There’s something powerful about being in a room full of people who understand the work you do and are just as committed to what comes next.
That’s why I’m joining afterschool professionals from across the country at NAA27, March 14–17, 2027, in Denver.
I’m looking forward to new ideas, meaningful connections, inspiring conversations, and celebrating 40 years of @NationalAfterSchoolAssociation. Most of all, I’m excited to come home energized and ready to put what I’ve learned into action.
We’ve built something lasting together. Now, we’re Ready to Rise.
Will I see you in Denver? Join me at NAA27! https://na.eventscloud.com/website/97216/
#NAA27 #BuiltToLastReadyToRise
APAW 2026 Flyer 1
APAW 2026 Flyer 2
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APAW 2026 Facebook #1
This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), we’re shining a light on the 850,000+ afterschool professionals nationwide who make a profound difference every day.
Why does it matter?
✅ Nearly 10 million children rely on afterschool programs for learning, exploration, and support
✅ Skilled professionals create safe, engaging environments where youth can grow
✅ Every young person deserves access to quality programs, and that starts with investing in the workforce that makes them possible
National efforts led by the National AfterSchool Association are also advancing workforce supports and new pathways, including a forthcoming Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential.
Join us in celebrating! How will you show appreciation this week? Drop a comment, share a story, or use #HeartOfAfterschool to spread the love.
Learn more: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
APAW 2026 Facebook #2
Whether they’re helping with homework, leading projects and curriculum, supporting safe environments, or simply being a trusted adult, these professionals play a vital role in shaping the future.
This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), let’s recognize and uplift the people who make out-of-school time meaningful for millions of young people.
Want to show appreciation? Try this:
✍️ Write a thank-you note—a personal message goes a long way
📧 Share your appreciation with a program leader or supervisor
📢 Post a shoutout on social media using #HeartOfAfterschool
🤝 Advocate for afterschool professionals by uplifting why their work matters
Let’s flood our feeds with appreciation and turn recognition into ongoing support for the afterschool workforce.
More ideas: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
APAW 2026 Facebook #3
🌟 Recognition matters. Advocacy sustains the workforce. 🌟
Afterschool professionals are essential to positive youth outcomes, yet many face ongoing challenges related to job quality, compensation, and career pathways.
What can we do beyond this week?
✔ Support job quality: fair wages, benefits, and professional growth opportunities
✔ Advocate for investment: strong programs require a strong workforce
✔ Elevate the profession: recognize afterschool as a career, not just a role
✔ Keep saying thank you: consistent appreciation makes a difference
Afterschool professionals are the #HeartOfAfterschool. Let’s ensure they feel valued, not just this week, but all year long.
Get involved: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
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APAW 2026 LinkedIn #1
Every young person deserves high-quality afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) experiences that support their growth, spark curiosity, and help them thrive. And behind every great program is a dedicated afterschool professional — a mentor, educator, and champion for young people.
This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), we’re shining a light on the 850,000+ afterschool professionals nationwide who make a profound difference every day.
Why does it matter?
✅ Nearly 10 million children rely on afterschool programs for learning, exploration, and support
✅ Skilled professionals create safe, engaging environments where youth can grow
✅ Every young person deserves access to quality programs, and that starts with investing in the workforce that makes them possible
National efforts led by the National AfterSchool Association are also advancing workforce supports and new pathways, including a forthcoming Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential.
Join us in celebrating! How will you show appreciation this week? Drop a comment, share a story, or use #HeartOfAfterschool to spread the love.
Learn more: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
APAW 2026 LinkedIn #2
Afterschool professionals do more than supervise. Here at NAA, we know they also inspire, empower, and transform lives.
Whether they’re helping with homework, leading projects and curriculum, supporting safe environments, or simply being a trusted adult, these professionals play a vital role in shaping the future.
This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), let’s recognize and uplift the people who make out-of-school time meaningful for millions of young people.
Want to show appreciation? Try this:
✍️ Write a thank-you note—a personal message goes a long way
📧 Share your appreciation with a program leader or supervisor
📢 Post a shoutout on social media using #HeartOfAfterschool
🤝 Advocate for afterschool professionals by uplifting why their work matters
Let’s flood our feeds with appreciation and turn recognition into ongoing support for the afterschool workforce.
More ideas: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
APAW 2026 LinkedIn #3
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to celebrate those who support young people during out-of-school time — but appreciation shouldn’t stop on April 24!
🌟 Recognition matters. Advocacy sustains the workforce. 🌟
Afterschool professionals are essential to positive youth outcomes, yet many face ongoing challenges related to job quality, compensation, and career pathways.
What can we do beyond this week?
✔ Support job quality: fair wages, benefits, and professional growth opportunities
✔ Advocate for investment: strong programs require a strong workforce
✔ Elevate the profession: recognize afterschool as a career, not just a role
✔ Keep saying thank you: consistent appreciation makes a difference
Afterschool professionals are the #HeartOfAfterschool. Let’s ensure they feel valued, not just this week, but all year long.
Get involved: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationWeek
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Spring 2026 AST
Description
On Thursday, April 23, the National AfterSchool Association will release the Spring 2026 edition of AfterSchool Today.
Called The Power of Recognition, this issue explores how recognition is essential to building a strong and sustainable out-of-school time (OST) field. Recognition goes beyond awards or appreciation days. it is also about creating environments where both young people and professionals feel seen, valued, and supported. The issue also features the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, honoring emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of the field.
Timeline
HOLD until April 23, 2026.
Reminders
Facebook Posts
Spring 2026 AST Facebook #1
In The Power of Recognition issue, contributors from across the field examine how feeling seen and valued drives retention, strengthens culture, and shapes the future of the OST field, while also honoring the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
Click through to read today! https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
Spring 2026 AST Facebook #2
The Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today from the National AfterSchool Association dives into how recognition shapes workforce retention, strengthens culture, and supports positive outcomes for young people.
Plus, meet the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
🔗 https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
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Spring 2026 AST LinkedIn #1
The Spring 2026 issue of the National AfterSchool Association’s biannual magazine is here!
In The Power of Recognition issue, contributors from across the field examine how feeling seen and valued drives retention, strengthens culture, and shapes the future of the OST field, while also honoring the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
Click through to read today! https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
Spring 2026 AST LinkedIn #2
Recognition isn’t a perk. It’s essential to a thriving OST field.
The Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today from the National AfterSchool Association dives into how recognition shapes workforce retention, strengthens culture, and supports positive outcomes for young people.
Plus, meet the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
🔗 https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
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Spring 2026 AST Blog Post/Email
Header:
The Power of Recognition: Building a Stronger OST Field
The Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today, the National AfterSchool Association’s biannual magazine, is now available.
In The Power of Recognition, NAA explores how recognition is essential to building a strong and sustainable out-of-school time (OST) field. Recognition goes beyond awards or appreciation days. Instead, it is about creating environments where both young people and professionals feel seen, valued, and supported.
Across articles and field perspectives, contributors examine how recognition influences workforce retention, strengthens organizational culture, and fosters belonging for youth and adults alike. From everyday leadership practices to systems-level strategies, this issue highlights how valuing people drives positive outcomes across OST programs and communities.
The issue also features the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, honoring emerging leaders whose work is shaping the future of the field.
As you read, consider how recognition shows up in your own work and how it can be embedded more intentionally to strengthen your programs, your team, and the broader OST field.
👉 Read the issue: [https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today]
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Spring 2026 AST Contributors Facebook #1
My article, “[Insert Article Title],” explores [insert 1 short takeaway—e.g., how everyday recognition practices shape culture and retention in OST programs].
This issue, The Power of Recognition, highlights how valuing people — youth and professionals alike — builds belonging and strengthens the field.
Read more: https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
Spring 2026 AST Contributors Facebook #2
This issue, The Power of Recognition, explores how recognition is more than appreciation—it’s a critical part of building a strong and sustainable out-of-school time (OST) field.
In my article, “[Insert Title],” I focus on [insert 1–2 sentence summary].
Recognition shapes whether people feel valued, whether they stay in the field, and how programs create environments where young people and professionals can thrive.
I’m grateful to contribute to this important conversation.
🔗 Read the issue: https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
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Spring 2026 AST Contributors LinkedIn #1
I’m proud to contribute to the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today from the National AfterSchool Association.
My article, “[Insert Article Title],” explores [insert 1 short takeaway—e.g., how everyday recognition practices shape culture and retention in OST programs].
This issue, The Power of Recognition, highlights how valuing people — youth and professionals alike — builds belonging and strengthens the field.
Read more: https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
Spring 2026 AST Contributors LinkedIn #2
I’m honored to be part of the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today, published by the National AfterSchool Association.
This issue, The Power of Recognition, explores how recognition is more than appreciation—it’s a critical part of building a strong and sustainable out-of-school time (OST) field.
In my article, “[Insert Title],” I focus on [insert 1–2 sentence summary].
Recognition shapes whether people feel valued, whether they stay in the field, and how programs create environments where young people and professionals can thrive.
I’m grateful to contribute to this important conversation.
🔗 Read the issue: https://www.flipsnack.com/8857BBDD75E/spring-2026-afterschool-today
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National Job Quality Convening at Wingspread
Description
Organizations representing participants in the 2026 Convening on Advancing System-Level Job Quality in Out-of-School Time may use these assets to share about the convening. Assets will be added to this press kit over the next few weeks and months as content is developed.
Please contact Kate Simon at comscreative@naaweb.org for additional assets, other types of written content, or with any questions.
Timeline
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Press Release: Job Quality Convening
Title: Building Momentum for Job Quality: Leaders Gather at Wingspread to Advance System-Level Change
In mid-July, 35 out-of-school time leaders from communities and states across the country gathered at the historic Johnson Foundation at Wingspread in Racine, Wisconsin for A Convening on Advancing System-Level Job Quality in Out-of-School Time.
Hosted by the National AfterSchool Association [naaweb.org] with support from the Johnson Foundation, the invitation-only convening brought together intermediary leaders and cross-sector partners to focus on one of the field's most pressing opportunities: strengthening the OST workforce through more intentional, aligned approaches to job quality. Organizations from across the country were invited to apply as a small team representing the work and interests of their local or state community. [Insert participant name(s) here] of [participant organization] participated on a team representing [state/city/org].
Across the country, momentum around job quality is growing. States and communities are developing standards, expanding professional learning, and exploring how workforce strategies can be embedded into policy, funding, and systems change. Yet many of these efforts are unfolding independently. The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread was designed to create the time and space for leaders to step back from their daily work, learn from one another, and think strategically about how to move promising initiatives toward lasting, system-level impact — and this proved to be the ideal setting for this high-level job quality work.
Over two and a half days, participants explored practical strategies for advancing job quality within their own contexts while strengthening connections across the field. Rather than promoting a single model or solution, the convening centered on collaboration, peer learning, and shared problem-solving. Teams were encouraged to reflect on their current work, identify opportunities for greater alignment, and leave with a clearer path forward, whether they are just beginning to build job quality strategies or are already leading mature initiatives.
By the conclusion of the convening, participants were equipped to:
Advance their work with a clear goal, understanding of impact, and path forward, regardless of where they are in their job quality journey
Strengthen their leadership capacity to drive meaningful, system-level impact
Apply practical tools to align partners and accelerate change
Build relationships with a national network of peers while helping shape NAA's future workforce strategy
While the conversations at the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread were intentionally designed for a small group of leaders, the work does not end there. In the coming weeks and months, NAA and [organization] will continue the conversation by sharing key takeaways from the convening, highlighting innovative work underway in participating states, and exploring how leaders are translating strategy into action in their own communities. Together, we can continue building an OST workforce where professionals and the young people they serve can thrive.
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