October 13, 2025 Applications for APOST Managers Consort Due By Oct. 21 Those interested in taking part in Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time’s 2025-26 managers consort must submit an application by Tuesday, October 21. Learn More The program is aimed at new out-of-school time program managers looking to gain knowledge and skills that will help them to be more effective within their own organization. The consort will also include discussion on how to advance professionally within the out-of-school time field. The learning consort will run from November through April and include 15 people who identify as new managers within out-of-school time programs. It will consist of several sessions, including a closing celebration. The sessions will be a mix of in-person and virtual and will cover a variety of topics. The consort’s expected time commitment is approximately 30 hours, which includes time spent on homework assigned between sessions. The assignments are estimated to take up no more than one hour per month. All participants will deliver a five-minute presentation at the closing celebration about their OST impact project, which is due at the culmination of the project. Session topics will include: Overview and community building Leadership, management, and coaching Program evaluation Crafting impactful stories Nonprofit financial management and fundraising 101 Those interested in applying must do so no later than 5 p.m. on October 21.
September 30, 2025 APOST to Sponsor OST Professional in TALI’s Emerging Leaders Program Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) announced that it will sponsor one out-of-school time (OST) professional to participate in The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)’s Emerging Leaders Program. Learn More The program addresses the needs of rising Black leaders and their allies by using the pillars of academic instruction, alumni mentoring, and peer networking to hone the skills professionals who are growing in the leadership phase of their career need to move into higher levels of management, successfully navigate challenges they may encounter, and support their ascent up the organizational ladder. Candidates may include strong individual contributors with supervisory aspirations and those in managerial positions. Applicants must have a minimum of three to five years of professional work experience in corporate, nonprofit, government, or entrepreneurial sectors. A bachelor’s degree or five years of additional, equivalent, and relevant experience is required. The program’s sessions are held once a month on a consecutive half-day Friday (noon to 5 p.m.) and half-day Saturday (8 a.m. to noon) from January through June. All sessions are held in person on the Carnegie Mellon University campus. The deadline to apply is Oct. 15. Those interested can apply online.
September 3, 2025 Deadline to Apply for APOST’s Lights On Afterschool Mini-Grant is Sept. 23 Those interested in applying for Allegheny Partners for Out of School Time’s (APOST) Lights on Afterschool 2025 mini-grants must do so by Tuesday, Sept. 23. Learn More Celebrating its 25th year, Lights on Afterschool is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The program is meant to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things – such as science, community service, robotics, poetry, Tae Kwon Do, and other new skills. APOST celebrates Lights on Afterschool by awarding mini-grant funds to local out-of-school time programs to showcase their work and share the importance of their mission. The deadline to apply for APOST’s mini-grants is 5 p.m. on Sept. 23. To be eligible, organizations must be located within Allegheny County and qualify as a 501(c)3 nonprofit. A maximum of one award will be given per event or project. Mini-grant requirements include: Events or projects must take place within the week of Monday, Oct. 20 to Friday, Oct. 24. Events or projects must be submitted to the Lights on Afterschool Directory by Monday, Oct. 13. At least one photo of the event or project must be sent to APOST to be shared publicly. Providers chosen for the grant will receive $500 to implement a Lights On Afterschool-inspired event or project. APOST staff may attend the event or participate in a project where possible, and chosen events or projects will have a chance to be spotlighted in the News You Can Use newsletter or on the APOST website. For more information, visit APOST’s Lights On Afterschool web page.
August 5, 2025 APOST Announces Professional Development Courses for Fall Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) has released its list of professional development course offerings for the fall. Learn More All of APOST’s fall workshops take approximately two-and-a-half to three hours and locations vary. Registration is required for all courses and closes three days prior to an event or when a session is full. In the event of low registration, Weikart Workshops may be cancelled. Advance notice will be provided. For workshops that take place at CoLab18, APOST will provide parking validation for attendees who park in the Nova Place garage. SEL Series Participants are encouraged to complete a full set of SEL (Social & Emotional Learning) Youth Work Methods Workshops, a new series this season from The Forum for Youth Investment. It is recommended to register for and take all three workshops in a single season because they build off one another. All three workshops are offered this fall. More information about the SEL series is available online. Fall Lineup The complete lineup of courses that APOST will offer this fall includes: Ask-Listen-Encourage (Thursday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at AIU) Foundations & Self Awareness of Social Development (SEL Series) (Friday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at AIU) Reframing Conflict (Thursday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Homewood CEC) Foundations & Self Awareness of Social Development (SEL Series) (Friday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoLab18) Reframing Conflict (Thursday, Oct. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18) Fostering Teamwork (SEL Series) (Friday, Oct. 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoLab18) Planning & Reflection (Thursday, Nov. 6 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18) Structure & Clear Limits (Friday, Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18) Youth Voice (Thursday, Nov. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18) Promoting Responsibility & Leadership (SEL Series) (Friday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoLab18)
July 23, 2025 APOST Seeking Presenters in Southwest PA to Facilitate OST Workshops Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) is seeking presenters from Southwest Pennsylvania to facilitate workshops on topics relating to out-of-school time (OST) for its 2025 conference. Learn More The conference, which will be held in partnership with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, will be held on Monday, Sept. 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Allegheny Intermediate Unit, located at 475 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead. APOST is currently looking for local presenters who are interested in facilitating one-hour workshops on any OST-related topic through the lens of or in connection to “partnerships in OST.” These can include: Interactive learning experiences that are creative in their engagement of the audience What an organization has to offer as a partner to OST organizations (and how the organization has worked in partnerships with others) Multiple organizations presenting together or leading a panel discussion on partnerships in action The deadline to submit a topic is 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 4. All submitters will be contacted and notified whether their proposed workshop was selected by Aug. 11. APOST will offer a $400 honoraria per workshop. Workshop topics can be submitted online.
June 26, 2025 APOST Strategic Plan to Provide Support to Out-of-School Time Providers A new strategic plan developed by Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) will provide providers of out-of-school time programs in Allegheny County with more focused support. Learn More The recently completed plan positions APOST to both strengthen and celebrate the valuable work of the county’s out-of-school time providers. The strategic plan for 2025-27 involves three priorities: to improve awareness and support of out-of-school time, to support the organizational strength of its providers, and to professionalize the out-of-school time workforce. “Our vision is that every young person in Allegheny County will have access to high-quality out-of-school time learning opportunities,” said Karen Dreyer, APOST’s executive director. “We know that the learning that goes on outside of the school day contributes to educational and social benefits for young people, their families, and the larger community. We also know that availability and quality of such programs are not consistent throughout the county.” Out-of-school time is a valuable part of the educational and workforce development ecosystems, providing positive youth outcomes through safe, creative spaces for young people to learn during the hours out of school. APOST’s role is to be a convener, connector, and collaborator with out-of-school time providers focusing on school-aged youth in Allegheny County. Kathryn Vargas, APOST’s board president, said APOST can affect policies and funding, program quality standards, and the professional growth of workers in the field. She said the plan will keep APOST focused on sustainability and growth of out-of-school time providers in the county. “As we developed the plan, we recognized that many people don’t understand what out-of-school time really is or the contributions these programs make to students, families, and communities,” said Dr. Robert Scherrer, chairman of APOST’s strategic planning committee. “Our first objective is to develop a shared understanding of the definition and value of both out-of-school time and APOST.” APOST has long focused on professional development opportunities for both leaders and front-line workers in out-of-school time programs. For the current year, it also plans to implement professional development initiatives that will elevate program excellence. The strategic plan was developed by APOST staff, board members, and stakeholders over a period of seven months. More information on the plan can be found on the organization’s website.
May 15, 2025 Trying Together to Host Professional Development Opportunities in May and June Trying Together will host everything from EI Toolkit training to courses on CPR and First Aid as part of its professional development offerings in May and June. Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities Early Intervention Toolkit Training Session: In the session, participants will discover how to navigate the EI Toolkit to access a variety of resources for both parents and educators. Participants’ real-world needs will be used to identify resources from the toolkit to apply in their classroom settings. The course, which costs $20, will be held on Wednesday, May 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday, June 13 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. over Zoom. UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs: Trying Together will join APOST and the Allegheny Department of Human Services for from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students. Registration is open. Hybrid American Red Cross First Aid, Pediatric First Aid, CPR, and AED Training: This PQAS-certified course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Best Practices for Workplace First-Aid Training Programs. The course will run from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17. For future professional development opportunities, visit Trying Together’s events page.
May 7, 2025 APOST-Pitt Focus Group for Out-of-School Time Professionals The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) will host focus groups with regional out-of-school time professionals on the design phase for an upcoming project. Learn More Pitt Education and APOST are working to increase the capacity of out-of-school time staff and organizations in program evaluation. The two organizations will host focus groups with local out-of-school time providers to gather insights, identify challenges, and shape the design for a cohort of organizations to receive training and tools to strengthen their program evaluation. The input from the project will inform the creation of an evaluation toolkit that will be publicly available in summer 2026. Focus groups will be held on the following dates: May 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CoLab18 at Nova Place (includes dinner at 6 p.m.) Those interested in taking part in the Program Evaluation Cohort Focus Group should fill out an application.
April 29, 2025 OST Professionals Invited to Take Part in APOST-Pitt Focus Group Regional out-of-school time professionals who are currently evaluating programs for the upcoming year are invited to participate in focus groups on the design phase for an upcoming APOST and Pitt Education project. Learn More The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) are working to increase the capacity of out-of-school time staff and organizations in program evaluation. The two organizations will host focus groups in May with local out-of-school time providers to gather insights, identify challenges, and shape the design for a cohort of organizations to receive training and tools to strengthen their program evaluation. The input from the project will inform the creation of an evaluation toolkit that will be publicly available in summer 2026. Focus groups will be held on the following dates: May 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon, virtual May 21, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Homewood CEC (includes lunch at noon) May 21, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., CoLab18 at Nova Place (includes dinner at 6 p.m.) Those interested in taking part in the Program Evaluation Cohort Focus Group should fill out an application.
April 25, 2025 Registration Open for UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs Registration is now open for UnConference: Authentic Engagement in Out-of-School Time Programs on Thursday, June 5 at Carnegie Mellon University’s Entertainment Technology Center. Trying Together, APOST, and the Allegheny Department of Human Services will host a day full of informative sessions and workshops. Participants will be able to attend expert-led sessions that focus on mindfulness techniques, opening the senses and immersing oneself in nature, behavior management, PBS programs that cover such topics as literacy and social and emotional wellness, and developing lasting relationships with students. Upon registering, attendees will be asked to select from Track A for First Aid/CPR, or Track B or C for three mini-sessions. Details Thursday, June 5 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center 700 Technology Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15219 A light breakfast and lunch will be served to participants. The UnConference will begin with a choice of First Aid/CPR or three mini-workshops. Attendees will select their preference during registration. The afternoon will include an interactive experiential tour of a few of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center’s newest projects and a workshop on Everyday Mentoring from the Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA. Tickets for UnConference: Engagement in Out-of-School Time are $25. Registration is open. Space is limited. Workshop sessions will have limited space. Workshops Morning Track A: Pediatric First Aid/CPR This PQAS-certified blended learning course consists of an in-person class and online coursework. The course provides life-saving skills in alliance with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs. The online coursework must be completed prior to the in-person class. Access to the online coursework will be provided via email in advance of the event. It is advised to complete the online coursework – which encompasses about three to four hours – at least 48 hours prior to the in-person course. You will need proof of completion by providing a copy of your completion email either printed or on a mobile device to participate in the in-person class. Track B: Mini Sessions Wellness Through Nature Chilling Presenters: Patty Himes and Kathryn Hunninen The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s workshop will focus on how slowing down, opening your senses, and immersing in nature has emotional, mental, and physical health benefits for you and the youth you serve. The workshop will include practicing some of these engaging activities and mindfulness techniques that can be done anywhere. These flexible activities can be used during transition times and as a part of your program. Mindfulness for Co-Regulation Presenters: Shannon Jenkins If we want to better understand our students, a good place to start is the autonomic nervous system. During this workshop hosted by Awaken Pittsburgh, participants will learn about the different human nervous system states, discuss some common triggers, and learn strategies to help us and our students feel more grounded, safe, and ready to learn. Positive Behavior Management: Facilitator Guide Presenters: Kierra Price This workshop by Brookline Teen Outreach focuses on understanding behavior management through a lens of positive connection instead of punishment. The workshop will break down key concepts of behavior management, learning how to identify and apply effective interventions based on individual needs, and engaging in scenario-based problem-solving to practice these skills. Track C: Mini Sessions Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community Presenters: Tessa Karel During this workshop by Open Up Pittsburgh, participants will be able to explore simple, engaging self-regulation tools through yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games. These activities help youth navigate moments of dysregulation and can be used across all ages. By practicing together, you’ll support both individual well-being and community care in your program. PBS 101 Presenters: Cathy Cook and Gina Masciola This workshop will explore how PBS is a treasure trove of digital and nondigital resources for educators. WQED Education Department staff will provide a comprehensive overview of the most useful and well-liked PBS programs and media tools. Explore the variety of PBS materials on literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional wellness in this fast-paced session that integrates games with books, apps, and videos, while connecting home to school and back. You’ll be amazed and well-equipped to harvest every PBS tool! Speed Session: Building Relationships via Cultural Connections Presenter: Sarah Crenshaw This session, presented by the Center of Life, will provide tools to help develop lasting relationships with students and families, while maintaining cultural sensitivity and acknowledging individual, family, and community identities. Afternoon The Mentoring Partnership of Southwest PA will hold a large workshop on “Everyday Mentoring” during the afternoon. Guides will also lead participants around to five interactive activity stations during a tour of the CMU Entertainment Technology Center. The stations will include the Cave Tomb, a green-screen room, sound studio, cavern, and a blocks activity. What Do I Receive? 7 PQAS/Act 48 credit hours Breakfast and lunch Networking with colleagues Hands-on, interactive workshops A swag bag Register now About UnConference The UnConference is an innovative, hands-on professional development training format in which a deeper experience is provided around a particular theme. Local and national speakers are invited to present and participants are encouraged to engage hands on in the workshops. The day concludes with a roundtable discussion on how to apply these experiences and ideas in the early childhood environment and share ideas on how to partner with new colleagues. Thank You To Our Sponsor and Partners A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and our workshop partners.
