Are you joining the National AfterSchool Association in Washington, D.C. for NAA26? Share your participation on social media and by email/enews to encoruage others in your network to consider registering!
I always leave NAA Convention reenergized, reconnected, and ready to lead.
This year’s theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — is exactly what our field needs right now.
Join me March 11–14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for #NAA26 and be part of something powerful.
Head to loom.ly/b6cyw14 to register today!
I always leave NAA Convention reenergized, reconnected, and ready to lead.
This year’s theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — is exactly what our field needs right now.
Join me March 11–14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for #NAA26 and be part of something powerful.
Head to loom.ly/b6cyw14 to register today!
If you’re looking for an event that will fill your cup, challenge your thinking, and connect you with the best people in afterschool, this is it.
NAA26: Dream. Dare. Do.
I’ll be there — will you?
March 11–14, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
Register here: loom.ly/b6cyw14 to
We all know how challenging this moment is for our field.
Uncertainty around funding. Increasing needs. A system that often asks for more with fewer resources.
That’s why #NAA26 is so important.
It’s not just a professional development event—it’s a gathering of people who believe in what afterschool can do. Who are ready to dream big, dare to lead, and DO what it takes to keep showing up for kids.
Join me March 11–14, 2026, in Washington, D.C., and be part of something powerful. Let’s build a stronger future together.
Register here: loom.ly/b6cyw14 to
Subject: Registration Is Now Open for NAA26!
March 11–14, 2026 | Washington, D.C. | Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is thrilled to invite you to NAA26, the largest gathering of out-of-school time professionals in the nation.
This year’s theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — is a bold call to action for our field. At a time when OST and summer programs are facing serious challenges, NAA26 will be a space to reconnect with purpose, gather strength, and take action.
Whether you're a new professional or a seasoned leader, you'll find powerful learning, inspiring keynotes, and vibrant community at NAA26.
Learn more and register today [https://na.eventscloud.com/website/87721/home/]
Subject: Registration is now open for NAA26, the National AfterSchool Association’s 2026 Convention!
Join thousands of afterschool professionals from across the country March 11–14, 2026, in Washington, D.C. for four days of connection, inspiration, and powerful professional learning. This year’s theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — invites us to reimagine bold futures, take courageous action, and lead with purpose. With expert-led workshops, networking opportunities, and a special advocacy focus in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance, NAA26 is the must-attend event for the OST field.
Learn more and register [https://na.eventscloud.com/website/87721/home/]
In this toolkit, you’ll find suggested copy and graphics for social media posts, newsletter stories, and recent informative National AfterSchool Association news stories, events and PD opportunities that you and your networks may find helpful. NAA appreciates your help in amplifying this information.
Our team has created a video tutorial and written guide to help you navigate NAA’s Social Press Kit. If you have any questions about using these assets, please email comscreative@naaweb.org.
September 2025
On September 30 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern, the Collaborative for Advancing Healthy Experiences in OST (CAHE-OST) will host a meet-up for out-of-school time professionals interested in promoting wellness for themselves, their colleagues, and the young people and families served by their programs.
Register Today! https://go.edc.org/healthyOST
Join OST professionals for an energizing virtual meet-up designed to help you recharge, reflect, and refocus. Together, we’ll exchange fresh ideas and challenge ourselves to make space for personal wellness – while also exploring fun, practical activities you can bring back to your OST program and staff.
This time together is designed to spark inspiration and equip you with a growing “wellness toolbox” full of short, simple strategies you can use both in your own life and in your work with young people.
Take a wellness break with purpose!
Join out-of-school time professionals on September 30 from 2–3 p.m. ET for a virtual meet-up hosted by the Collaborative for Advancing Healthy Experiences in OST (CAHE-OST).
You’ll leave with simple wellness tools to support yourself, your team, and the young people you serve. Plus, walk away recharged with fresh ideas and renewed energy.
Let’s refocus, recharge, and recommit to wellness in OST.
👉 Register now: https://go.edc.org/healthyOST
On September 30 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Eastern, the Collaborative for Advancing Healthy Experiences in OST (CAHE-OST) will host a meet-up for out-of-school time professionals interested in promoting wellness for themselves, their colleagues, and the young people and families served by their programs.
[Button]: Register Today! [https://go.edc.org/healthyOST]
Join OST professionals for an energizing virtual meet-up designed to help you recharge, reflect, and refocus. Together, we’ll exchange fresh ideas and challenge ourselves to make space for personal wellness – while also exploring fun, practical activities you can bring back to your OST program and staff.
This time together is designed to spark inspiration and equip you with a growing “wellness toolbox” full of short, simple strategies you can use both in your own life and in your work with young people.
Afterschool programs don’t just keep young people busy — they change lives. Research shows they boost attendance, improve grades, and help students develop essential skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Families know it too: 92% of parents agree these programs build life skills, and 74% say they make children more excited about learning.
But access isn’t equal. Too many young people from lower-income families still don’t have the opportunities they deserve. That’s where citywide afterschool systems come in. By coordinating across public agencies, funders, schools, and providers, communities can share resources, raise quality, and expand access.
The Wallace Foundation highlights four elements of successful afterschool systems:
- Committed leadership across sectors
-A coordinating entity to bring partners together
- Smart use of data to drive improvement
- Shared focus on program quality
When these pieces are in place, the impact is clear: stronger programs, stronger outcomes, stronger communities.
📖 Read the full Wallace Foundation article here: https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/why-do-afterschool-systems-matter
Afterschool programs matter — and afterschool systems make them stronger.
The Wallace Foundation highlights four elements that help cities build sustainable, high-quality systems that expand access and maximize impact:
✅ Leadership
✅ Coordination
✅ Data-driven decisions
✅ Focus on quality
📖 Read more here: https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/why-do-afterschool-systems-matter
Title: Why Do Afterschool Systems Matter?
Now more than ever, we recognize how crucial it is to advocate for the unique value and impact of OST) organizations and coordinated systems. Years of research show that afterschool programs increase school attendance, improve grades, and help young people develop essential life skills like communication, teamwork, and problem solving. According to a recent Afterschool Alliance survey, 92% of parents agree these programs provide vital opportunities to build life skills, and 74% say afterschool makes children more excited about learning and engaged in school.
However, as we know, many young people from lower-income families still lack access to quality programs. To address this gap, cities across the country are building coordinated afterschool systems. These systems bring together public agencies, private funders, businesses, schools, and program providers to share resources and create high-quality, engaging opportunities for youth.
The Wallace Foundation identifies four key elements that make afterschool systems successful:
- Committed leadership from mayors, school superintendents, families, and community stakeholders
- An established coordinating entity such as a public agency or nonprofit intermediary
- Effective use of data to inform decisions and improve programming
- A clear focus on program quality with shared standards and supports
By investing in these elements, cities can build sustainable afterschool systems that maximize the positive impact and return on investment for young people and their communities — and demonstrate their value.
Read the full Wallace Foundation article here: Why Do Afterschool Systems Matter? [https://wallacefoundation.org/resource/article/why-do-afterschool-systems-matter]
Do you have a story, strategy, or success that others in the afterschool and OST community can learn from? 🌟
NAA is now accepting proposals for the 2026 NAA Convention: Dream. Dare. Do. Join us March 11–14, 2026, in the Washington, D.C. area, and share your ideas with thousands of professionals dedicated to inspiring young people.
Submit your proposal by October 20, 2025: [https://na.eventscloud.com/website/87721/call_for_presenters/]
The Call for Presenters is open! 📣
The National AfterSchool Association invites proposals for the 2026 NAA Convention (March 11–14, 2026, Washington, D.C. area). Share your expertise, research, or innovative practices with the afterschool and OST field.
The submission window is September 8 – October 20, 2025. Learn more about session types, guidelines, and the review process here: [https://na.eventscloud.com/website/87721/call_for_presenters/]
Share Your Story at NAA26 Convention
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is now accepting proposals for the 2026 NAA Convention, taking place March 11–14, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. area.
Do you have innovative ideas, proven practices, or inspiring stories to share with the afterschool and out-of-school time community? You are invited to submit a proposal during NAA’s Call for Presenters, open September 8 – October 20, 2025.
This year’s convention theme, “Dream. Dare. Do.”, will highlight the creativity, courage, and commitment of professionals who are shaping brighter futures for young people.
Visit the Call for Presenters page to learn more about session types, the review rubric, and FAQs, and to submit your proposal: [https://na.eventscloud.com/website/87721/call_for_presenters/]
Please consider sharing your expertise, or passing this opportunity along to someone you know who would make a great presenter.
