Time Specialist, Utah Afterschool Network, Bountiful, UT 

Team building activities are vital to helping your program staff and participants bond, but planning team building activities can be overwhelming. Don't worry, it doesn’t have to be! In this session, we will go over the most important elements of team-building, how to use reflection, and how to create your own team-building bag so that you can run multiple activities from just one set of simple supplies.
M, H, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite A

T.H.R.I.V.E.: Creating Togetherness, Harmony, and Resilience by Influencing a Valuable and Empowering Workplace
Dwayne Wiggins, Jr., M.F.A., Before & After-School Program Director & Motivational Coach, Community Education Alliance & A Human Being!, Philadelphia, PA 

Our workplaces play a significant role in our lives. Work affects both our physical and mental well-being in good ways and bad. We can build workplaces that are engines of well-being, showing workers that they matter, that their work matters, and that they have the workplace resources and support necessary to flourish. T.H.R.I.V.E. is a guide to help employees and leaders create togetherness, harmony, and resilience by influencing a valuable and empowering workplace.
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Plaza C

Unlocking STEM Experiences with Science Near Me
Candid Mack, Program and Events Coordinator, National Girls Collaborative Project, Brooktondale, NY; Emily Early, M.S., Senior Programs Manager, National Girls Collaborative Project, Seattle, WA

Explore Science Near Me, a free STEM database connecting you to citizen science, museums, festivals, and maker opportunities for your out-of-school time programs. Those with their own events to share can discover new resources, and partners and connect with the public. Through a hands-on citizen science project featured on Science Near Me, attendees will contribute to scientific research while discovering STEM content, field trips, and potential partnership opportunities to enrich their programs.
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Sierra

Whole Child
Andres De La Peza, Chief Strategy Officer, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA 

At Woodcraft Rangers, the Woodcraft Way is a core philosophy that has guided the agency for more than 100 years and is based on Indigenous wisdom as represented in the medicine wheel. With an equal focus on body, mind, spirit, and service, Woodcraft Way understands that the maturity and the development of the whole child is the aim of education. Come learn how Woodcraft Rangers’ has honed this over decades and how it is embedded today in the agency’s curriculum, programmatic structure, and culture. 
PK, E, M, H, HE, MLA 
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Mesquite C

Young Storytellers on The Achievery Free Learning Tools for K-12 Educators, Students & Families!
Andrea Ohlsen-Esparza, Program Director: Middle & High School Programs, Young Storytellers, Los Angeles, CA 

Learn how your team can access and adapt learning videos and writing exercises to help young people write about their identities, interests, and lived experiences. You will receive a hands-on opportunity to explore and leverage Young Storytellers materials and exercises for students in 5-12th grade on The Achievery, a FREE new digital learning platform created by AT&T and Warner Bros. We encourage you to bring your own tablets or laptops!
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Older Youth
Plaza D


3:45PM-5:15PM

#iAmImpact Healing Circles
Nathan Houston, Founder/CEO; Nathaniel Wilson, Coordinator, #iAmImpact, Sacramento, CA

#iAmImpact healing circles are not a particular program or blueprint. Healing Circles are an invitation into intentional dialogue and exploration of what a community needs to ensure all members strengthen and maintain healthy relationships. In this interactive session, participants will experience the power of dialogue while building connection and community with one another. Our circle process represents equality and inclusivity and how all have a part to play in the symphony of life.
E, M, H, HE, MLA, DS
Strand: BOOST Ambassador; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality
Santa Rosa

Building Affinity Groups in the Workplace
Berenice Hernandez, Education Marketing Coordinator; Akilah Alleyne, Education Program Coordinator; California Academy of Sciences - Science Action Club, San Francisco, CA 

Affinity groups in the workplace provide a safe place where folks of similar cultural backgrounds can unite and find community in a space that can otherwise be isolating. When staff are comfortable bringing their whole selves to work, youth see that joy modeled and feel safe themselves. Creating affinity groups can be challenging if staff feel unequipped with the proper tools. This session will introduce tools and resources that will help create affinity groups that leave a lasting impact.
M, H, HE, CB
Strand: Sustainability
Plaza D  

Breaking Barriers: Creating Equitable STEAM Learning Opportunities
Lupita Perez, Specialist, Equity & Quality; Melissa Perez, Manager, Policy & Outreach, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA 

Join CAN & the CA Million Girls Moonshot as we seek to inspire and prepare the next generation of innovators by engaging one million more girls in STEAM through after-school and summer programs over the next five years! This interactive and high-energy workshop will explore resources and professional development to support educators in creating accessible, equitable & quality STEAM learning opportunities for all students, regardless of their background.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus 
Smoketree D/E

Build Your Own Do-It-Yourself Catapult with Elemental Hardware DIY Enrichment
Aidan King, M.Ed., Senior Manager of Program Design and Instruction; Sebastian Rizzi, CEO, Elementary Hardware Enrichment, Oxnard, CA

Learn how to build your very own wooden catapult and walk away with fun facts about the history of the catapult, how kinetic and potential energy play a role in objects, and how to decorate your catapult. Elemental Hardware Enrichment develops and delivers DIY project kits and instruction that introduce students to basic carpentry and electrical skills, granting them an enlightening glimpse into career pathways in the skilled trades while incorporating Core Curriculum and SEL principles.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

Center Youth Voice: 5 Trauma-Informed Activities
Daniel Hatcher, MPH, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Washington, DC; Cassandra Arechiga, Trauma-Informed Care Specialist, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA; Sunny Vachher, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, SUNNY, Producer, TED/TED-Ed, United Nations Ambassador, Los Angeles, CA 

Belonging and connectedness are essential for youth well-being; at the heart of this is storytelling. In this interactive panel, attendees will learn simple trauma-informed activities to help youth (and adults) find and share their voice. All resources shared are free and publicly available.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Smoketree A-C

College and Career Success for All: Partnering with AVID to Change the Odds in Expanded Learning
Juan Pablo Vásquez Varela, M.Ed., Director of Student Impact, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Dr. Trent Mohrbutter, Director, AVID for Higher Education, AVID, San Diego, CA

AVID and Think Together have developed a program that integrates AVID strategies for building relational capacity, developing student skills, and fostering student agency. Learn about the structures, systems, and conditions for success in bringing AVID into the expanded learning systems of support for students, and get a chance to explore some of the tools and resources that have been developed to support an odds-changing program that prepares students for college and career success.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Think Together; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Older Youth
Mesquite E/F

Discover the Secret to Effective SEL Through Movement and Fun!
Sami Kader, Owner, Sami's Circuit, Roseville, CA

Dive into this motivating workshop that combines the power of physical movement with social-emotional learning! Embark on an inspiring journey led by Sami himself as he shares the story of his own childhood experiences and how they led to the creation of Sami’s Circuit, an innovative program that brings SEL concepts to life through kinesthetic learning. Experience Sami's Circuit firsthand as you join in the energetic movement and motivation that's at the heart of this transformative program!
E, MLA, DS
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite G/H

Empowering Inclusive Learning: Strategies for Nurturing Students with Special Needs in the Classroom
Vickie Brett, Esq., Co-Founder and Executive Director; Amanda Selogie, J.D., Co-Founder and Executive Director, Inclusive Education Project, Huntington Beach, CA 

Unlock the power of inclusive education! Join us to discover effective strategies for supporting special needs students in classrooms and after-school programs. Enhance your skills and create an inclusive learning environment for all.
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Plaza C

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Integrating Invention and Intellectual Property Education into Your Program
Christine Lawlor-King, Invention Education Consultant, Lemelson-MIT, Manchester, CT; Kathy Hoppe, Owner, STEMisED, Rio Rico, AZ

Join us for an immersive session that invites participants to embark on a hands-on invention challenge. From problem definition to sketching solutions, prototyping, and branding, this interactive workshop will empower attendees to unleash the inventive spirit of the youth they work with in after-school programs. The invention challenge will positively impact youth by fostering engagement and excitement in STEAM. Youth take pride in their creation and envision themselves as inventors.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite C

Exploring Engineering: User-Centered Design
Lauren Cage, M.A., Professional Development Specialist, The Tech Interactive, San Jose, CA 

Join us to learn strategies for creative problem-solving and empathy-building in youth using design challenges from our Exploring Engineering with The Tech Challenge course. You’ll gain experience with the innovation design process (brainstorming, prototyping, and sharing solutions) and user-centered design and walk away with an empathy-focused design challenge you can try with your students.
M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Older Youth
Plaza B

For Us, By Us: Program Design Using Student Voice
LaTasha Golden, M.Ed., Vice President, The Golden Foundation, Inc., Boston, MA 

In this workshop, you’ll be introduced to a collaborative process of using student feedback and student voice to inform the design and development of your OST program. Anchored in research and using a Student Experience Framework as an example, we will cover the core values of student voice, design thinking elements, and continuous improvement practices. This workshop is for all program staff and leaders who want to learn how to make their OST program for students, by students.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Sierra

Game Changing Investments in Emerging Leaders
Jim Walter, M.A., Senior Consultant/Superintendent, Intentional Schools, Clare, MI 

Equipping emerging leaders with essential skills sets the table for their (and your school or organizational) success. Success is linked to talent and skill development. This workshop is designed to foster the right skills to lead with vulnerability, empathy, and confidence. We'll dive into leadership styles, effective feedback, delegation & micromanaging, failure & resilience, psychological safety & trust, and more. These lead to visionary leadership, retention, and growth!
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Staff Leadership
Pueblo A/B

Hip Hop Classrooms: Dawn of Social Justice
Kenrick Wagner, Executive Director, Project Gametime LLC, Riverview, FL 

Join us as we transform the classroom through Hip Hop! This workshop uses Hip Hop techniques to create a positive classroom culture by giving you the tools necessary to allow students to SPEAK OUT through the use of Hip Hop elements. You will learn Song Structure (verse and chorus) and Song Performance/Delivery. You will also learn how to encourage students to advocate and express themselves through Hip Hop.
E, M, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
San Jacinto

How to Create a Comprehensive Foster Youth Program
Jenna Mendez, M.A., PPS, LPCC, District Foster Youth Counselor/Liaison; Kara McDonnell, M.S., PPS, School Counselor, Corona-Norco Unified School District, Corona, CA 

Foster youth are often the “invisible” underserved population. Participants will learn how to create a comprehensive academic and social/emotional program serving the needs of today’s foster youth. The presentation will include data, academic supports, on-campus programs, mentorships, district and community outreach, career readiness, resources, and how to build meaningful relationships for this at-promise population. Financial options and how to continue growing the program will be discussed.
E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Smoketree F

How Two County Offices of Education Partnered to Build Professional Capacity of Site Coordinators 
Asha Levert-McDowell, M.Ed., Program Manager; Christina Biasca, Program Coordinator; Chris Meza, Program Coordinator, Napa County Office of Education, Napa, CA; Shamia Sandles, M.A., Program Director; Akilah Byrd, Director, Alameda County Office of Education, Hayward, CA 

Alameda County Office of Education and Napa County Office of Education developed a partnership to train site coordinators throughout the Bay Area region. Facilitators will share learnings from the program's inception and its exciting new developments of growth. Participants will increase their understanding of the importance of investing in the development of site coordinators, how partnership and collaboration are necessary for success, and how this model could be replicated.
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Staff Leadership, Partnerships & Building Relationships, Sustainability
Mesquite B

Hungry to Learn
Moderator: Clarissa Hayes, Deputy Director, School and Out-of-School Time Programs, Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), Washington, DC

HUNGRY TO LEARN introduces the faces behind an American crisis — college students so strapped to pay tuition that they don’t have enough money to eat or a place to live. A lack of food is just a symptom of a bigger problem, the American Dream of a college education slipping out of reach. It is the story of how colleges, once places for children of privilege, opened their doors to students of limited means but failed to provide enough financial aid to allow these new students to graduate without making painful choices. This documentary is not just about the devastating hunger crisis unfolding on American campuses, it is about what can — and should — be done about it.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival 
Horizon 1 

Learning Doesn’t Stop in Summer: The Benefits of Intentional, High-Quality Summer Programming
Jane Kim-Ware, Director of Champions Summer Programming, KinderCare Learning Companies, Laguna Hills, CA 

Providing continuity of care through summer benefits the entire school community. Students win when they experience high-quality enrichment and schools win when they can recruit and retain staff more efficiently. Participants who join this workshop will learn about the hidden benefits of offering a year-round pre-K and school-age childcare option for parents, students, and staff. 
PK, E, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Sustainability
Ventura

Leveraging Community Schools to Prevent Homelessness for Families and Their Youth 
William Gomez, MSW, Program Director and District Consultant, LifeMoves-Community Based Organization, San Francisco, CA; Antonio Perez, Student Services Director; Liz Calderón-García, Community Schools District Coordinator; Elsa Aispuro, Community School Coordinator, Redwood City School District, Redwood City, CA 

The presentation will highlight Redwood City School District’s initiative which aims to prevent youth and family homelessness; the initiative works to deepen the community school model and better serve and engage students and their families. The presentation will highlight the importance of intentional collaboration between stakeholders to achieve a successful warm collaboration between schools, districts, and community-based organizations that provides essential linkages to community resources for families and youth.
E, M, ULA, MLA, CB, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Catalina

Leveraging Emotional Intelligence as an Academic Leader
Dr. Christine Fuselier, Dean of Instruction, Bryant Stratton College, Henrico, VA 

Leveraging emotional intelligence is essential for successful team/class collaboration and progress. Emotional intelligence involves recognizing, understanding, and managing one's emotions and those of others. Join this session to learn how to increase the quality of communication within your relationships and gain insight into how to respond thoughtfully and constructively when faced with challenging situations.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS 
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships 
Andreas

Out-of-School Explorations for People and the Planet
Erin Snyder, Senior Resource Educator, Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District, Riverside, CA

Tap into students’ growing environmental awareness with collaborative games, simulations, and projects that harness STEM skills and civic engagement. Engage in interdisciplinary activities that examine natural resource use, climate change, population trends, habitat conservation, and more. Learn ways to use these activities to ignite discussion and creative problem-solving around real-world issues, while building skills in communication and cooperation.
M, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza A

Overcoming Gangs, Drugs, and Trafficking: A Survivor's Story
Martha Trujillo, Youth Support Specialist Outreach Coordinator, Orangewood Foundation, Santa Ana, CA

Hear a survivor's story of how family dysfunction, community influence, and educational obstacles impacted her journey from being in foster care to getting a Master's Degree. Human trafficking occurs all over the world but in smaller communities like Orange County it looks very different. How can educators be aware of the signs of a student who may be experiencing exploitation? Come learn more about how Human Trafficking is occurring in our communities and the power of resilience.
M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storyteller's Cafe 
Tapestry

Power Up Your Teaching! Create Smart Energy Managers on Your Campus
Tess Hooper, MESM, Project Manager; Bahar Pahlevani, Project Coordinator, The Energy Coalition, Irvine, CA 

Inspire your students to think like energy managers by designing a community microgrid system! This session will cover the US energy system, energy resilience, and the transition toward decentralized energy generation. Geared towards 9-12th grade educators, this NGSS standards-aligned lesson plan is easily adaptable to fit the needs of younger students. Participants will leave the workshop with concepts and strategies to implement this lesson with their students.
H, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Older Youth
Palm Canyon A & B

Putting Confidence First: How to Empower Lifelong Learners
Joshua Faden, MAT, President/Founder, Community of Teachers, Kensington, MD

What happens when students stop believing in themselves as learners? How do we empower resistant learners to become excited, engaged participants in their own educational journeys? The key is building student confidence! But how? This session shares stories and explicitly lays out strategies and tools to help teachers, parents, and students speak a common language of confidence. Come learn how putting confidence first will cultivate a generation of excited, lifelong learners!
E, M, ULA, MLA
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Chino A/B

Skillastics: Motivating the Unmotivated Student to Move
Sandy Slade, CEO & Founder, Skillastics, Corona, CA

This session steps outside the box of traditional fitness activities and provides participants with innovative ideas that demonstrate how to easily get children up and moving and transform their attitudes about physical activity. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind workshop.
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Primrose C&D

Solving Inevitable Conflict Through a Yes/And Strategy
Háppi Price, MA, Founder/CEO, Improv 2 Improvement LLC, Los Angeles, CA 

We all live in an improvised mode from when we wake up and go to bed. Being spontaneously creative is an innate ability we all can develop to find balance in our lives. Because conflict, good or bad, is inevitable, making critical choices to achieve a quality of life is vital to supporting the lives we serve. Join me on an interactive educational journey exploring universal strategies that can be implemented in the human experience through applied improvisation.
E, M, H, HE, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; Older Youth
Mesquite A

Surviving 10: Tips & Strategies to Help Our Most Vulnerable Students Through Their Trauma
DJ Johnson, M.Ed., DJ Inspires LLC, Whittier, CA

The numbers say that as your ACE score increases, so does your risk of disease and social and emotional problems. People with an ACE score of 6 or higher are at risk of their lifespan being shortened by 20 years! 20 years!?!?! As daunting as those numbers may be, we know that resilience is a major factor in kids having the ability to overcome their childhood trauma. How do we help our most vulnerable population? Meet them where they are at as much as you can.
M, H, HE, MLA, DS
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships, Older Youth
Pasadena

Work-Based Learning Opportunities - A Win for OST & Community Partners
SPEAKERS COMING SOON! 

Learn data-driven outcomes from practitioners in the field who continue to apply classroom and out-of-school-time lessons/requirements to empower students with tangible workforce skills and access to work-based learning opportunities. Hear the corporate, NGO, and governmental perspectives on why workforce development is the biggest opportunity for out-of-school time programming.
M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, DS, CB
Strand: BOOST Nation Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Madera


Friday, May 3, 2024

9:15AM-11:15AM

Beyond Men and Masculinity
Moderator: Nathan Houston, Founder/CEO, #iAmImpact, Sacramento, CA

This is not a film about men versus women. BEYOND MEN AND MASCULINITY explores how men see themselves, how they relate to the people they care about, and how the personal affects the political. What happens when men are taught to shut themselves off from their feelings because they want to be strong and independent? What is the connection between shame and male violence? 
Why is it so difficult for us to appreciate kindness and compassion in men? And what role do women play in defining what is expected of men and masculinity? A discussion about these sometimes uncomfortable questions is more important today than ever. From the therapy room to the political battlefield, this provocative film offers a clear insight into why we need to look beyond traditional definitions of men and masculinity.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Film Festival
Horizon 1 

Cooking is Hot! Hot! Hot!
Ann Butler, Founder, The Edible Education Group, Midlothian, VA

Interested in expanding or starting a cooking program? This seminar is for you! Pop by to learn and understand the basics of starting a cooking program and funding resources to create OST chefs! 
E, M, MLA, DS
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality
Mesquite D

Crafting Champions: A Playful Approach to Staff Leadership Mindset for Success
Bryn Drescher, Facilitator/Speaker, Brynergy Productions, Los Angeles, CA

Join us for an interactive journey where we'll transform your after-school staff into leadership champions. Just like in sports, it takes strategy, teamwork, and a dash of creativity to win. Get ready to unlock your staff's full potential and lead them to victory!
Strand: Staff Leadership; Older Youth
H, HE, MLA, DS
Santa Rosa

Cultivating Meaningful Partnerships at Every Level
Johanna Lizarraga, Executive General Manager, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA 

Partnership is essential for the success and vitality of the expanded learning industry. As our industry and funding expand, organizations must cultivate meaningful partnerships at every level. From site staff to regional leaders, success comes from a holistic approach to relationship building.  Join us for a hybrid session featuring practical tools and resources to improve partnerships followed by a panel of diverse leaders from the field sharing their best practices, experiences, and advice.
PK, E, M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Think Together; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Mesquite E/F

Don't Run, Stay for the TK FUN!
Heather Speers-Tardiff, Program Manager, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR), Antioch, CA; Na'Dra Hennington, Expanded Learning Program Manager, Bay Area Community Resources (BACR), El Cerrito, CA

Calling all TK/K superheroes! Are you looking to enhance your TK/K programs? Well, we have just what you need! Join us as we dive into TK/K program design that offers children experiences and environments that encourage active, playful exploration and experimentation. This workshop will utilize a "Hands On Minds On" approach to TK/K, allowing children's interests to drive their learning.
PK, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality
Plaza A

Environments That Never Quit: Creating Impactful Spaces
Meghan Belknap, Area Manager, KinderCare Learning Companies, Washington, DC 

Curating learning environments from corner to corner encourages play, exploration, emotional safety, and self-respect and gives students a sense of value and belonging. Explore how a learning environment and curriculum can reach beyond the physical walls of your program space. High quality program environments enhance engagement and learning outcomes. Learn with plug-and-play tactics to elevate your program, improve collaboration between staff and students, and maximize opportunities for children.
E, MLA, DS
Strand: Champions; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
Ventura

Everybody Reads: Strategies to Build Literacy Engagement Partnerships
Sheryl Davis, Ed.D., Executive Director, San Francisco Human Rights Commission, San Francisco, CA 

This hands-on interactive workshop will share strategies used to build literacy engagement partnerships with libraries, community-based organizations, and families. As a result of attending this workshop participants will explore how to develop and apply community-centered approaches to collaboration and power-sharing with youth, families, summer programs, and other potential partner organizations, like libraries and city agencies. Sample materials will be shared.
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
 Andreas

Examining and Enhancing Culturally Affirming SEL and Equity in Program Design
Bryanna Kolja, Program Manager; Sully Diaz, Director of Program Operations, Morningside Center for Teaching Social Responsibility, New York, NY 

Examine, plan, and enhance your Culturally Affirming and equitable program design and practice through our session on “SEL and Equity in Mapping”. Attendees will reflect on current program practices, policies, and the overall program community and begin to identify opportunities to co-create more equitable and culturally affirming communities.
E, M, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Sierra

Expanding Interest: How Monarch School Project Sparked Student Interest in Data Science During the Summer
Delia Contreras, MA, Manager of Research and Evaluation, Monarch School Project, San Diego, CA

Helping students develop their interests is an educator’s priority, but how do you work with students who claim to have no interests? At Monarch School, we believe that seemingly uninterested students are simply unaware that there is something out there to be interested in. Come and learn how Monarch School partnered with The DataJam to create interest in Data Science among middle and high school students.
M, H, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
San Jacinto

Facilitating Wellness for Self and Others
Lupine Reppert, MPA, Executive Director, California School-Age Consortium, Pittsburg, CA

Self-care and wellness are hot topics – and something we all know we need - but what does wellness look like in practice? How can we build ongoing practices to support self-care in our own lives, and as leaders of others, how can we facilitate an organizational culture that authentically supports staff in finding their own path towards wellness? Join this session to identify and share self-care practices, as well as explore ways to infuse wellness across your organization.
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Staff Leadership
Pueblo A/B

From Beats to Badges: A Journey with (A)LIVE
Andjoua McLemore, Program Manager, Big Thought, Dallas, TX 

Discover the transformative power of (A)LIVE: (Art) Lifting Inspired Voices Everywhere- a youth poetry program, where Social-Emotional Learning, Literary Arts, and Hip-Hop intersect. Hear compelling stories and data-driven insights showcasing the importance of youth skill-building post-pandemic. Then, experience the impact of (A)LIVE with an interactive workshop where you’ll explore how empowering opportunity youth to "Create Great” is narrowing the racial wealth gap.
M, H, MLA, DS 
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Older Youth 
Smoketree F

Get FAST and FURIOUS with Omnikin!
Scotty Williams, M.Ed, Omnikin US Coordinator, Omnikin, Charlottesville, VA; PJ Hamel, International Kin-Ball Federation, Omnikin, Montreal, Quebec

Join in this fast-paced, action-packed workshop of FUN that will leave everyone begging for more! With everything from large group cooperative challenges to intense fitness games to hilarious partner tag activities, this session will have it all! Omnikin’s wide range of colorful, dynamic, awe-inspiring products are crowd-pleasers by themselves, but our activities will solidify that your program is the place to be! Come join Team Omnikin today and blow your students away!
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality 
Primrose C & D

Growing School & OST Partnerships to Support Student Well-Being
Jeff Davis, Executive Director, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

There has never been a better time to partner across sectors to advance Whole Child Health and Wellness. To ensure that California maximizes unprecedented investments in student well-being, it will require various education, health, mental health, and other human services to collaborate in ways they have not typically done. Join us and learn about partnering with CA's Expanded Learning ecosystem to align multiple funding sources to support student, family, and community well-being.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA 
Strand: California AfterSchool Network; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability; CA Focus 
Smoketree D/E

How to Fulfill ELO-P Intent with Efficient Management 
Helen Wang, Ph.D., Founder, 6crickets Expanded Learning Management Solutions, Bellevue, WA; Michele Reid, MA, Director of Expanded Learning, Visalia Unified School District, Visalia, CA; John Norton, MS, Director of Expanded Learning, Bonsall Unified School District, Bonsall, CA

By supporting 9-hour days and 30 intersession days, ELO-P is a historic initiative that closes a glaring opportunity gap. It is also a tremendous undertaking, building a school outside of school. The operation involves families, students, community partners, and district staff. Using successful district examples like Visalia, Bonsall, Del Mar, Chowchilla, we share some recipes and best practices for managing a quality ELO-P for districts large or small, suburban or rural to meet the ELO-P intent. 
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB 
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Relationships; Sustainability 
Mesquite G/H

Lighting the Way - Building STEM Identity and Belonging for BIPOC Girls and Gender-Expansive Youth
Casi Herrera, Director of Programs, Techbridge Girls, Oakland, CA 

This dynamic session will include discussion and hands-on activities. We will focus on an approach to developing a sense of belonging in STEM spaces for BIPOC girls. Participants will engage in a hands-on activity designed to center BIPOC contributions to STEM and disrupt the stock story of STEM for and by white men. Participants will also reflect on their learning and explore strategies for creating spaces of belonging for BIPOC girls and gender-expansive youth.
E, M, H, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Chino A/B

A Mix of Art and Science: Telling Your Program's Story
Carrie Underwood, MA, Consultant, Research and Evaluation, Sperling Center for Research and Innovation, Charlotte, NC; Danny Martinez, Senior Consultant; Jen Martin, Senior Consultant Sperling Center for Research and Innovation, Westwood, MA

Know your program makes a difference but unsure how you'll collect and share your impact with key stakeholders? This session will help you do just that. Attendees will learn to tell the story of their program by thinking about data differently, knowing what to collect, and implementing a quick and effective impact reporting process. This session will empower attendees to see how ALL data, even the unexpected, can be used for recruitment, marketing, and celebration. Learn to share your wow!
E, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality, Partnerships & Building Relationships, Sustainability
Plaza B

Model of Innovative Practice: Best Practices for Families in Need of Services
John Acosta, MBA, Homeless Innovation Program Coordinator, San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, Atascadero, CA; Carrie Collins, Family Advocate Services Director, The Link Family Resource Center, Atascadero, CA; Mariana Gutierrez, Family Resource Center Program Supervisor, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo, San Luis Obispo, CA 

Communities and schools face unique challenges in identifying, supporting, and connecting with families who need services. San Luis Obispo County’s SAFE System of Care was identified by CDE as a Model of Innovative Practice: scalable best practices for wraparound services, blending and braiding of funds, and strategies that have a positive impact on student/family connection and achievement.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Sustainability
Smoketree A-C

Open Space, Open Minds- The Unworkshop
Connect, reflect, and network by joining this informal, flexible, and open community space. Use this time to meet with your team or meet new peers, reflect on your learning, and strategize on how you will take action and implement your learning from BOOST. No facilitators, no agenda, just an open space to convene, collaborate, and create new paths forward in your classroom, program, and community.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Development, Design & Quality 
Mesquite C

The Power of Play
Tamara Fyke, M.Ed., Founder & CEO, Love In A Big World, Nashville, TN 

Play is a beautiful way to connect with others and practice social and emotional skills, behaviors, and competencies. Play provides a safe space — a microcosm of society — in which children learn to cooperate and compromise with one another. It’s also a whole lot of fun! During this workshop, we will: examine play theory in order to understand the importance of play, engage in play together, discuss how to integrate SEL conversations into games, and catalog games and toys for our students.
PK, E, MLA, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership
Palm Canyon A & B

Resilience: Life Throws Curveballs
Dee Hankins, Inspirational Speaker, Dee Hankins INC, Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Once a troubled youth in foster care, lost and hopeless, Dee Hankins was often recognized for his "bad" behavior. Everything changed when an educator saw his potential and activated his resilience. Come get POV into the life and struggles of students in broken homes on your campus. Reflect on the curveballs life has thrown at you and learn how your resilience can turn life's curveballs into amazing stories.
E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Staff Leadership; Older Youth
Pasadena

Shine Time Storytelling
Rita Naranjo, MA, Professor, MiraCosta College, Oceanside, CA

Rita thoughtfully connects her personal life story to her experiences growing up in foster care, being incarcerated in her youth, and becoming a mother at 15, have not stopped her. Rita’s commitment to community advocacy, her personal, political, cultural, and professional journey, and years of educational study and research, into unique and passionate demonstrations that promote critical dialogue, community building, and social justice.
PK, E, M, H, HE, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Storyteller’s Café
Tapestry

Si Se Puede! Summer Reading Gains through an Innovative Partnership
Sarah Grams, M.A., Director of Innovation and Programs, Cesar Chavez Foundation, Los Angeles, CA

Learn from the innovative summer partnership model between district and non-profit teams that has led to San Diego Unified School District's growing summer student enrollment and improved teacher experience. The Cesar Chavez Foundation and San Diego Unified School District will share our approach to co-designing a 5-week summer learning program that combines ELA standards, SEL, and art to create an academic model that feels distinctly different than during-year learning while leading to significant reading growth.
E, M, ULA, MLA
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Plaza D

Systematizing our Values: What Do Compassion, Empathy, and Caring Look Like on Your Campus?
Jose Luis Navarro, CEO, The Navarro Group, Porter Ranch, CA

We all say we love our students, but what does love look like on your campus? Does your vision, mission, and operations reflect those values? While technology and curriculum will change, the need for compassion, empathy, and integrity will not. Do the systems in our schools foster those values? By making genuine connections with students and staff, you will know the key to shifting your school or district's culture. Restorative Practices and engaging our community partners to create a Community School are a necessary part of this transformational process. 
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships
Mesquite B


FOR ADDITIONAL WORKSHOP AND LEARNING OPPORTUNITY LOGISTICS, PLEASE VISIT THE FOLLOWING PAGES: 

BOOST Film Festival | BOOST Live Podcast Lounge | BOOST Nation: Town Hall Meetings

Camp Inspire Workshops | Exhibitor Showcase Workshops | Get on the Bus Workshops

Inspiration Station Workshops | Master Classes | Panel Sessions

Pre-Conference Academies | Workshop Strand Sponsors

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Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events including meals and workshops

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