21st CCLC Century Community Learning Centers NTAC National Technical Assistance Center - What's New

WHAT'S NEW

Introducing Our Exciting New Podcast: 
Inside Out-of-School Time

Dr. Candace Ferguson, Project Director of the 21st CCLC NTAC

Episode 2 of Inside Out-of-School Time is now live! In this episode, host Karin Wolfe is joined by Dr. Candace Ferguson, Project Director of the 21st CCLC NTAC, for a powerful conversation about how the 21st CCLC NTAC is transforming its mission into meaningful, on-the-ground support for out-of-school time (OST) programs.

Explore how tools like the Learning Management System and the Knowledge Network are helping professionals across all roles — from SEA Coordinators to frontline staff — tackle real challenges like staff retention, student engagement, and academic recovery.

Listen now to gain insights, strategies, and a deeper understanding of how the 21st CCLC NTAC is helping programs grow and thrive. To see more Inside Out-of-School Time podcast episodes, click here.

 

Discover the Best Practices Shared by OST Professionals at the OSTI-CON Conference

At the OSTI-CON conference, our team connected with OST professionals as they shared innovative ideas and best practices. We spoke with attendees about what truly sparks excitement in students and strengthens connections with families in their programs.

Spotlight on Alief ISD:

Spotlight on Alief ISD: Staying Engaged Through Long Summer Days

Rochelle Jenkins, Gabriele Sam, and Sycreeda Bryant, site coordinators, and Steven Henderson, district assistant coordinator for afterschool programs, with Alief ISD in Houston, Texas, share how their various elementary schools have converged on one building for the summer and made it a destination for excitement and collaboration. Students venture to Oz, Whoville, and the Spider-Man multiverse while engaging in STEAM activities, taking plenty of brain breaks, and enjoying the results of their hard work at the school store.

👉 Watch now to see where these ideas from Alief ISD might take you.

Spotlight on Fort Worth ISD

Spotlight on Fort Worth ISD: Cooking Up Confidence and Curiosity

Tanya McClendon, site coordinator at Wedgwood Middle School in Fort Worth, Texas, shares how students are stepping out of their comfort zones — and into the kitchen — through the Cooking Canvas Club. With support from the Tarrant Area Food Bank, students are learning kitchen safety, trying new foods (hello, fish tacos with coleslaw!), and building confidence one bite at a time.

👉 Watch now to see how a hands-on cooking club is teaching life skills, encouraging healthy choices, and bringing a little extra flavor to summer programming.

Spotlight on Elgin ISD

Spotlight on Elgin ISD: Academic Fun That Sticks All Summer Long

Angelina Campos, Cydney Crayton, and Susana Martinez, site coordinators with Elgin Independent School District (ISD) in Texas, are bringing academics to life through engaging, hands-on learning this summer. Students are reading Because of Winn-Dixie, running their own shops in a kid-friendly economics unit, and exploring science through butterfly life cycles. With fun activities like DIY snacks and upcoming field trips, learning doesn’t stop when the school year ends — it just gets more creative. 

👉 Watch now to see how Elgin ISD is keeping students learning and loving it through thoughtful, engaging academic programming.

Spotlight on Marble Falls ISD

Spotlight on Marble Falls ISD: Painting With a Twist and Family Participation

Tara Christian, site coordinator, Pamela Turner, site coordinator, and Nabria Willis, Afterschool Centers on Education administrator, with Marble Falls Independent School District (ISD) in Texas share how creative expression is bringing students and families together. From a student art gallery showcasing year-long projects to an engaging "Painting With a Twist" event where families painted side by side, these activities have sparked excitement and connection. This summer, students are continuing the fun with art classes that let their creativity shine on full-size canvases.

👉 Watch now to see how Marble Falls ISD is using the arts to deepen engagement and celebrate student voice.

Subscribe to the 21st CCLC NTAC Listserv!

Subscribe to get practical, reliable ideas and resources, to learn about evidence-based strategies and best practices relevant to out-of-school time programs, and to connect with a community of like-minded professionals. 

 

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This resource was developed by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC),funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (Department) and administered by Synergy Enterprises, Inc. underCooperativeAgreementNo. 287E230009 with the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Department or the federal government. The 21st CCLC NTAC project officers are Dr. Janell Wood and Ms.Andrea Jackson.