General Information

WORKSHOPS

We are excited to announce that BOOST is expanding our space to accommodate our growing audience and bring you more high-quality workshops and events. Please stay tuned for updates and announcements on our social media outlets!

TUESDAY, APRIL 25

PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES

7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Molly Garcia, Coach & Consultant, FranklinCovey Education, Goodyear, AZ

“The 7 Habits represent a proven process of personal and interpersonal growth and can have both immediate and lasting impact.” – Stephen R. Covey

Molly will help participants identify what matters most in their work and personal lives. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will help you navigate very real personal and professional problems in challenging times.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Pre-Conference Academy (pre-registration is required)

8 STEPS TO GETTING YOUR ESPORTS CLUB STARTED WITH NASEF
Kevin Brown, Chief Academic Officer, North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF), Anaheim, CA; Jihan Johnston, M.Ed., CEO/Founder of BeatBotics, Atlanta, GA

The “8 Steps to Getting Your Esports Club Started” is designed to illustrate the successes, challenges, and best practices in starting a Scholastic Esports community for your school, program, or community-based organization. Kevin Brown, Chief Academic Officer and Global Education Trainer for the North America Scholastic Esports Federation (NASEF) has experience in supporting thousands of clubs around the world in creating unique programs that intersect esports and education. What we’ll cover in this half-day session will take you from “don’t know” to “let’s go!” carefully walking through each step to success along with an exploration of the various curricula, toolkits, and resources available in the NASEF Community. Attendees are encouraged to bring their mobile devices, laptop (optional)
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Pre-Conference Academy (pre-registration is required)

Demystifying the World of Grants
Gabriela B. Delgado, Senior Manager; Michelle Houle, Program Specialist, Grant Services, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, CA

Are you curious about grants? Does your school or community-based organization need additional funding for specific projects? Could you use some help getting started? If so, this workshop is for you!

The world of grants can often be complex and confusing. Participants will engage in a “crash course” to help them understand and practice the foundational skills needed to explore the pre-award phase of the grant life cycle. The presenters have over 30 years of experience as grant professionals and secured over $100 million in grant funding for their organization in 2021-22.

This workshop will include a combination of lecture, storytelling, and experiential exercises. We highly encourage you to bring your laptop or tablet to participate in the hands-on activities.

Learning Outcomes

Understanding the phases of the grant life cycle
Exploring and identifying specific areas of need that require additional funding
Learning and practicing research techniques for identifying potential funding sources
Getting organized to be prepared to do the work

ULA, MLA, CB, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Pre-Conference Academy (pre-registration is required); BOOST Ambassador

Welcoming Schools
Cheryl Greene, Director, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Welcoming Schools, Washington, D.C.

HRC Foundation’s Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive professional development training, lesson plans, booklist, and resources specifically designed for educators and youth-serving professionals. Our program uses an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. We uplift school communities with critical tools to embrace family diversity, create LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive schools, prevent bias-based bullying, and support transgender and non-binary students.

Participants will participate in two training modules throughout this Pre-Conference Academy, LGBTQ Inclusive Schools module and Gender Inclusive Schools module.
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E
Strand: Pre-Conference Academy (pre-registration is required)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26

10:30AM-12:15PM

17 And Life Doesn’t Wait
Moderator: TBD

17 AND LIFE DOESN'T WAIT paints a lively, candid, and emotionally charged view of life through the eyes of three teen girls. The film follows them during their senior year of high school, as they experience the impact of the outside world, their impending independence, and the conflicting expectations and often overwhelming anxiety that come with being a girl. It delves into the teens’ attitudes, actions and goals, as they dream about the future, and discover their passions and anxieties. While these smart, sassy, and tenacious young women may hail from diverse walks of life, each has the ambition to continue with her education, and meet her challenges head-on, and in her own way. Shot over nine months, the film captures the girls’ laughter, struggles, and victories. We watch them grapple with family, university acceptances (or rejections), and scholarships, engage in the perennial primping for senior prom; digest the devastation of the Parkland massacre; graduate, and confront issues around sexual identity, suicide, and assault.
Strand: Film Festival

Amplify Student Voices Through Expression-Driven Teaching
AnnMarie Baines, Ph.D., Founder and Executive Director, The Practice Space, Cerritos, CA; Caitlin Healy, Education and Outreach Manager, The Practice Space, San Francisco, CA

This session introduces Expression-Driven Teaching, an inclusive facilitation method that focuses on, “How can I create a welcoming, brave space where every young person can express who they are and discover who they want to become?” You will learn practical and equitable techniques for how to teach and facilitate different forms of expression, such as storytelling, debate, presentation, advocacy, and listening, to create inclusive classrooms that advance equity and social and emotional learning.
DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality

The Camp Australia Way - An Adaptable Programming Cycle
Barbara Elvin, Head of Service Delivery; Chelsea Daly, Head of National Quality Framework, Camp Australia, Victoria, Australia

Central to a quality learning program is an effective understanding of the regulatory-approved learning framework and the components that support the growth of children. Camp Australia was facing challenges in embedding effective program development and practice. Here, you will be introduced to our response, the CA Way Framework, through interactive activities and games, the program planning cycle, and various linked resources. This system is innovative, portable, and can be used by any service provider.
MLA, CB, DS, E
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality

Care for Us First: Experiences of New Teachers Performing Heart Work and Providing Trauma-Informed Teaching
Dr. Erica Bosque, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Supervisor and Professor, School of Social Work, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA and Owner, Keystone Therapy and Training Services, Santa Rosa, CA; Dr. Katie Price, Educator, Keystone Therapy and Training Services, Santa Rosa, CA

Offering resources to process and reflect on the impact of being or working in schools while trying to implement trauma-informed care practice. This workshop will have hands-on activities that can be used with adults and youth to look at their feelings and experiences in the classroom with teachers and students. The purpose of this workshop is to apply trauma-informed care practices that elevate the priority of teachers first, in order to provide love and care to their students.
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Connection Before Correction
Juan Alvarado, CEO, Keynote Speaker, Trainer, and Podcast Host, Raize the Bar, Visalia, CA

Are you feeling frustrated and overwhelmed because your students aren't responding to your guidance? In this workshop, we will delve into the crucial concept of Connection Before Correction. We'll explore how to establish a deeper connection with your students, and how small adjustments can make all the difference in reaching them effectively. We'll also delve into understanding what your students truly need and want from you as their leader. Join me in mastering this foundational principle for building strong relationships with your students (it also works for leaders building relationships with the staff you oversee).
DS, E, M
Strand: Older Youth; Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassadors

DEI + SEL = Belonging to All
Andres De La Peza, Director of Partner Relations; Cassandra Arechiga, Learning Associate; Danny Salas, Chief Program Officer; Herbert Bolaños, Associate Director of Learning, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

Join us for an interactive and enlightening workshop that will dive into social-emotional learning and diversity work in a fun and engaging way! Having heard buzzwords like “inclusion”, “equity” and “social-emotional learning” this session will explore how you and your organization can invest in authentic and reflective DEI and SEL work at all levels of service. From field staff behaviors to office culture, this workshop will leave you with practical strategies to implement in your day-to-day!
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand

Deepening Public & Private Partnerships for a Collective Summer of Joy
Moderator: Dr. Ana Ponce, Executive Director, Great Public Schools Now (GPSN), Los Angeles, CA
Panelists: Debe Loxton, M.A., Senior Executive Director, Los Angeles Unified School District, Beyond the Bell, Los Angeles, CA; David Anderson, President and CEO, LA's BEST, Los Angeles, CA; Lisa Salazar, Executive Director, City of Los Angeles Youth Development Department, Los Angeles, CA; Benjamin Dickow, Director, LA STEM Collective, Downey, CA

The last two summers and for the first time ever, every low-income neighborhood in Los Angeles offered free in-person enrichment programs. Participants will learn about the unprecedented public and private collaboration across Los Angeles Unified, City of LA, philanthropy, and nonprofits. To date, close to 100,000 students have participated and nearly 1,000 field trips have been provided.
ULA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Panel; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Eco-Ed Activities for a Very Popular Planet
Erin Snyder, Senior Resource Educator, Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District, Riverside, CA

Engage in activities (role-playing simulations and games) that explore some of the fundamentals of human-environment interactions, including carrying capacity and understanding cause-and-effect relationships in nature. Activity themes include land use, renewable and nonrenewable resource use, and an introduction to the concepts of sustainability. A variety of activity formats aim for inclusiveness for students with different learning styles.
DS, E
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Elementary Math Games Using Dominoes and Dice
Jane Felling, Consultant & Author, Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Come prepared to play our favorite Box Cars games that incorporate the use of easy-to-find dice and dominoes. Games are highly engaging to students and are perfect for after school math activities. Games will focus on operational fluency and place value concepts. Throughout the workshop participants will receive ideas on how to differentiate the games to meet the needs of all students, including Special Ed and ELL. Gameboards and ideas for implementation will be shared.
MLA, DS, E
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

Empowering Site Coordinators, Growing Expanded Learning Leadership
Troy Selvey, Manager; Lupita Perez, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA; Leslye Lugo, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Antioch, CA

Calling all Site Coordinators! In this interactive session, we will explore the latest leadership opportunities available to support you - the leadership lynchpin of Expanded Learning. During this workshop, you will hear from and interact with the Site Coordinator Network Leadership Team, explore your own leadership pathway, and find out how you can become a part of the movement!
CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

Empowering Students with Agency, Voice, and Choice
Michelle Ament, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, ProSolve, Inver Grove Heights, MN; Arvin Ross, Co-Founder & Chief Evangelist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA; Lindsay Litzinger, California Marketing Director, ProSolve, Temecula, CA; Chelsea Hester, Senior Trail Guide, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA

Introducing SLED: A program where learners work collaboratively to solve real problems in their community, all while earning badges and micro-credentials and ranking up as part of a national competition! In this workshop, you’ll team up and work together as we tackle lifting student voice and choice during out-of-school time. Participants will leave with a framework to empower student leadership and ideas for bringing these concepts alive in your program.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: ProSolve Workshop Strand

Engaging and Retaining More Girls and Women in Youth Sports and Coaching
Kim Turner, Director – Gender Equity Initiative, Positive Coaching Alliance, Oakland, CA

Learn to engage and retain more girls in sports and physical activity while recruiting and retaining more women coaches in youth athletics, with keys for allyship, gender equity-oriented program design, and more. The session focuses on supporting girls and women of color in low-income communities given documented, persistent participation barriers, including research-based insights and best practices, interactive discussions, and follow-up materials and tools to level the playing field!
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

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

The world of Expanded Learning is rapidly evolving in California! We continue to see unprecedented investment into After-school and summer learning at the state and federal levels. In this session, we will discuss how to meet the movement to support our children, youth, families, and communities. We will share their expertise and vision. Join us for this exciting and interactive discussion.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: BOOST Nation: Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality; CA Focus

Finding the SPARK Beyond Trauma: Speaking to the Potential, Ability, and Resilience in ALL Kids
Brooke Wheeldon-Reece, CEO; Ashley Hunt, Director of Program Development, SPARK Mentoring Programs, Brandon, FL

Regardless of their circumstances, there is a SPARK within every human being that cannot be damaged (yes even after 2020). This SPARK is the birthplace of resilience, well-being, commonsense, intelligence, solutions, creativity, and innovation. This presentation will explore how innate resilience is uncovered through a simple understanding of the mind, and the stress resistance needed to overcome trauma is naturally formed.
DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality

High School Workforce Readiness Program: Preparing Students for Post-Secondary Work
Gloria Alday, Director of Program and Operations – Older Youth, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

In partnership with Linked Learning, Career Pathway Academies, and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs, Think Together has established a Workforce Readiness and Education Program (WREP), becoming a model for the high school extended learning time field. Participants will learn how Think Together is leveraging the established WREP program to create a staffing pipeline for the out of school time elementary school programs and across the industry via graduating WREP interns.
MLA, CB, DS, M, H, HE
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

Increase Engagement & Decrease Frustration: Physical Activity Made Simple
Sandy Slade, Founder/Clinician, Skillastics, Corona, CA

This upbeat, invigorating session will teach all participants to motivate students with ease! The HEPA 2.0 aligned teaching tools provided can be implemented immediately with all ages and abilities to improve student behavior, physical activity, and self-esteem! Don't miss this one-of-a-kind workshop!
MLA, DS
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

LAUGH AND LEARN ON THE LAWN: 6 Guaranteed Interactive Activities to Bring Back to Your Program
Eric Rowles, 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 to immediate use!
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassadors

Let's Talk: Preventing Youth Homelessness with The National Runaway Safeline
Emerson deCordova, Prevention and Youth Engagement Coordinator, The National Runaway Safeline, Chicago, IL

Discover the services and resources that the National Runaway Safeline (NRS) offers for youth, families, service providers, and others. Learn how to apply lessons learned from NRS’ annual Crisis Services & Prevention Data Report to support youth experiencing homelessness and crisis. See a hands-on demonstration of NRS’ free, evidence-based Let’s Talk Prevention curriculum, a tool geared toward helping young people develop important life skills, resilience, and problem-solving skills.
DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth

The Mini-Drone Revolution: Indoor Drones for STEAM Exploration
Jan Zatloukal, Instructional Designer, PCS Edventures!, Boise, ID

Explore how mini-drones can be used to stimulate interest in STEM, teach coding, and create art. Learn the basics of drone flight and safety through our interactive video course Droneology, examining how drones are becoming a regular part of our daily lives. Then learn how to code drones using DroneBlocks, a free drag-and-drop programming language, followed by a showcase of how these foundational skills can be implemented to create drone performance art.
MLA, DS, E, M
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

RETHINKING LEADERSHIP – Empowering Students to LEAD
Lynne Ann S. Fox, MA.Ed., MS.Ed., Global Educational Developer, Innovator, Strategic Planner, and Coach, FranklinCovey Education, Harrisburg, PA; Laurie Brooks, FranklinCovey Client Partner, FranklinCovey Education, Vista, CA

Imagine the possibilities if every student on campus possessed the mindset & skill set to be a leader. Participants will learn how to strategically support teens in developing the capacity to:

Lead Self: Discover who they are and what they want to become, and make a plan to achieve it.
Lead Others: Develop the skills to work well and lead others in collaborative endeavors.

Please join us to experience engaging activities and meaningful discussions that deepen student-empowered leadership.
ULA, MLA, DS, H, HE
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

SEL for Pre-K and Kindergarten
Elle Essenmacher, Strategic Accounts Advisor, HarmonySEL @ National University, Windsor, CO; Lisa Rice, Quality & Accreditation Advisor, KinderCare Learning Companies, Tucson, AZ

Bring developmentally appropriate structure and social-emotional learning to your Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten ELOP programs. Using Harmony SEL evidence-based Everyday Practices and Pre-K/K Curriculum, children will learn and practice social-emotional skills through stories, songs, and games. Learn how Champions ELO-P funded TK programs use Harmony SEL as a foundation for creating age-appropriate TK program schedules and routines.
ULA, MLA, DS, PK
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

SEL is Everywhere: Making It Work in Your Program
Robb Armstrong, Program Director/Master Trainer; Vicki Armstrong, Wingman Trainer, Dylan's Wings of Change, Canton, CT

SEL is the process through which we understand and manage emotions, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These are simply basic human skills. We all use elements of this in our everyday lives. This workshop will use hands-on activities to spur conversations and discuss how to view your programming through SEL lenses and refocus the outcomes of activities you may already be using.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Thinking Strategically About Out-of-School Time
Danny Martinez, Senior Consultant, Sperling Center for Research and Innovation (SCRI), Austin, TX; Carrie Underwood, Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation; Jen Martin, Education Consultant, Sperling Center for Research and Innovation (SCRI), Westwood, MA

Summer programs, afterschool programs, sports, music, robotics, clubs…the number of potential options for out-of-school time (OST) programs can be overwhelming, so having a coherent strategy is crucial for success. In this immersive session, participants will look at how to create a holistic approach to strategic design for OST programs and learn the basic components of OST strategic planning.
MLA, E
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Welcoming Schools: Creating Gender Inclusive Secondary Schools
Rebby Kern, Welcoming Schools Expert Trainer; Cheryl Greene, Director, Human Rights Campaign Foundation, Welcoming Schools, Washington, D.C.

HRC's Welcoming Schools is the most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program in the nation to provide LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive training specifically designed for educators. We use an intersectional, anti-racist lens dedicated to actionable policies and practices. This session will build confidence in creating gender-inclusive spaces and will create an opportunity to practice how to seek teachable moments and respond to questions about gender topics.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

2:45PM-4:45PM

23 FREE Tools to Raise Your OST Game in 2023!
Eric Rowles, CEO, Leading to Change, Huntersville, NC

Get ready for a LIGHTNING round of proven tools and strategies to raise your youth engagement game. We'll cover the BEST of technology (like a free gamiﬁcation app for 2,000 participants), program design (how to use the roller coaster method to life), and media (including FREE mashed-up mixes of today's music and movies). You'll leave with your head spinning, a listing of resources, and NEW ideas to take back to your program! Hold on as this presentation will roll at warp speed!
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassadors

Advancing a Vision for Whole Child Health & Wellness
Jeff Davis, Executive Director; Heather Williams, Director, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA; Tiffany Gipson, Director, California AfterSchool Network, Oakland, CA

At CAN, we envision equitable, just, and compassionate California communities and networks where each and every child is well-known, well-cared for, and well-prepared to thrive. We believe Expanded Learning and the out-of-school time community are the perfect vehicle to advance this vision. CAN will share how our work has evolved and elevate the policies, practices, and strategies we are leveraging in support of this vision.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

Building Partnerships with Colleges and Universities: Making the Case and How to Begin
Julia Morris, Summer Learning Manager, Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network; LaVasia Bullard, Regional Program Manager, Horizons Atlanta, Atlanta, GA

Partnerships between youth camps and colleges/universities offer mutual benefits and provide an organic investment in the local community. Join us to learn about making the case for these partnerships and navigating the unique challenges they can present. Learn current examples of successful, sustained summer camp & university partner relationships. Then, with a provided resource, draft your own plan for approaching a local college/university to explore the prospect of forming a new partnership!
ULA, MLA, E, M, H
Strand: Sustainability; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Statewide Networks

Can You Tell Me How to Get, How to Get to COMMUNITY SCHOOLS?
Joshua Blecha, Region Seven Lead, SSEL, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Fresno, CA; Fred Buggs, Education Program Consultant, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA; Akilah Byrd, Director, Region 4 Expanded Learning Programs, Alameda County Office of Education, Hayward, CA

Sesame Street is one of the most iconic children's television shows of all time! Its success was built around the idea of meeting kids’ needs through different relationships and navigating life situations. What if we could recreate that family-centered street on our campuses to shape our COMMUNITY SCHOOLS? Join Elmo, Big Bird, The Cookie Monster, and others as they teach us how to create a Sesame Street in our Communities!
MLA, CB, DS, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

The Chariot Challenge: sTEAM Building That Works
Leo VanWarmerdam, Director of Training and Development, Fulcrum Learning Systems, Venice, CA; Branden Adams, Client and Program Development, Fulcrum Adventures, Venice, CA

Racers ready? 3, 2, 1, Let’s go! Yes, we will build actual cars and actually race them. STEAM inspires inquiry & creativity so combine that with the need for community building and we get sTEAMbuilding! This playshop will be engaging while exploring the engineering method in one of Fulcrum’s most requested teambuilding activities. We will also share debriefing techniques to use with your students to maximize and capture the reflection of the experience. BOOSTers Ready, set, COME!
MLA, CB, DS, M, H, HE
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

Coaching for Emerging Leaders: Shifting from "High-Performing Individual Contributor" to "Empowering Team Leader"
Bobby Canosa-Carr, Leadership Coach, Enlighten Leadership Coaching, San Pedro, CA

When they are promoted to increasing levels of responsibility, emerging leaders often struggle with the transition from “high-performing individual contributor” to “empowering team leader.” In this workshop, you’ll learn how transformational leadership coaching accelerates this transition by sparking self-awareness, challenging habits of thought, and shifting patterns of behavior. You’ll also take away specific strategies for building coaching systems in your organization.
ULA, MLA, CB, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership

Creative Pro Sports Partnerships for STEAM Outcomes
Moderator: Nick Monzi, CEO, Learn Fresh, Philadelphia, PA
Panelists: Leslie M. Walker, Executive Director, Sixers Youth Foundation, Philadelphia 76ers, Philadelphia, PA; Debbie Williams, Community Engagement Programs Manager, Oklahoma City Thunder, Oklahoma City, OK; Corey Wilson, VP of Community Engagement & Executive Director, Pacers Foundation, Indiana Pacers, Indianapolis, IN

Join the Learn Fresh team and their professional sports partners to learn about the organization’s vision for STEAM learning at scale through creative partnerships with professional sports leagues such as the NBA and MLB Players Associations. We will discuss the process for expanding our programs to engage K-12 students while inspiring you to create your own vision to integrate STEAM disciplines in your classroom or program.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships

ELOP: The Who, the What, and the How: Propelling Students to Unlock Their Passions
Jennifer Cisneros, Director of Expanded Learning; Sonia Llamas, Ed.D., LCSW, Assistant Superintendent of School Performance & Culture, Santa Ana Unified School District, Santa Ana, CA

P3- Play, Passion, and Purpose. Learn about innovative practices that bridge expanded learning programs and other departments within an LEA to meet the needs of students, families, and communities. This session will provide strategies on how to unlock the passions of your students while leveraging and integrating all available internal and external resources. Join us for an interactive presentation as we share our student's journey from Play to Passion to finding their Purpose.
MLA, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Encouraging Collaboration and Teamwork
Phil Brown, Lead Trainer, High 5 Adventure Learning Center, Brattleboro, VT

Building and cultivating a sense of community in your program is critical in order to reinforce students’ feelings of comfort, confidence, and readiness to learn and grow. We’ll lead you through a sequenced lesson plan of SEL-based games and activities that allow students to practice communication and listening, cooperation, collaboration, and negotiating. Come ready to move, play and learn!
DS, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Engage Every Student- Fulfilling the Promise of Universal Afterschool and Summer Learning for All Children
Jodi Grant, Executive Director, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, D.C.; Bela Shah Spooner, Program Director, Education, and Expanded Learning, National League of Cities, Washington, D.C.; Sheronda Witter Fleming, Ph.D., Out-of-School Time Partnerships Fellow, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education, Garner, NC; Aaron Dworkin, Chief Executive Officer, National Summer Learning Association, Washington, D.C.

Engage Every Student is a bold new call to action to provide high-quality out-of-school time learning opportunities for every child who wants to participate. All students should have the supports they need to realize their full potential. Afterschool and summer learning programs are a critical part of that support.

Through the American Rescue Plan, school districts, cities, and states have funding and an unprecedented opportunity to partner with high-quality expanded learning programs to support students’ well-being and academic growth.

The U.S. Department of Education has partnered with the Afterschool Alliance, AASA, the School Superintendents Association, the National League of Cities, the National Summer Learning Association, and the National Comprehensive Center to provide schools and communities the connections and assistance they may need to expand access to afterschool and summer learning programs. Learn how you can get involved from the organizations leading the effort.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: BOOST Nation: Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality

Establishing Positive Connections with Your Students
Claudine James, NBCT Teacher and Community Liaison, #1 Educator on TikTok @iamthatenglishteacher

Everyone faces challenges in their lives, but middle school educator, Ms. James, has never allowed challenges to bring her down. Despite all of her hard work, there was always someone who thought it was not enough. Instead of letting this tear her down, she used this to teach her students “When they go low, we go high”, which is just one of the many powerful quotes she utilizes. Before becoming the #1 educator on TikTok, she was an award-winning educator. Claudine has always gone above and beyond, writing grants, applying for classroom tools, and traveling to summer teacher institutes to help enrich student learning experiences and grow within herself to be the best educator she possibly could be. Join this Master Class as Ms. James shares how she’s overcome obstacles, created a powerful platform to engage her students in the learning process, and make life-changing connections with her students.
Follow Claudine on TikTok @iamthatenglishteacher
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Master Class; Partnerships & Building Relationships (pre-registration is required); BOOST Ambassadors

Evaluation in Out-of-School Time: An Overview from Different Perspectives
Haley Umans, Director of Evaluation, LA’s Best, Los Angeles, CA; Kathy Grote, New Orleans Youth Alliance-Youth Program Quality Network Manager/Coach, New Orleans Youth Alliance, New Orleans, LA; Trey Caples, Ed.S., NCSP, Director, Capture, Albuquerque, NM

OST programs must be high-quality to actualize youth outcomes. This raises questions. How do I know the program is high-quality? How do I know we are making an impact on youth? This can be answered through evaluation: the process of gathering information to promote learning. In this workshop, the presenters will provide an overview of how to prepare for an evaluation (build staff capacity), collect/analyze data (behavior rating scale, observation, survey), and use data for learning (dashboard).
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Sustainability; Program Design, Development & Quality

Get FAST and FURIOUS with Omnikin!
Scott Williams, US Coordinator, Omnikin, Charlottesville, VA

Join 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, and our activities will solidify that your program is the place to be! Come join Team Omnikin today and blow your students away!
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

Invention Education: Building STEM Identity and Community through Activities and Partnerships
Mark Bayaua, Director of Program Innovation, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA; Christine Lawlor-King, Curriculum Writer, Connecticut Invention Convention, Hartford, CT; Brenda Payne, Invention Education Administrator, Lemelson-MIT Program, Cambridge, MA

Invention Education is not only for your students but also for your community! The presentation will include examples of best practices and real-world opportunities for inventors of all ages! Educators will experience 2 design challenges firsthand, demonstrating a fun process for budding or advanced after school STEAM programs. Think Together will share out how Invention Education became a catalyst for family engagement and an opportunity for interfacing with non-profits and local businesses.
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

Play | Connect | Create – Let’s Change How Students Learn!
Michelle Ament, Ed.D., Chief Academic Officer, ProSolve, Inver Grove Heights, MN; Arvin Ross, Co-Founder & Chief Evangelist, ProSolve, Alpharetta, GA; Lindsay Litzinger, California Marketing Director, ProSolve, Temecula, CA; Jessica Marcucci, Customer Enablement Manager, ProSolve, Durango, CO

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 a purpose! Bring your energy to this hands-on workshop and discover why QUEST is more than a game. Players will leave with ideas and strategies to bring experiential learning to life in Out of School Time!
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M
Strand: ProSolve Workshop Strand

Power Your Early Learning Programs with STEAM
Eliana Mancilla, Associate Director of Professional Development and Early Learning; Cynthia Meneses, Trainer Associate; Vivian Jimenez, Learning Manager, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

Exceptional opportunities of the future lie with children who can think critically and creatively, communicate with others, collaborate, and problem-solve. These skills are fostered and developed through STEAM learning and are necessary to prepare children for 21st-century careers. Join us in this hands-on workshop where we will discuss how to integrate developmentally appropriate STEAM practices and fun inquiry-provoking environments for students.
MLA, CB, DS, PK, E
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand

Preparing Youth Workers to Thrive: Capacity-Building for Organizations and Systems in Chicago
Steven Rosado, Partner-Strategy and Engagement, The Praxis Institute, Chicago, IL

In this session, participants will hear about lessons learned by The Praxis Institute from our work leading and facilitating systems-level capacity-building in Chicago for youth workers over the past 3 years. We will share how this work is informed by youth participants and program staff data from organizations across the city. We will discuss why this approach has worked in supporting high-quality professional learning, coaching, and program implementation in OST agencies across Chicago.
MLA, CB, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Staff Leadership; Sustainability; Program Design, Development & Quality

Reimaginiing Partnership Work Post COVID
Tim Pehlke, Director of Foundation Grants, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, Tampa, FL

The combined effect of lockdowns, staff turnover, and collective grief have greatly disrupted partnership activity. In this workshop, attendees will learn tips for re-engaging partners through the collective experience of BBBS agencies. The workshop will include opportunities for attendees to apply lessons learned to their own work through an interactive activity.
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships

Storytelling for a Cause: Building the Brand, Promoting the Mission, and Raising Funds
Clarence Hogan, Center Director, Chicago Youth Centers, Chicago, IL

Have you ever wondered why some people tell such great stories? Or what makes their stories so memorable? Participants involved in this workshop will learn how to use the Art of Storytelling to build their brand, promote their mission and raise funds for their organization. Workshop participants will learn how to capture, cultivate and communicate stories effectively while using the “Top 10 Storytelling Techniques” from a fledging storyteller.
ULA, MLA, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Sustainability; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Teaching Science with Trash
Shawn Kirby, Science Teacher, Palm Springs Unified School District Family Engagement Center, Palm Springs, CA

This workshop will show you how to do fun, hands-on science experiments with your clientele that are low cost. Indeed, many of these demonstrations are done with trash. Included are chemistry demonstrations that use old coffee cups, and physics demonstrations that use old soda bottles and ketchup packets. Also included is information about how to relate this to the Next Generation Science Standards.
DS, PK, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Today's Tools for Tomorrow's Leaders: Entrepreneurship for 21st Century Learners
Kelsey Neff, Director of Curriculum; Barry Schwartz, Vice President, Startup Smartup, San Francisco, CA

Entrepreneurship equips 21st-century learners with the skills needed to thrive in a global economy and build Social Emotional competencies. In this workshop, participants learn the basics of entrepreneurship and engage in active observation to solve problems. Participants leave with the right tools AND the right mindset to foster the next generation of leaders.
ULA, MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Older Youth

Turning the Tide: How Sensational-Awareness Can Heal a Nation in Trauma
Nichi Avina, 7th Grade Science Teacher – California 2022 Teacher of the Year; Yesenia Aguilar, School Counselor; Jessica Parent, Assistant Principal; Cielo Vista Charter, Palm Springs, CA

Educators can turn the tide on the mental health crisis afflicting our nation's youth. Through simple classroom exercises that focus on sensational awareness, trauma, and resiliency-responsive educators can teach themselves and their students how to hack into and regulate their own nervous system. The experiential exercises in this workshop will not only prevent educator burnout but will also save lives.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership

Voice, Choice, and All That Noise: How to Bring Your Students to the Forefront of Learning
Liviera Lim, Volunteer Engagement and Training Specialist; Andrea Ohlsen-Esparza, Middle & High School Programs Strategist; Langley Smith, Program Support Specialist, Young Storytellers, Los Angeles, CA

We want our students to feel seen and heard. But how do we do that in a room full of young people when we have so much stuff to do? Helping students learn how to use their voice doesn't mean we “the adults” are the only ones listening. We also need to cultivate a community where students and adults alike speak and listen to each other. Engage in games and strategies that will integrate student choice into your programming and EMPOWER students to express their thoughts, feelings, & opinions.
MLA, DS, M
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

YOUTH V GOV
Moderator: Ryan McCarthy, Executive Director, Global Kindness Initiative, San Francisco, CA

The film YOUTH v GOV follows the story of American youth taking on the world’s most powerful government, and filing a ground-breaking lawsuit against the U.S. government. They assert it has willfully acted over six decades to create the climate crisis, thus endangering their constitutional rights to life, liberty, and property.
Strand: Film Festival

THURSDAY, APRIL 27

10:00AM-12:00PM

ALL HANDS ON DECK: Planning, Organizing, and Implementing a Family Math Games Night
John Felling, Consultant & Author, Box Cars and One-Eyed Jacks, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Family math game nights build strong family and school partnerships, connect family engagement to student learning, and are just plain fun! Participants will receive the tools to plan and host their own night. Participants will receive planning documents, ideas for themes, and advertising. After sharing the tools needed, be prepared to play an hour of our favorite card and dice games that we use at every math games night. Student and family favorites games will be included in your handout.
MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Building Your Resilience Toolkit
Marina Fradera, Director of Trauma and Curriculum, Sunrise of Philadelphia, Inc., Philadelphia, PA

Learn to leverage Resilience Mapping, a strengths-based approach to effectively conduct strategic planning during uncertain times in order to better support youth and build trust. We will share this strategy to counterbalance Adverse Childhood Experiences and the broader traumatic impact of COVID-19 by intentionally investing in protective factors, including staff and organizational health. This strategy builds resilience among youth by providing strong protective factors.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

California's Open Educational Resources Platform- HQIM Available to California's Educators
Dr. Edward Gonzalez, Director, California’s Open Educational Resources; Sheri Dees, HQIM Program Specialist, Kern County Superintendent of Schools, Bakersfield, CA

In this hands-on workshop, you will explore the resources on California’s Open Educational Resources platform including lessons, assessments, and other high-quality resources developed by educators state-wide. We'll start off with a quick overview of the platform, then dive into specific topics including how these resources can be used in California classrooms, and conclude with a hands-on session where participants can test their skills at creating digital content!
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; CA Focus

Co-Creating a Liberatory Learning Space
Dr. Charli Kemp, Executive Director, Change the Tune, Los Angeles, CA

In this session, our essential question is, what does liberatory learning look like? This session will support participants in learning how to co-create liberating learning experiences where learners are able to deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world. We will use an EquityXDesign framework and blend it with Universal Design for Learning to build a model liberatory learning space experience.
MLA, CB, DS E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Creativity and Mindfulness in Education in a Post-Pandemic, Post-Truth Era
Jamie Parganos, Executive Director; Krystal Renée, Chief Marketing Officer/Teaching Artist, Creative Muse, Manhattan, NY; Joel Weber Knopf, Director of Creativity, Creative Muse, Brooklyn, NY

In this fake news era, the pandemic's disruptions call for more creativity in education. The CREATE process fosters students’ critical thinking and mindful self-expression. You'll practice motivating your audience with a good hook; use breaks to create breakthroughs; learn how research and resilience help students think more critically and foster a love of learning; create connection through emotional check-ins and closing rituals; and how to use tech mindfully with slow design.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Creativity in Leadership
Brad Lademann, Associate Director for Quality Initiatives, Missouri AfterSchool Network, Columbia, MO

Whether you are the leader of an entire organization or leading an afterschool site, leadership matters. Unfortunately, leadership training in afterschool settings is not always a priority. We are often thrown into leadership positions, with little or no preparation, and then we sink or swim. Join us to learn about five essential practices of leadership and how creativity fits into our leadership roles.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality; Statewide Networks

Culturally Responsive & Trauma Informed Family Engagement
Susie Estrada, Family & Community Engagement Specialist, Utah State Board of Education, Salt Lake City, UT

This workshop will look at the barriers program typically find when it comes to hosting family engagement opportunities. Many have reported feelings of frustration and disappointment when planning and execution of events are put together only to find that parents do not show or are resistant to engaging more than necessary with program or school staff. In this workshop, we will look at the historical and experiential barriers families face and how to overcome them for successful family events!
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; BOOST Ambassadors

Define Resilience
Dee Hankins, Inspirational Speaker, Dee Hankins, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA

One of the many dictionary definitions of “Resilience” is the ability to easily adjust to misfortune or change. However, if you’ve ever had a traumatic experience, you know that most times we don’t easily adjust to things. Here is my definition- Resilience: The ability to bounce back! Similar to how we are all different, so are our experiences as well as how we bounce back from those experiences. In this session, we will learn that we are the true definition of resilience. We’ll take a deep dive into how we bounce back from our circumstances and, more importantly, how we Define Resilience!
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Master Class (pre-registration is required)

Drug-Free Kids! Operation Prevention - A FREE Drug Prevention Curriculum for Students
Catie Drew, Sr. 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.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Effective Ways School Administrators are Supporting Expanded Learning Partnerships
Moderator: Dr. David Franklin, Education Author & Professor, The Principal's Desk, Eagle, ID
Panelists: Jason Crawford, Superintendent of Schools, Jeff West USD 340, Meriden, KS; Monica Murray, Principal, John Marshall High School, Richmond Public Schools, Richmond, VA; Jessica Vocca, Principal - DDB, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District #6, Cottonwood, AZ; Eveline Huh, Ed.D, Director of Child Development & Special Programs, ABC Unified School District, Cerritos, CA

Strong partnerships between schools and expanded learning programs are the foundation for building stronger, more equitable support systems for children and their families. Learn how these Principals invest in building collaborative relationships to provide high-quality support for learning outside of the regular school day to meet the needs of their students and families.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Panel; Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Engage Every Student: How Federal Investments for COVID Recovery are Impacting Afterschool and Summer Enrichment Programs
Liana Shivers, Engage Every Student Fellow; Emily Murtaugh, Engage Every Student Fellow, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, D.C.

To support COVID recovery, states and school districts received $122 billion from the federal government through the American Rescue Plan a portion of which can support afterschool and summer enrichment. But are the funds being used to support afterschool and summer programs? Join us for a discussion on how COVID recovery dollars are impacting out-of-school time programs, challenges faced, and lessons learned so far related to obtaining and utilizing these funds!
ULA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Sustainability; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Games that Create Connection
Phil Brown, Lead Trainer; Lisa Hunt, Manager of Team Development, High 5 Adventure Learning Center, Brattleboro, VT

Social connection can help to lower anxiety and depression, help us regulate our emotions, lead to higher self-esteem and empathy, and actually improve our immune systems. So let’s get connected through play! We'll lead you through a sequence of activities that will allow us to learn about each other, strengthen existing connections and build empathetic relationships. You’ll leave this workshop ready to start building your own more-connected community.
DS, E, M
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality

Heartset® Education: The Radical Power of Love and Kindness in Afterschool Programs
Stu Semigran, President and Co-Founder; Armando Diaz, Vice President of Programs & Partnerships; Yesenia Leon, ACE Initiative Site Coordinator, EduCare Foundation, Van Nuys, CA

Students gain the benefits of SEL as it infuses our own way of being. It has been said that “whatever we teach, ultimately we teach who we are.” Enjoy learning EduCare’s 8 Skills for Heartset® Education for developing a personal "growth heartset”- a complement to a growth mindset. Heartset® has developed compassionate and inspiring programs nationwide. This fun, interactive, and moving session focuses on creating expanded learning from the “inside out” with connection, empathy, and love.
ULA, MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Ice Breakers, Warm-ups & ACTION! Team Games
Andy Tupy, West Senior Territory Sales Manager, Gopher Sport, Owatonna, MN

Gopher Sport will be leading participants through a workshop focused on a few of our newest activities! We won’t just be playing games; we will 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!
MLA, DS, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Increasing Quality - The Right Tools for the Job
Tiffany Gipson, Director, California AfterSchool Network, Oakland, CA; Troy Selvey, Manager, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA; Leslye Lugo, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Antioch, CA

High-quality programs are the foundation to advancing whole child health and wellness. In this interactive workshop, we will model how to use Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) and Quality Assessment tools to think critically and intentionally about how to design a program to meet the current needs of your community.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

Leading with Compassion
Daniel Monterroso, Director of Staff Development; Claribel Yanez, Learning Facilitator; Deanna Galarza, Director of Leadership Development, LA’s BEST, Los Angeles, CA

Now more than ever, we live in a world where staff seek a sense of connection, empathy, and compassion! As leaders, we have not only an opportunity but a responsibility to embody this. In this training, we will explore what compassion means to us and how it can help make us effective leaders. Come and join us as we practice strategies on how to make full use of our ears, eyes, and hearts when listening with compassion and engage in activities to provide thoughtful feedback.
MLA, E
Strand: Staff Leadership

Let’s Talk about Trauma-Informed Care for After School Educators
Dr. Michelle Lustig, Program Director; Mindy Corless, Program Coordinator; Foster Youth Technical Assistance Program, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Oceanside, CA

Trauma is expressed in schools in various ways. Studies show that students in foster care experience trauma at higher rates than others. This training will help educators understand trauma, how it affects students in foster care, and other vulnerable student groups, and how to support them. Participants will learn practical tips and strategies that can be applied in their programs to improve student behavior and create trauma-informed learning environments.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Meeting the Moment: How Data & Program Departments Collaborate to Create a Student-Centered Program Design
Gloria Alday, Director of Program & Operations – Older Youth, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

The pandemic forced us to respond to the changing needs of our communities. Our Data & Evaluation and Program Development departments collaborated to create a new program design that utilized stakeholder feedback from students and staff. We discovered unmet needs while also invigorating program with staff and youth voices. This led to the creation of a logic model, using stakeholder feedback to infuse throughout the process, creating buy-in and program participation.
MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

Piecing Together the EXL Puzzle: Strategies to Blend and Braid ELO-P to Create a Stronger, High-Quality Program
Julee Brooks, Chief Executive Officer; Javier Gonzalez, Director of Programs; Jasmine Arjon, Director of Programs, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

The Expanded Learning Opportunities Program IS a fantastic opportunity to deliver whole-child programs and stronger school environments. But building a new program of this scale can feel like a game of Jenga. Join the Woodcraft Rangers leadership team that has spent the last year working with a variety of LEAs to put the building blocks together to suit the specific needs of their schools and students.
ULA, MLA, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand

Podcasting: A Revolutionary STEAM Tool for Creative Expression
Jan Zatloukal, Instructional Designer, PCS Edventures!, Boise, ID

Explore how podcasts can be used to stimulate interest in STEAM, teach essential digital media skills, and amplify student voice. Attendees will walk away with resources to create original stories through collaborative learning, curated content from top podcasters, and strategies to break down the podcasting process step-by-step for accessibility to all learners, especially English Learners.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

The Power of Us - The Latest Data on the Youth Fields Workforce & Why It Matters
Jill Young, Senior Researcher; Dr. Deborah Moroney, Vice President, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Arlington, VA; Aleah Rosario, Co-CEO, Partnership for Children & Youth, Oakland, CA

It’s almost here! Come learn about the Power of Us Survey, led by the American Institutes for Research (AIR). You’ll get a sneak peek at preliminary findings about who the adults are working with young people across the country outside the classroom, why they do this work, what kinds of support they need to continue, and where they hope to go career-wise. You’ll learn how you can use the findings to inform professional development, career pathways, and policy for the field.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H, HE
Strand: BOOST Nation: Town Hall; Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership

Promising Practices from DCYF’s Summer Together Initiative
Sherrice Dorsey-Smith, Deputy Director of Program, Planning, and Grants; Dr. Maria Su, Executive Director, Department of Children, Youth and Families, San Francisco, CA

Using the momentum and the spirit of what San Francisco as a city was able to do for children, youth, and their families, the Department of Children, Youth and Their Families in partnership with other City Departments, non-profits, private camps, and the San Francisco Unified School District we were able to provide access to over 200 programs and over 25,000 slots to our priority population during the tail end of the pandemic.

DCYF’s Summer Together Initiative (STI) offered in-person summer experiences for our hardest-to-reach youth that provided opportunities for youth to engage, rebuild, and reestablish positive attitudes towards learning, relationship building, and social/emotional wellness. Learn about what makes STIs successful, what resources are needed to implement an STI in your city, and how to advocate for a children and youth fund in your city.
ULA, MLA, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships

Rejuvenation through Sound Meditation and West African Dance: A Whole-System Experience for Mental Wellness
Katrina Marissa (Rissi) Zimmermann, Creative Director, Sokamba, Los Angeles, CA; Daunte Fyall, Artistic Director, Daansekou, Los Angeles, CA

As a response to the mental health challenges presented through the pandemic, this workshop offers practices and tactics to support student mental well-being through an immersive experience of rejuvenating sound meditation and energizing West African dance fundamentals. We will facilitate a blending of interactive and healing arts to elevate joy. Active engagement with these community-bonding practices teaches whole-system thinking concepts as a foundation for collective revitalization.
MLA, DS, M, H, HE
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships

The S Word
Moderator: TBD

A suicide attempt survivor is on a mission to find fellow survivors and document their stories of unguarded courage, insight, pain, and humor. Along the way, she discovers a national community rising to transform personal struggles into action. THE S WORD chronicles her journey and these survivors in a powerful feature documentary that puts a human face to a topic that has long been stigmatized and buried with the lives it has claimed. Suicide affects people of all ages, races, faiths, ethnicities, gender presentations, sexual orientations, professions, and so much more.

THE S WORD skillfully weaves stories of survivors from a cross-section of America including LGBT, African American, and Asian American communities, who candidly share their profoundly emotional stories of trauma, mental health challenges, survival, and advocacy. The film’s narrative flows organically from one story to the next, starting with personal moments and building emotional momentum before widening out to show how their journeys are driving the national movement to take the “S” word from unthinkable to preventable.
Strand: Film Festival

1:15PM-2:30PM

#iAmImpact Healing Circles
Nathan Houston, Co-Founder; Nathaniel Wilson, Co-Founder, #iAmImpact, Sacramento, CA

The #iAmImpact Healing Circle is not a particular program or blueprint but an invitation into intentional dialogue and exploration of what communities need to ensure all members feel safe, heard, and connected. During this intimate workshop participants will experience the power of a healing circle and how healing plays a key role in transforming our programs, organizations, and schools. If you want to go deeper with your work then this is the workshop for you.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassador

Are You Okay? A Mental Health & Well-Being Check-In
Dwayne V. Wiggins, Jr., After-school Program Director, Belmont Charter High School and Life & Motivational Coach, A Human Being!, Philadelphia, PA

Mental health involves a balance of the physical, mental, and emotional state of being in which all individuals can live happy, productive lives, and cope with life's normal stresses and negative experiences. Regardless of current challenges, there is help, and there are solutions. During the “Are You Okay?” workshop, attendees will establish long-lasting and healthy motivation to drive and encourage them to LIVE THEIR BEST LIVES!
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership

Building Equitable After-School Programs that Improve Student Literacy
Anita Williams, Expanded Learning Opportunities Program Coordinator, Hemet Unified School District, Hemet, CA

Join us to learn how to build equitable and sustainable after-school programs aligned with your structured literacy goals. Hear from Hemet USD (2022 CA ELV Award winners) share how the district leveraged funding and people resources to build a program that engages students in high-quality, evidence-based interventions through ELO-P grant funding. Discover tips on how to enlist curriculum teams and community stakeholders, train non-credentialed staff, and engage in dialogue around sustainability.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Change is Inevitable - Are You Ready?
Jessy Newman, Senior Researcher, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Chicago, IL; Arielle Lentz, Research Associate, American Institutes for Research (AIR), Wilmington, DE

OST programs champion new ideas and initiatives given their inherent creativity and flexibility but they often face implementation challenges, less-than-stellar results, or burned-out staff in the process. Sound familiar? Join us to learn more about the importance of readiness: what it is, why it matters, and how you can measure and build readiness using the new Ready to Implement Toolkit, a free resource for the OST field.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Create an Adventure through Authentic Learning Experiences
Delfin Merlan, Ed.D, Executive Consultant, Authentic Learning Experiences, Chula Vista, CA

An Authentic Learning Experience is a lifetime lesson taught to participants. Imagine a team united at the highest level where our thoughts, actions, and alliances are aligned and calibrated towards our 3-5 year mission, vision, and values. Through mentorship, trainers guide leaders toward their vision. Using open-source learning, the platform becomes global.
MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Program Design, Development, and Quality

Creating Strong Foundations for Professional Learning Communities
Dr. David Franklin, Education Author & Professor, The Principal’s Desk, Eagle, ID

In this session, participants will dive into the three main components of successful professional learning communities: Norms, Instructional Planning, and Accountability. When these three components are set up correctly, professional learning communities can change the culture of a school. However, poorly created and supported PLCs can bring a school down, promote inequity, and lead to the stagnation of creation and collaboration.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Cultivating Safe, Supporting, and Caring Communities – Where Education is a Joyous Pursuit for All!
Danielle Jones, Certified Master Practitioner in Compassionate Systems, Center for Systems Awareness, and County Lead for Region 6 SSEL, Stanislaus County Office of Education, Modesto, CA; Michael Funk, Director of Expanded Learning Division, California Department of Education, Sacramento, CA; Sargina Yonan, Director of Expanded Learning Programs; Alexandria Rubio, Expanded Learning Programs Site Coordinator, Linden Unified School District, Linden, CA

Join us for an interactive session where participants will have the opportunity to engage in the Compassionate Systems Framework tools and methods by the Center for Systems Awareness. We will share how these tools and methods can be used at the state, regional, and district levels to cultivate communities. Participants will get to try out several tools in an effort to grow their own compassionate skillset and begin to consider these tools and methods in their program design.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Enriched, Enrichment
Hawhana Locklear, Federal Program Administrator, North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Lumberton, NC; Gina White, Federal Program Administrator, North Carolina Department of Public Schools, Raleigh, NC

This session will focus on developing and incorporating enrichment activities that will enhance and elevate your program to benefit students, parents, and staff. Participants will learn to develop STEAM-centered activities that are cost-efficient, family-oriented, and engaging.
MLA, CB, DS, E, M
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

From Good to Great
Justin Allen Slagle, Principal Consultant, After School Party, Lakeside, CA

Learn how to move your after-school program from good to great. Join us to discuss transitioning from an adult-centered to a student-centric program that develops personal skills, passions, and values. Change is difficult, even when it is change that we want, and know that we need. Together we will look at the process of creating meaningful change through a design thinking ideation and change management process that will lead to a great program your students want to be at.
ULA, MLA, DS, E
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Staff Leadership

Go Take a Hike! Outdoor Education and Nature Programs as a Key Component to EXL Programs
Helen Santos, Director of Outdoor Education; Natalie Pinedo, Manager of Outdoor Education and Camp Woodcraft; Jesse Esquivel, Camp Coordinator, Woodcraft Rangers, Los Angeles, CA

As generations continue to become more sedentary and engage less with nature, it is vital for out-of-school time programs to offer high-quality, informed outdoor education activities. This session will provide opportunities to understand outdoor ethics and how to create an outdoor education program in any school.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Woodcraft Rangers Workshop Strand

Having Fun with Language: Easy Ways to Incorporate Language Learning in Your After School Programs
Ana Danielson, Program Coordinator, Mono County Office of Education, Port Hueneme, CA

This workshop will provide fun, hands-on games and activities to incorporate language learning and language skills in after school programs. Attendees will also learn how to create more welcoming spaces for second-language and multi-language learners and their families. This interactive workshop will have you laughing, singing, and creating new experiences that will reenergize your after school environment.
MLA, DS, PK, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassadors

How Do We Know What Youth Are Going Through?
Dr. Gil G. Noam, Founder, Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR), Cambridge, MA

In this workshop participants will learn strategies for identifying youth mental health concerns and consider ways to monitor youth mental health. There will be opportunities for participants to discuss and plan how to improve the assessment of the mental health needs of their students.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

How to Achieve 90% + Program Staffing
Holly Perry, Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition; Richard Tran, General Manager, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

Amid the great resignation and the post-pandemic workplace, Think Together successfully achieved 95% org-wide staffing through strategic cross-departmental partnership. The pandemic significantly impacted education and after school programming creating a gap that needed to be filled. Our team thoughtfully and creatively developed staffing solutions to increase our impact on changing the odds for kids! Come learn the strategies of Program Operations and Staffing Operations used to generate results.
ULA, MLA, CB, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

How to Create a Comprehensive Foster Youth Support Program
Jenna Mendez, TK-12 District Foster Youth Counselor/Liaison, 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 support, on-campus programs, mentorships, district and community outreach, career readiness, resources, and how to build meaningful relationships for this at-risk population. Financial options and how to continue growing the program will be discussed.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

How We Equity
Tiffany Gipson, Director, California AfterSchool Network, Oakland, CA; Melissa Perez, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Santa Ana, CA; Nat Rosales, Coordinator, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA

Equity is at the heart of all the work we do. But what does that mean? What does it look like in action? CAN applies equity design principles to how CAN works and integrates equity-driven principles into what CAN does. Hear from CAN team members about how we equity and explore strategies and resources that you can incorporate into your own work.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

KiwiCo STEAM Kit Demonstration
Emma Zang-Schwartz, Account Manager; Douglas Morataya, Account Manager; KiwiCo, Mountain View, CA

Come join us to see our STEAM Kits in action, ask questions, interact with the kits 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 from our supplemental materials. Plus, there will be recommendations for expanding on the kits over multiple days.
MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

Making Afterschool Learning Count: Introducing Credit-for-Learning Programs
Moderator: Alexis Steines Rao, Vice President of Field Outreach, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, D.C.
Panelists: Dr. Tracye Strichik, Co-Director, Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance, Tuscaloosa, AL; Elliott Rivera, Executive Director, Youth in Action, Providence, RI

In several states, new legislation is allowing afterschool and summer learning programs to pilot opportunities for youth to earn credit for learning taking place outside the school day. Through partnerships with afterschool programs, schools, community-based organizations, and businesses, youth are engaging in learning opportunities that earn credits on high school transcripts. Learn more about the credit-for-learning concept and how to advocate for these opportunities in this session.
ULA, MLA, CB, M, H
Strand: Panel; Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Raise Your Voice
Moderator: Blair Freedman, Senior Director, West Region, Sandy Hook Promise, Newton, CT

Raise Your Voice follows the student journalists at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School navigating their school mass shootings as both survivors and journalists. The documentary explores youth free speech history in America (through the story of Mary Beth Tinker of Tinker v. Des Moines) connecting the Parkland students to a broader story about young voices and their power through social movements.

Strand: Film Festival

Reestablishing Strong Classroom Cultures with Restorative Practices and Youth Leadership
Ryan McCarthy, Executive Director, Global Kindness Initiative, San Francisco, CA

Are you navigating how to reestablish classroom cultures with students returning from a 2-year gap of in-person learning? In this exciting, experiential workshop, come learn how to use Non-Violent Communication, Restorative Practices, SMARTE Agreements, and Youth Leadership to create rich, dynamic, supportive learning environments!
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality

The Secret Sauce: Motivating and Retaining Staff
Ken Anthony II, Ed.D., Associate Executive Director, Connecticut Network for Children and Youth, Farmington, CT; Ben Trentelman, Executive Director, Utah Afterschool Network, Salt Lake City, UT

What’s in the recipe matters, it’s the secret sauce. Do you have the ingredients needed to revitalize and re-energize staff? Successfully lead and motivate your staff by learning to tap into their passion, expertise, and personalized and impactful professional development planning. Perhaps a little seasoning. In this session, we will discuss aspects such as positive reinforcement, climate and atmosphere, setting clear expectations, and role modeling that supports staff retention. Soups on.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality; Statewide Networks

SPARK It Up: ALL KIDS – ALL ACTIVE – ALL OF THE TIME!
Julie Frank, Executive Director, SPARK/Gopher Sport, Owatonna, MN

Don’t miss this ACTIVE session to experience SPARK strategies such as modified traditional sports to increase moderate to vigorous physical activity and improve activity session management. Leave with 3 SPARK strategies to take back to your afterschool program, sample lesson plans, plus a free SPARK App trial & chance to win equipment!
MLA, DS, E, M
Strand: Large Exhibitor Showcase; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Supporting Trans and Nonbinary Students
Kathie Moehlig, Executive Director; Evan Johnson, Community and Youth Programming Manager, TransFamily Support Services, San Diego, CA

Led by two professionals dedicated to supporting transgender and other gender non-conforming people, this session offers tools and resources to better understand issues around gender diversity and to support, respect, and empower folks of all genders in schools and in life.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Yoga Flow
Jenny White, Owner, The Kai Life, Denver, CO

Bring some Zen into your day! Concentrate on your physical and mental well-being while exploring some basic postures and breathing techniques to help balance your body and mind. This class will focus on a simple yoga flow and yin postures. All levels are welcome. Namaste. *Bring a yoga mat or towel if you have one.
ULA, MLA, CD, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership

Youth Voices: Student-Centered Approaches that Foster Engagement
Mark Noftz, Director of COSA, Open Doors Academy, Cleveland, OH

Student-centered approaches to learning give youth participants opportunities to determine what they want to learn and how they want to learn it, which is a key practice for engaging and retaining youth in out-of-school time programs. This session will examine how student-centered approaches to learning can foster youth engagement in urban settings. Participants will interact with each other while experiencing replicable student-centered strategies that can be used in their programs.
DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

3:45PM-5:15PM

20 Strategies for Effective CQI Infrastructure Program Planning
Amber Blackwell, Executive Director, Higher Ground Neighborhood Development Corporation, Oakland, CA

Workshop participants will leave this fun and humorous workshop with 20 strategies to build a replicable and cohesive Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Program infrastructure. Leadership teams can benefit from looking at strategic planning and fund development through the lived experiences of a BIPOC woman-led nonprofit. Learn how we mastered changing after-school regulations, implemented school district partnerships, and executed expanded learning's next big idea.
ULA, MLA, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development, and Quality

Community Schools: The Wave of the Future
Dr. Nora Zamora, Executive Director, Social & Emotional Learning Department; Veronica Valerio Duncan, Director, Community Schools, State Transformational Assistance Center for Community Schools, Hayward, CA

Community schools are revolutionizing how we serve the whole child through an integrated focus on academics, health and social services, youth engagement, partnerships, and community involvement. What makes a community school thrive? Join this interactive forum with the State Transformational Assistance Center to explore how to lift the Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities Pillar of Community Schools to create meaningful change.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Staff Leadership; Sustainability

Creating Safe Spaces: Addressing the Unique Needs of LGBTQ Youth
Mike Lopez, Manager of Community-Based Programs, Youth Services; Trent Lira, Community Safe Spaces Coordinator, Los Angeles LGBT Center, Los Angeles, CA

Participants will learn how to increase support for LGBTQ youth, will be provided with opportunities to brainstorm issues in after-school settings, and create action plans that uplift the needs and perspectives of LGBTQ youth. Effective adult allies can help youth gain a positive sense of self, preventing them from isolation, depression, and substance misuse. This interactive workshop will provide best practices that you can start using TOMORROW by creating safe spaces in youth environments.
MLA, DS, M, HS
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Creating Student-Led Learning Environments by Teaching Youth the Mindset of an Entrepreneur
Dr. Sonia Toledo, Founder & CEO, Dignity of Children, New York, NY

In this groundbreaking talk, Dr. Sonia Toledo will share ways to empower children and youth to discover their passions early and live from the heart while developing 21st-century skills and striving to make a difference in their communities. She will provide strategies for establishing student-led learning environments by teaching youth the mindset of an entrepreneur, which will help ensure they are able to compete in the fast-paced modern world of technology.
MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership; Program Design, Development & Quality; BOOST Ambassadors

Employee Engagement in the New World of Work
Rupa Patel, Director of Strategic Projects, Human Capital; Melina Bisbardis, Director of Strategic Projects, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

The past 2 years have shifted our collective mindset in the way we work, creating a new environment for our workforce. Engaging our teams is a crucial aspect of our success, and understanding the new world we work in is imperative to engage and retain employees. This presentation will highlight what the future of employee engagement looks like and how we can navigate our new normal, identify generational shifts, and share impactful strategies to implement an excellent employee engagement program.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

EXPLORE THE SHIFT
Cara Cerecerez, Director of Student Services; Marla Lowry, Expanded Learning Opportunity Program Coordinator, Alta Loma School District, Alta Loma, CA

Join us as we share with you how a small district shifted from a fee-based Child Care program to a robust Expanded Learning Opportunity Program. Learn the process and steps taken to enhance and rebrand your program to meet the needs of ALL students regardless of their income level.
ULA, MLA, DS, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Growing a Thriving Workforce: Into, Through, and Beyond Expanded Learning
Bill Fennessy, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Long Beach, CA; Lupita Perez, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA; Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Fresno, CA

A thriving workforce is essential for high-quality programming. CAN continues to develop and implement comprehensive workforce strategies to strengthen and advance a diverse and thriving Expanded Learning workforce. This session will share some of those strategies specific to building and expanding pathways into, through, and beyond Expanded Learning. Learn how to get more involved in growing a thriving workforce!
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

How Nature Can Help Us Learn: A Trauma-Informed Approach to STEAM
Rachael Van Schoik, Science Action Club Manager, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA; Daniel Hatcher, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Washington, D.C.

The pandemic created urgency for trauma-informed practice as OST programs mitigate the effects of increased stress on youth and themselves. Research has documented nature’s ability to soothe stress and, at the same time, nature is in dire need of healing. This session will introduce tools OST educators can use to connect students with nature, boost self-confidence, and make an impact on the planet. Attendees will explore whole child health and community science and go outdoors to document nature.
ULA, MLA, DS, M
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Indigenizing/Decolonizing the Classroom: Land Acknowledgments and Storytelling Strategies for Student Empowerment
Rita Naranjo, Professor, MiraCosta College and Sole Proprietor, Of Many, Oceanside, CA

How do we support, and acknowledge Indigenous resilience, and existence within learning spaces? Land Acknowledgements can bring more justice for Native/Indigenous communities. This action changes the dynamic of any classroom by showcasing real stories from the past and how this connects to our present. Using Storytelling in our classrooms enhances critical awareness and consciousness. Who we are matters and when we share the wisdom from those experiences we learn, heal, and grow as a community.
DS, M, HS
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Intergenerational Connections: Integrating Retirees into Expanded Learning
Anastasia Geinrikh, Project Manager, Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center, Sacramento, CA

Afterschool has traditionally been associated with youth and entry-level jobs. What if we imagine expanded learning as a space that brings together two distinctly different generations? In this workshop participants will learn about a case study from Sacramento that highlights the Experience Corps program - an intergenerational community-based volunteer program that connects older adults and students through literacy tutoring and mentoring.
ULA, MLA, CB, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships

Leading Through an SEL Lens
Katie Frazier, Social Emotional Learning Trainer Specialist, WINGS for Kids, Charleston, SC

In order to cultivate social-emotional skills in our staff and students, we must start by developing them in our leadership styles. In this session, participants will learn how to lead with SEL, creating an environment where social-emotional skill building can thrive in both staff and students. Participants will engage in group discussions, hands-on activities, and actionable takeaways to begin to lead with an SEL lens.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M
Strand: Staff Leadership

Leveling Up: Workforce and Professional Development Strategies for Direct Service Staff
Mia Harding, Chief Impact Officer, The Literacy Lab, Rockville, MD

One of the most consistent challenges to supporting and implementing youth-serving programs is a lack of staffing. Another challenge is hiring community members who have experiences that are relevant and representative of participants and the content knowledge to deliver impactful programming. We will explore how investing time and resources in the development of direct service staff can promote transformative community change, resolve hiring challenges, and increase retention.
MLA, PK, E, M, H
Strand: Staff Leadership

Oh! Propless? I Heard Topless…
Robb Armstrong, Program Director/Master Trainer; Vicki Armstrong, Wingman Trainer, Dylan's Wings of Change, Canton, CT

Everyone has had that little bit of extra time during a program when there is a perfect opportunity to add to the group's success but you forgot to bring the thing (prop) that you need to run that activity. Or perhaps you left your game bag at home… We will play through a bunch of activities that require no props at all, ie., Propless! These are fantastic back pocket fillers, name games, energizers, minglers, and even some quick fixes based on what you have on your person.
MLA, CB, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

Partnerships for Student Success – Utilizing National Service Members to Build Capacity
Moderator: Tiyana Glenn, Project Manager, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, D.C.
Panelists: Rachel Bruns, Chief Engagement Officer, America’s Service Commissions, Washington, D.C.; Thomas Azzarella, Director, Alaska Afterschool Network, Anchorage, AK

We’ll discuss how afterschool and summer learning programs can leverage national service members. We’ll share tips on how to apply for national service members – including how you can work with your state service commission or state afterschool network, ideas on member recruitment, and how to support national service members in your program. Additionally, we will have a panel of experts share their experience as service members and the use of service members in AmeriCorps programs.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Panel

Pickleball for Kids!
Hope Tolley, Managing Director of Recreational Programs, USA Pickleball, Phoenix, AZ

Discover how to introduce America's fastest-growing sport into your programs. This will be an interactive session on how to implement basic skills, fun games, and dynamic play rotations for kids of all ages.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Promoting Student Connectedness and Wellness Using Sandy Hook Promise "Know the Signs" Programs and SAVE Promise Clubs
Blair Freedman, Senior Director, West Region; Abby Arisco, SAVE Club Manager, Sandy Hook Promise, Newton, 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.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

Putting the Youth in Youth Voice
Billy Mawhiney, Executive Director; Dawn Marie Johnson, Director of Leadership & Culture, South Dakota Afterschool Network, Sioux Falls, SD

The South Dakota Afterschool Network will discuss how they created the Youth Opportunity Project, where 11 youths from across the state were selected to participate in a cohort training program for 6 months. Participants will hear stories from the youth about their impact, the process of how they were chosen, and how we funded this project.
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality: Statewide Networks

Science Explorers- STEM-Based Grant-Eligible Programs
Jennifer Moorehead, Founder/CEO; Jex Young, Educational Development Coordinator, Science Explorers, Mohnton, PA

Science Explorers has been an expert in STEM-based learning for over 23 years. Science Explorers has partnered with countless schools, districts, and other organizations to offer programming. We offer a wide variety of formats that are all grant-eligible. Join us to learn about our programming options, how to utilize grant monies for STEM programming, and get the chance to explore our lessons. We were awarded Newsweek Magazine’s “Best in STEM” award, The Women in STEM award, and many others.
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

SEARCH: Mindful Movement Practices for Community Well-Being
Monimia (Mimi) Macbeth, Dance/Movement Psychotherapist, Programs Specialist, The Praxis Institute, Chicago, IL

The SEARCH Mindful Movement workshop engages youth and youth workers in community well-being practices centered on dance and movement. The presenter will share how they incorporate movement interventions in wellness and SEL programs to encourage self-efficacy, relationship building, and community healing. Participants will engage in experiential techniques for self-reflection and group collaboration. Participants will leave with strategies to incorporate movement activities into program offerings.
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

Speaking in Tongues
Moderator: Ana Danielson, Program Coordinator, Mono County Office of Education, Port Hueneme, CA

Against the backdrop of “English-only” initiatives in 31 states, one school district is proving that speaking a foreign language can be an asset. SPEAKING IN TONGUES follows students from diverse backgrounds as they become bilingual in language immersion programs. Their stories traverse a number of perennial challenges facing America: economic inequality, de facto segregation, and increasing nativist backlash towards immigrants. As bilingualism begins to change the students, their families, and their communities, it emerges as a tool for shifting what it means to be an American and a global citizen in a rapidly changing world. To explore the contentious debates surrounding the “English-only” movement, the film turns to Ling-chi Wang, a nationally known civil rights activist who pioneered efforts to establish multilingual education in the United States, and leads the charge in this school district.
Strand: Film Festival

TikTok Take Over
Monica Murray, Principal, Richmond Public Schools/John Marshall High School, Richmond, VA; Jay Baxter, 21st Century Center Co-Applicant, John Marshall High School, Chesterfield, VA

We live in a very different world and it can be even harder to engage students without using electronic devices. Through engagement and application, participants will be introduced to how Video Production (TikTok and other social media) tools can be used to enhance after school programs, develop student public speaking skills, tap into student creativity, and begin to curate innovative ideas to implement quality digital learning and technology into their programs.
MLA, CB, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

The Time is Now!
Frances Knight Thompson, M.S. Ed., Edjacent Designer; Sebrina Lindsay-Law, Ed.D., CPDC, Integrated Learning Strategist, Edjacent Design Collaborative LLC, Virginia Beach, VA

The Time Is Now is an interactive and transformative workshop designed to build self-awareness and empowerment. Oftentimes, we discuss the data, barriers, and strategies toward equity and inclusion; however, actions and results may be few and far between. Participants will explore how to make the fundamental right of education robust and accessible to every individual with inclusivity and dignity at the core.
MLA, CB, H, HE
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Using Social Media and Other Best Practices to Build Strong Community Roots
Phillip Smith, Brand Manager, AfterSchool21 by TransACT, Seattle, WA; Ken Fisher, Marketing-Sales Specialist, TransACT Communications, Lynwood, WA

Out-of-school-time (OST) programs have many tools to engage with community partners and build support. This training workshop will highlight social media and programmatic best practices to grow support for your OST program.
ULA, MLA, CB, E, M
Strand: Medium Exhibitor Showcase; Partnerships & Building Relationships

FRIDAY, APRIL 28

9:15AM-11:15AM

#AfterschoolWorks: Crafting a Winning Afterschool Message
Tiyana Glenn, Project Manager; Sophie Kidd, Project Associate, Afterschool Alliance, Washington, D.C.

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.
ULA, MLA, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership; Sustainability; Partnerships & Building Relationships

Align for Success: Building Relationships and Meeting Students' Needs
Lauren Levorsen, School Alignment and Data Specialist; Holly Phillips, Director of Operations; Utah Afterschool Network, Salt Lake City, UT

Looking to collaborate more closely with the schools in your area? In this collaborative session, participants will explore this pivotal piece of the UAN's School Day Alignment Toolkit: The Align for Success Rubric. This tool was developed to enhance relationships and meet student needs in Utah. Participants will discuss current challenges and successes with school-day alignment practices. Participants may attend this session as program/organizational teams or by themselves—all are encouraged!
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality; Statewide Networks

Between the World & Me: Designing for Black Student Success
Terrence Pruitt, Co-Founder & Chief Healing Educator, Project Restore Initiative, Chicago, IL

This interactive workshop focuses on understanding oppressive systems that dehumanize and commodify Black students and creating spaces that affirm and stand in solidarity with them. This session will offer up examples of tools to support creating spaces that support and affirm Black students and will address ways to support engagement and retention within program spaces.
MLA, DS, M, H
Strand: Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Building Community Partnerships and Outcomes for Students
Nicolle Starr, Extended Day Program Manager; Janelle Merry, ELO-P Coordinator, Cajon Valley Union School District, El Cajon, CA

We will discuss how building local partnerships create engaging, enriching programs for students within the local community. Attendees will learn how to identify and evaluate key community partners to support their district as well as learn strategies to communicate and advocate for student outcomes.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

CANdid Conversations
Jeff Davis, Executive Director; Heather Williams, Director; Troy Selvey, Manager; Lupita Perez, Specialist; Nat Rosales, Coordinator, California AfterSchool Network, Sacramento, CA; Tiffany Gipson, Director, California AfterSchool Network, Oakland, CA; Leslye Lugo, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Antioch, CA; Bill Fennessy, Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Long Beach, CA; Malia Villarreal, Senior Specialist, California AfterSchool Network, Fresno, CA

This interactive session will be a culmination of our workshop strand and time at BOOST! Through the lens of ethical storytelling, we will explore topics sourced by workshop participants and conference-goers throughout the week. We will share our own personal stories, CAN-shared stories, and invite you to do the same. Participants will explore power, positionality, and informed consent to share and own their own stories and experiences.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H
Strand: CAN Workshop Strand; CA Focus

Critical Creativity: The Rigorous and Liberatory Nature of Creativity in the Classroom
Dr. Katie Price, Educator, Keystone Therapy and Training Services, Santa Rosa, CA; Dr. Erica Bosque, LCSW, PPSC, Clinical Supervisor and Professor, School of Social Work, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA and Owner, Keystone Therapy and Training Services, Santa Rosa, CA

This workshop uses an abolitionist framework to demonstrate the critical role incorporating creativity and the arts into academic settings plays in creating a humanizing, liberatory education for all students, especially for marginalized students. We will cover the importance of honoring students' assets and cultural wealth and the rigorous nature of creativity. Teachers will leave with specific ideas for incorporating creativity and the arts into their high school or college ELA lessons.
DS, H, HE
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

Dive Into First Person View (FPV): View Your Surroundings in a Unique Perspective
Sam Choe, Team Manager; Ricky Yoo, President, IRONQUAD, Santa Ana, CA

Discover how First-Person View RC (radio-controlled) vehicles can be a fun and engaging learning assistance tool for school applications. This is also a unique opportunity for students to learn critical thinking skills and youth engagement.
ULA, MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Small Exhibitor Showcase; Program Design, Development & Quality

Drawing from Disaster: Unfolding the Power of Visual Storytelling
Hiep Nguyen, Founder and Art Director, Circle Painting and Draw All You Can, Riverside, CA

Isolation, insecurity, displacement, discrimination, violence -- to live is to experience trauma. Give your students the tools they need to process their experiences and tell their stories through drawings using the “Drawing from Disaster” response cards. Discover unique ways for your students to step into mindfulness and self-exploration.
MLA, DS, H, HE
Strand: Older Youth; Program Design, Development & Quality

ELO-P Community Pop-Up: Innovative & Equitable Practices to Address Common Challenges of ELO-P Implementation
Eduardo Caballero, Executive Director, Edventure More (EDMO), San Francisco, CA; Kendra Watkins, Director of Partnerships, Edventure More (EDMO), Portland, OR; Araceli Espinoza Mead, Program Manager, Partnerships for Children & Youth, Santa Fe Springs, CA

This interactive workshop is designed to equip, inform, and inspire participants to create innovative district and CBO collaborations. The Partnership for Children & Youth will present ELO-P data and best practices from across CA in the Summer of 2022. EDMO, a National Summer Learning Association Excellence award-winner that operates programs with dozens of CA districts, will share equitable design tools and strategize with you how to overcome common challenges of different expanded learning models.
MLA, PK, E
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships

Growing Your Leadership to Expand Learning
Sara Adame, Quality Assurance Coach - San Bernardino, Think Together, Santa Ana, CA

This workshop will focus on growing leadership skills. Throughout this past year, our expanded learning programs continue to experience expansion. With expansion comes the need for leaders to step into new roles. This training will provide intentional strategies that will support individuals in honing their leadership skills to prepare for these roles.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Think Together Workshop Strand

Let’s MOVE to Recharge! – Strategies to Engage All Kids
Diana Reed, Consultant, Expanded Learning Programs, Anderson, CA

Join us in this highly interactive session and learn how to manage your groups of students by using simple but highly engaging activities that promote physical activity, socio-emotional learning, and even academics! Participants will take away simple strategies and instructions for physical activities they can implement with their students. Come dressed to MOVE!
MLA, DS, E
Strand: Program Design, Development & Quality

Possible Selves
Moderator: Dr. Michelle Lustig, Program Director, Foster Youth Technical Assistance Program, Los Angeles County Office of Education, Oceanside, CA

POSSIBLE SELVES follows Alex and Mia, two teenagers in foster care, as they pursue college dreams while struggling with lives torn between biological and foster families. Alex, a foster teen in Los Angeles, navigates four years of high school as he tries to overcome the odds and get into college–at a time when only 3% of American kids who grow up in foster care receive bachelor's degrees. Along the way, Alex struggles to balance his love for his biological family with the need to assimilate into his foster family. Meanwhile, we also meet Mia during her senior year of high school. She is a foster youth who has survived severe trauma and abuse and is now with a supportive and loving foster family. While the obstacles to success that the teenagers in POSSIBLE SELVES face are extreme, their resilience paired with the love and support of caring adults may make it possible for them to become the adults they dream of being.
Strand: Film Festival

Preparing Students with the Life Skills They Need to be Successful
Moderator: Barry Schwartz, Vice President, Startup Smartup, San Francisco, CA
Panelists: Ashley Hemmy, Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, American Student Assistance, Boston, MA; Dr. Saliha Nelson, CEO, URGENT, Inc., Miami, FL; Anthonette Peña, Program Director, B-Unbound, Big Picture Learning, San Diego, CA

Join us in exploring the many ways we can prepare our youth to be successful in their careers and in their communities. Learn about innovative career and motivational programs being used during out-of-school time hours. The panel will explore how to use collaborative relationships, internships, mentors, and coaches to prepare students for the workplace and to use their talents in their community.
MLA, DS, H
Strand: Panel; Older Youth; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

Supporting the Educational Needs of Students in Foster Care
Jessica Muñoz, Esq., MFS, Executive Director; Brianna Miller, Philanthropy Manager, Voices for Children, Riverside, CA

Students in foster care often face barriers that are distinct from their peers. They are more likely to be suspended or expelled and less likely to graduate high school and pursue higher education. Participants will learn about why the educational system can be difficult to navigate for students in foster care and tips for working with educational rights holders and other partners, including Court Appointed Special Advocates, to ensure these students receive the support they need.
MLA, DS, E, M, H
Strand: Partnerships & Building Relationships

Today's Tools for Tomorrow's Leaders: Entrepreneurship for 21st Century Learners
Kelsey Neff, Director of Curriculum; Justin Ghiglia, President, Startup Startup, San Francisco, CA

Your Secret Superpower: Your Public Library
Marisa Miller, Consultant, Curriculum/PD/CQI, Afterschool Publishing, Santa Barbara, CA

Do you sometimes feel like you need superpowers in your work to positively develop youth? What you may not know is that your local public library is a secret superpower waiting for you! Your library is a treasure trove of free digital and physical resources. In this interactive and demonstration-based workshop, learn about the amazing range of what is available and explore practical fun ideas of how to use them in your program to help make a positive difference for your staff, children, and families.
ULA, MLA, CB, DS, PK, E, M, H, HE
Strand: Staff Leadership; Partnerships & Building Relationships; Program Design, Development & Quality

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