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.
April 24, 2025 Supporting the Work of Youth Workers to Positively Impact Out-of-School Time APOST and The Oasis Project will host an event in Homewood to discuss how to support and empower youth workers. Learn More The Oasis Project’s Youth Worker Academy will share findings, key insights, and strategies from a year-long study on professional development in local urban out-of-school time programs. Lunch will be provided. Those interested in attending should RSVP by Monday, May 5 for space and catering purposes. The event will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 8 at the University of Pittsburgh Community Engagement Center in Homewood, located at 622 N. Homewood Avenue. More event details can be found on the event’s registration page.
April 23, 2025 APOST Offering Eight Professional Development Workshops This Summer Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) is offering eight professional development workshops this summer that cover a variety of topics that are relevant to early childhood learning professionals. Learn More Registration is required and closes two days prior to each workshop or when a session is full. Each workshop lasts about two-and-a-half to three hours and locations vary. The summer professional development offerings include: Essentials of an SEL Framework (Wednesday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoLab18 in Nova Place, located at 100 South Commons, Suite 100) Foundations & Self Awareness of Cognitive Development (Friday, May 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at CoLab18 in Nova Place) Building Community (Thursday, May 22 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Community Engagement Center – Homewood, located at 622 North Homewood Avenue, Room 103) Cooperative Learning (Friday, May 30 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18 in Nova Place) Engaging Youth in Supported Struggle (Wednesday, June 11 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Community Engagement Center – Homewood) Essentials of an SEL Framework (Wednesday, June 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Community Engagement Center – Homewood) Reframing Conflict (Wednesday, June 25 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at CoLab18 in Nova Place) Building Community (Thursday, June 26 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Colab 18 in Nova Place) For workshops at CoLab 18 in Nova Place, APOST will provide parking validation for attendees. Descriptions of workshops are available on APOST’s website.
December 17, 2024 APOST Announces Spring 2025 Professional Development Offerings Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time has unveiled its lineup of spring 2025 professional development courses. Offerings include courses on everything from dealing with conflict to listening actively to youth. Learn More Registration is required for all courses and closes two days prior to an event or once a session is full. Unless otherwise indicated, all workshops take place at: Nova Place – CoLab18 100 S. Commons Pittsburgh, PA 15212 The following courses will be offered in spring 2025: Building Community (Thursday, January 16) Promoting Responsibility & Leadership (Friday, January 17) Ask-Listen-Encourage (Friday, February 7 at Allegheny Intermediate Unit; 475 E. Waterfront Drive in Homestead) Engaging Youth in Supported Struggle (Friday, February 21) Essentials of a (SEL) Social Emotional Learning Framework (Thursday, March 6) Ask-Listen-Encourage (Friday, March 21 at Allegheny Intermediate Unit) Building Community (Thursday, April 3) Holistic Health Framework: Curriculum/Activities Focus (Thursday, April 17; webinar) Reframing Conflict (Friday, April 18) For more information on spring 2025 professional development offerings, visit APOST’s website.
December 3, 2024 Summer Planning Kickoff Meeting The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST) are hosting a Summer Planning Kickoff meeting in January. Learn More Southwestern Pennsylvania out-of-school providers are invited to gather, get started, and get support on their 2025 summer program planning. The event will include: APOST and United Way updates Networking Panel discussions Resources sharing Lunch The event, which is scheduled to last just under five hours, will enable attendees to build relationships with fellow providers, get suggestions on hiring summer staff, finding enrichment providers, and planning for field trips. Those interested in attending must register by noon on Thursday, January 23. The event will run from 9:15 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, January 29 at Commonwealth Charter Academy, located at 162 East Bridge Street in Homestead.
September 23, 2024 APOST to Offer Mini Grants for Lights On Afterschool’s 25th Annual Event As part of its celebration of 25 years of Lights on Afterschool (LOA), Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time will offer a mini-grant to go toward implementing an event or project that celebrates LOA. Learn More Lights On Afterschool will hold its 25th annual nationwide event on Oct. 24 to celebrate after school programs and their role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The Afterschool Alliance organizes LOA events to draw attention to the ways that after school programs support students by offering them opportunities to learn new things and discover new skills. To support out-of-school time programs in Allegheny County, APOST is providing mini-grant funds to implement an event or project in celebration of Lights On Afterschool. Those who are chosen for mini grants will: Receive $500 to implement a Lights On Afterschool-inspired event or project Receive assistance from APOST staff, who will attend events or participate in projects where possible Have their projects/events listed on APOST’s website and communications Have a chance for their projects/events to be spotlighted in future APOST materials Those interested should apply for the mini-grant by Monday, Oct. 7. Be sure to read all the requirements for submission. Award notification will be within seven business days of submitting your application. Award distribution will be within 14 days. For more information on this year’s LOA event, visit Lights On Afterschool’s website.
