WHAT'S NEW
Summer Nutrition Programs Are Still on the Menu for 2025
This one-pager outlines USDA programs that provide free meals and food assistance to children and teens. It covers SUN Meals, SUN Meals To-Go, SUN Bucks EBT, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, with links to USDA contact maps for applying and finding local resources. Please note that deadlines for some States are approaching quickly.
Introducing Our Exciting New Podcast:
Inside Out-of-School Time
Discover Inside Out-of-School Time, the podcast designed for 21st Century Community Learning Center professionals! Our premiere features Dr. La’ Shawndra Scroggins, who explores strategies for collaboration and tools like the Professional Learning Portal shaping the future of OST programs.
Why and How 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Full-Service Community Schools Can Collaborate
This fact sheet explains ways 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs and Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) are similar and ways they differ. State and local program leaders for both of these federally funded programs can use this information to identify shared priorities and opportunities for coordination and collaboration.
Discover the Best Practices Shared by OST Professionals at the 21st CCLC Summer Symposium
Sarahi Catache and Carmen Galindo
Sarahi Catache, 21st CCLC Site Coordinator, and Carmen Galindo, Family Engagement Specialist, share their strategies for engaging students and families at Berta Cabaza Middle School in San Benito, Texas. Watch to learn how their use of surveys, GED classes, and career and technical education (CTE) programs is empowering students to explore career pathways and increasing family engagement.
Kwame Gyamfi
Kwame Gyamfi, School Community Coordinator at Northeast High School in Lincoln, Nebraska, discusses the Future Harvest program—a remarkable out-of-school time initiative. By combining a community garden, grow towers, and a "farm buy" market, students are learning how to grow produce, create garden salsa and pesto, and share healthy foods with the community. This program showcases the powerful impact of youth leadership and community engagement in OST programs!
Tracy White
Tracy White, Senior Site Director at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Omaha, Nebraska, discusses how their out-of-school time program thrives through active family and community involvement. Parents play a key role in decision-making through the Parent Action Committee and support family nights, while community leaders engage students with life and career advice. Learn more about Civic Nebraska and the Trailblazer After School Academy, and their collaborative approach to OST by visiting https://civicnebraska.org/.
Nancy Casas and Jessica Diaz
Nancy Casas and Jessica Diaz from the San Benito CISD ACE Program discuss how they strengthen their afterschool program by investing in staff development. The team ensures their frontline staff is equipped to provide quality afterschool experiences through comprehensive training and supporting career growth. Their approach has transformed part-time staff and social work interns into full-time team members, enriching their program and positively impacting students. Watch the video to learn more!
