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APOST Releases Resource for OST Providers Implementing Evaluation Practices

News

November 10, 2026

APOST Releases Resource for OST Providers Implementing Evaluation Practices

Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) has released a new OST Evaluation Toolkit that is intended as a free, online resource designed to be a hub of tools for out-of-school time (OST) providers implementing evaluation practices.

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The toolkit, which was based on the findings of a cohort of OST organizations in Allegheny County, is broken down into various sections, such as:

  • Introduction
  • Evaluation Basics
  • Methods
  • Case Studies 
  • Resources

The toolkit was created because the OST sector faces an ongoing need for sustainable support and resources to implement quality programming for the region’s youth. 

It offers evaluation best practices developed by the OST itself and aims to help providers to evaluate their programs, generate data, collaborate toward shared goals, and secure sustainable support.

The Evaluation Basics section covers such topics as voluntary attendance – whether young people choose to be in OST programs – and the diversity of offerings (sports leagues, arts programs, homework, nature clubs, or other programs). 

The Methods section includes examples of data collection questions for program evaluation, such as whether youths feel that they have a voice in decision making in programs, whether there is a balance of power between youth and adults in the program, and whether programs make participants feel valued.

The toolkit also includes case studies and resources to support OST program evaluation. 

The toolkit was created through a partnership between APOST and the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Education, and was funded by the McElhattan Foundation.

To learn more, check out APOST’s OST Evaluation Toolkit.

Deadline Approaching for APOST to Help with BOOST Grant Application

News

October 26, 2026

Deadline Approaching for APOST to Help with BOOST Grant Application

Pennsylvania’s Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has announced the availability of $58 million in state Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) funding.

The goal of the fiscal year 2026-2027 BOOST funding is to support a variety of local community violence prevention and intervention strategies, including upstream prevention for at-risk school-age youth and intervention strategies designed to address violence that is already occurring in communities.

Applications must be submitted through the PCCD eGrants system by Thursday, December 10. Organizations interested in applying are encouraged to begin the process early to allow sufficient time to develop their proposal and address any questions or system access issues.

Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) is offering grant application assistance by providing a select number of organizations the opportunity to work with an experienced grant writer to answer questions and provide feedback on drafts for the BOOST application.

Organizations must meet all eligibility requirements for the funding and submit a completed application to APOST by 5 p.m. on Thursday, October 29.

APOST Accepting Applications for 2026-27 Managers Cohort Through October 20

News

October 7, 2026

APOST Accepting Applications for 2026-27 Managers Cohort Through October 20

Those interested in taking part in Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time’s (APOST) 2026-27 managers cohort must submit an application by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20.

APOST offers the cohort to out-of-school time program managers who are looking to gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to expand their impact within their organization and advance professionally within the field. 

Over the course of six months, cohort members participate in monthly workshops focused on various topics relating to out-of-school time program leadership. 

The program culminates with participants sharing an impact project, which is a presentation on their reflections, takeaways and action steps from their time in the program, and how they intend to bring it back to their organizations.

Participants will:

  • Develop leadership skills that focus on growth within the field
  • Strengthen professional networks through mentorship and peer collaboration
  • Gain access to resources, tools, and templates from subject area experts and collaboration among cohort members

The program runs from the late fall through the spring and is intended for individuals who identify as newer managers within out-of-school time programs. Cohort learning consists of several sessions, including a closing celebration, covering a variety of topics.

Applications are available on APOST’s website.

Report: Most Caregivers of Allegheny County Afterschool Students Say Programs Offer STEM Learning

News

October 5, 2026

Report: Most Caregivers of Allegheny County Afterschool Students Say Programs Offer STEM Learning

A recent report by Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) and the Afterschool Alliance found that 92% of caregivers of Allegheny County afterschool students said their child’s afterschool program offers STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning.

This number is up from 76% of caregivers who said the same thing in 2014. Additionally, 51% of those whose child’s program offers STEM reported that their child engages in STEM learning after school at least twice per week. However, nearly four in five Allegheny County children – or 92.451 children – whose parents want afterschool programs for them are not enrolled.

STEM Report

The report, Afterschool STEM Takes Off in Allegheny County, is based on survey responses from 30,515 U.S. households, with 456 households with 682 Allegheny County children screened.

Afterschool programs in the county are educating students on a variety of STEM topics, according to caregivers, including:

  • 89% said their child’s program offers engagement in math
  • 83% science
  • 81% engineering
  • 79% computer science
  • 78% tech

Five in six caregivers said afterschool programs help children to gain skills and interest in STEM, such as Tree Pittsburgh’s youth programs, which offer environmental education programming focused on educating youth and families about the benefits of trees in their communities.

Support for afterschool programs in Pennsylvania has increased through the Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) program. In 2024, the state invested $11.5 million in OST programs to 46 providers across the state, 10 of which were located in Allegheny County. The investment was renewed at $11.5 million in the 2025-26 state budget.

National Findings

In most respects, Allegheny County findings mirrored national survey findings, such as:

  • Increases in STEM in afterschool from 2014 to 2025 were seen in every state.
  • Children in families with low incomes are less likely to have multiple exposures to STEM in afterschool each week than those whose families have higher incomes.
  • Rural caregivers report fewer computer science and technology opportunities in afterschool.
  • Two in three parents with children in afterschool programs (65%) value STEM extremely or somewhat when selecting a program – but there are differences by race: Native American parents (73%), Black and Hispanic parents (70%), and Asian-American caregivers (68%) place greater importance on STEM in afterschool than White families (62%).
  • Caregivers of boys and girls report similar levels of access to STEM in their child’s afterschool program, but caregivers of girls prioritize computer science, technology, and engineering less than caregivers of boys.
  • Caregivers prioritize STEM, and specifically computer science, more as their children age.

“This study has really good news for Allegheny County,” said APOST Executive Director Karen Dreyer. “In an age when science and technology continue to shape and reshape our lives, we must invest in programs to support young people to learn, explore, and create in the STEM fields, so they gain the skills and experience needed to lead our communities into the future.”

APOST Accepting Applications for 2026-2027 Quality Campaign Cohort

News

September 7, 2026

APOST Accepting Applications for 2026-2027 Quality Campaign Cohort

Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time is accepting applications for its 2026-2027 quality campaign cohort.

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Participants will be able to take part in a network of 66 organizations that are committed to improving out-of-school-time program quality.

The Quality Campaign 2026-2027 cohort will go through a Youth Program Quality Improvement Process (YPQI) led by The Weikart Center at the Forum for Youth Investment with support from APOST from October through March.

Participation in the cohort will help organizations to:

  • Provide better experiences for young people
  • Receive free professional development
  • Engage staff at every level
  • Receive shared tools and framework for improvement
  • Use a sustainable, cost-effective model that is in use in hundreds of communities across the country

Those interested in participating must fill out a brief application by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 18. Questions about the cohort can be sent to apost@afterschool.org. 

APOST Releases Fall Professional Development Offerings

News

September 2, 2026

APOST Releases Fall Professional Development Offerings

Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) has released its schedule of professional development opportunities for the fall. Courses cover everything from promoting leadership to reframing conflict.

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All workshops take approximately two-and-a-half to three hours and locations vary. Participants are expected to attend the entirety of the workshop to receive a certificate of completion, which will be delivered via email after the event.

Registration is required for each workshop and closes two days prior to each event or when the session is full. Workshops are limited to 15 to 20 participants, depending on the topic. If an event reaches capacity, there will be a waiting list, whereas Weikart Workshops could be cancelled in the event of low registration.

APOST’s fall professional development workshops include:

For more information, visit APOST’s website.

Study: Families Approve of Allegheny County Summer Programs But Many Face Barriers to Access Them

News

June 23, 2026

Study: Families Approve of Allegheny County Summer Programs But Many Face Barriers to Access Them

Many families in Allegheny County face barriers to accessing summer programs, but caregivers with children who attend the programs are mostly pleased with them, according to data from the America After 3PM study.

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The Afterschool Alliance and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) shared county-specific data from the report, “The Summer Struggle for Everyday Families: Affording the Opportunities Parents Want for Youth.”

APOST noted that 96% of Allegheny County caregivers whose child is enrolled said they were satisfied with the program their child attends. A total of 91% of caregivers also favored public funding for summer learning opportunities, APOST’s study found.

“Finding affordable summer programs for their children is a major challenge for too many Allegheny County families,” said Jodi Grant, the Afterschool Alliance’s executive director. “Parents need to stay in their jobs to provide for their families, but when they can’t find affordable summer programs, their children may be unsupervised, on screens, at risk, and in some cases without healthy food during the summer months.”

Grant added that she believed the county should invest more in summer programs that keep children safe, engaged, and learning while giving working families peace of mind.

The report’s key findings included:

  • Affordability remains the top barrier, particularly for low- and middle-income families.
  • Caregivers want their children to have summer learning opportunities.
  • For families who can access programs, the experience is a positive one.
  • A majority of caregivers – both those with and without children in summer programs – support public funding for programs.

For more information, read the America After 3PM report.

APOST Announces Summer Professional Development Courses

News

May 6, 2026

APOST Announces Summer Professional Development Courses

Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) will offer eight workshops from May to August as part of its summer professional development series.

Learn More

Registration, which is required for all courses, will close three days prior to each event or when the session is full. 

All workshops take about two-and-a-half to three hours and locations vary. Specific time and location details are listed on the workshop’s event registration page.

For workshops that are held at CoLab18, APOST will provide parking validation for attendees who park in the Nova Place garage.

Participants are encouraged to complete a full set of the Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) Youth Work Methods Workshops from The Forum for Youth Investment in one season.

The summer workshops include:

For more information on summer professional development courses, visit APOST’s website.

Allegheny County Executive Announces Expanded Access to Child Care, OST Programs

News

May 5, 2026

Allegheny County Executive Announces Expanded Access to Child Care, OST Programs

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato recently announced a new initiative to strengthen stability, opportunity, and quality of life for working families in the county by expanding access to child care and out-of-school time (OST) programs.

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As part of the coordinated Forward with Families initiative, the county has a goal of creating 5,000 new slots over the next five years.

Led by the Allegheny County Department of Children Initiatives, the expansion of slots will focus on increasing capacity, supporting providers, and addressing gaps in care, especially for infants and toddlers, evenings and weekends, and before- and after-school programming.

Forward with Families includes a multi-pronged approach to addressing challenges facing families today. The five pillars of the initiative are:

  • Health and well-being
  • Child care caregiving and learning
  • Employment and education
  • Housing and food
  • Savings and cash

Allegheny County is also promoting a refreshed tool – the Forward with Families Program Finder, where county residents can input information about their address, children, and what kind of program they are looking for and find options for child care, out-of-school time slots, and summer camps.

Additional components of Forward with Families will be announced in the coming months.

“Young people learn how to collaborate, create, problem solve, and dream in out-of-school time programs, all skills that are needed for healthy individuals and communities,” said Karen Dreyer, executive director for Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST). “The county’s investments will get us closer to closing the gap to ensure that all youth have access to high-quality OST learning opportunities.”

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

News

April 1, 2026

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

Trying Together, in partnership with APOST and Allegheny County DHS, will host UnConference: Out-of-School Time on Thursday, June 11 at the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA’s Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse.

This UnConference is intended to be a collaborative, interactive approach to high-quality summer programming for school-age children. The audience will be educators, staff, and administrators working with children in summer programs; engaged parents and caregivers; and early childhood education and out-of-school-time advocates.

The UnConference will begin with a keynote presentation by Twanda Clark-Edgal, a learning strategist for LIGHT Social Change Agents LLC, and will be followed by morning and afternoon sessions. A light breakfast with coffee and tea and a boxed lunch will be provided as part of the registration fee.

There will also be an add-on option for those interested in taking part in a First Aid/CPR training on June 10 (with an additional fee).

A total of 4.5 PQAS and Act 48 credit hours are available for attendees.

Free parking will be available in the Teamster’s temple parking lot across the street from the Boys & Girls Club and metered parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Details

UnConference: Out-of-School Time

  • Thursday, June 11
  • 8 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
  • Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse
  • $25

 UnConference: Out-of-School Time + First Aid/CPR Training Add-on

  • First Aid/CPR Training: Wednesday, June 10 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • UnConference: Thursday, June 11 from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Boys & Girls Club of Western PA, Estelle S. Campbell Clubhouse
  • $60 (bundled with UnConference ticket)

Sessions

MORNING SESSIONS (10-11:30 a.m.)

Play on Purpose: Theatre Games for Youth and the Adults Who Support Them
Presenter: Katie Trupiano, City Theatre

This highly interactive workshop invites participants to experience the power of theatre games as tools for building stronger, more joyful summer learning environments for both children and staff. Through movement, storytelling, improvisation, and collaborative play, attendees will explore how theatre-based activities support social-emotional learning, positive behavior management, and staff well-being. Participants will rotate through hands-on games, practice facilitation techniques, and reflect on how play can be intentionally woven into daily routines in out-of-school time settings. The session emphasizes inclusive approaches that honor student voice, choice and creativity. Attendees will leave with a toolkit of games, adaptations, and implementation strategies for summer programming.

Beyond Behavior: Trauma-Informed Practices to Support Every Child in OST Programs
Presenter: Tameka Anderson, Cultivate Potential Strategies

This interactive session equips OST educators and caregivers with trauma-informed strategies to support children’s social-emotional well-being. Participants will learn to recognize signs of trauma, understand how unaddressed ruptures impact behavior, and practice practical repair techniques to help children self-regulate. Through real-life scenarios, role-play, and hands-on tools, attendees will leave with actionable methods to foster safer, more supportive out-of-school environments, strengthen relationships, and manage challenging behaviors with confidence. Ideal for summer program staff, after-school educators, and caregivers, this session emphasizes actionable skills that transform understanding into daily practice.

Before the Program: How Emotional Regulation, Caregiver Well-Being, and Leadership Presence Shape Out-of-School Time Environments
Presenter: Toye Penny, Love You More International

Before programs, policies, and behavior strategies take hold, leadership presence sets the tone. This 90-minute interactive session explores how emotional regulation and caregiver well-being directly shape safety, behavior, and connection in out-of-school time environments. Participants will examine how stress, trauma, and depletion show up in leadership and staff dynamics, and how grounding practices can interrupt reactive cycles before burnout or breakdown occurs. Through guided reflection, discussion, and practical application, attendees will leave with trauma-informed strategies to strengthen leadership capacity, support mental health, and cultivate stable, sustainable OST spaces where both caregivers and children can thrive.

Supporting Youth Mental Health in Summer & OST Programs: Practical Tools for Educators, Families, and Youth Leaders
Presenter: Dr. Britnee Weatherspoon, Erika’s Lighthouse

Youth mental health challenges often emerge or intensify during out-of-school time, including summer programming. This interactive session equips educators, OST professionals, and caregivers with practical strategies to promote depression awareness, social-emotional well-being, and help-seeking among school-age youth. Participants will explore adaptable activities, family engagement approaches, and culturally responsive practices that support inclusive environments. Drawing from public health, education, and youth mental health programming experience, this session emphasizes actionable tools that are free and can be immediately applied in summer camps, afterschool programs, and community youth settings.

Regulate & Recharge: Simple Tools for You and Your Community
Presenter: Tessa Karel, Open Up

This interactive 90-minute session explores simple, engaging self-regulation tools that support calm, focus, and connection in out-of-school time settings. Participants will experience adaptable practices including gentle yoga, breathing exercises, thought strategies, and social games that help youth navigate moments of dysregulation. Activities are designed to be inclusive, trauma-aware, and accessible across ages and abilities. By practicing together, participants will leave with concrete tools they can use immediately to support individual well-being and strengthen a culture of community care in their programs.

AFTERNOON SESSIONS (12:45-2:15 p.m.)

Stop Making it Easy
Presenter: Cristina Ramirez, DashStrom

In an era of screen passivity, AI, and helicopter parenting, children aren’t developing the social-emotional connections they need to thrive. One key aspect of SEL is learning through struggle. This hands-on session reveals how children rise to their innate potential through challenge, not ease. Attendees experience a modified DashStrom game and feel the internal shift when facing something hard and pushing through. We then unpack the psychology behind that transformative moment, leaving participants more empowered to handle their own challenges while equipping them with practical strategies and coaching language to help children overcome theirs in OST programs.

Power in Partnership: Practical Strategies for Youth-Adult Collaboration in Summer and Out-of-School Time Programs
Presenter: Saher Mahmood, Community. Leadership. Action. Youth. LLC (C.L.A.Y LLC)

Many programs value youth voice but struggle to translate that value into structures where young people meaningfully influence decisions. This interactive session explores how authentic youth–adult partnership can strengthen engagement, leadership development, and program culture within summer and out-of-school time settings. Participants will examine real examples from youth leadership initiatives, reflect on how decision-making currently functions within their own programs, and participate in collaborative activities to design youth leadership structures that fit their setting. Attendees will leave with practical tools, including leadership structure templates, meeting guides, and youth engagement strategies, that can be implemented immediately to strengthen youth participation and shared leadership.

Trauma at the Center: Strengthening Pathways to Resilience

Presenters: Ingrid Fulton-Edwards, LCSW & Denise McGill-Delaney, MSW, Gwen’s Girls Inc.

Trauma at the Center: Strengthening Pathways to Resilience explores how trauma shapes behavior, relationships, and decision-making across the lifespan and how it can impact child and youth engagement in OST programming. This interactive workshop equips participants with practical, trauma-informed strategies to recognize trauma responses, respond with empathy, and build environments that promote healing and growth. Grounded in resilience research and relational practices, the session highlights protective factors such as safe relationships, emotional regulation, and community support. Participants will leave with tools to shift from “What’s wrong?” to “What happened?”—strengthening pathways that help individuals, families, and communities move from surviving to thriving.

Bring an Umbrella: Preparing for the Unexpected in Summer Camp
Presenters: Nicole Fratich, Amanda Peretin, and Heather Buchmann, The Learning Lamp

Don’t get caught in the rain of unpredictability without an umbrella! Session participants will add strategies and resources to their teaching toolkit to prepare for material and curriculum challenges that arise, whether that be making the most of a restrictive budget or keeping all children engaged. Participants will develop a personalized reference guide of strategies to help them develop quick learner modifications for different age groups and abilities, as well as complete a challenge that will have them racing the clock to develop an activity using materials they already have on hand.

Supervision For Super Summer
Presenter: Betsy Saatman, PA Key

This session equips staff of summer programs with practical strategies to supervise youth effectively, ensure participant safety, and create high-quality, engaging experiences. Participants will explore core supervisory skills for the dynamic nature of summer programming.  Together we will review different types of supervision needed, how to plan a program with supervision as the priority and how to effectively communicate to ensure that the program runs smoothly, participants are safe and engaged.

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 Sponsors and Partners

A huge thank you to our series sponsor PNC Grow Up Great and workshop partners APOST and the Allegheny County Department of Human Services.