June 19, 2023 PSAYDN Accepting Applications for Afterschool Ambassadors Program The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is now accepting applications for its 2023-24 Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program. The Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program establishes a coalition of leaders who possess the necessary knowledge and experience to champion and advocate for high-quality, out-of-school time (OST) programs. Applications are due by Friday, July 14. About Afterschool Ambassadors Afterschool Ambassadors are part of a larger cohort who will engage with policymakers regarding support for the OST field in Pennsylvania. As ambassadors, participants will establish relationships with policymakers and OST providers statewide, and increase access to regional, state, and national OST experts. Additionally, they will actively contribute to the advancement of the OST field across Pennsylvania, and support and promote OST initiatives. Afterschool Ambassador Commitments participate in a 10-month training opportunity also participate in an in-person orientation in Harrisburg, PA on August 14-15, 2023 participate in the monthly trainings from September 2023 to May 2024 correspondingly share experience and knowledge with other Afterschool Ambassadors through presentations, discussions, and a capstone project conduct independent study and research to expand on the issues and pain points revealed in the program eventually participate in the 2023 Empower Conference and 2024 Afterschool Advocacy Day Afterschool Ambassador Incentives $250 participant stipend $250 travel and lodging stipend (available for participants more than 50 miles from Harrisburg, PA) parking reimbursement for August orientation Act 48 credit for trainings free registration to the 2023 Empower Conference Apply Interested individuals should apply using the online 2023-24 Pennsylvania Afterschool Ambassadors Program Application. Applications are due by Friday, July 14. Learn More Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee to ensure a diverse cohort, and prospective ambassadors will be notified on or after July 19. Those who are selected will be asked to sign a letter of agreement committing to fulfill the duties of an ambassador. To learn more, visit the PSAYDN website.
September 5, 2022 Nominate an Afterschool Champion Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) is accepting nominations for the 2022 Afterschool Champion Awards. Learn More Champions should demonstrate outstanding work in developing, supporting, and promoting meaningful high-quality afterschool/out-of-school time programs to benefit children, youth, and families across Pennsylvania. The winners will be recognized during the PSAYDN EMPOWER 2022 Out-of-School Time Conference on Thursday, December 1, 2022. Submit a Nomination Awards and their criteria are as follows: Outstanding Policy and Advocacy Award: Setting actionable advocacy goals, strong policymaker relationships, and educating families and communities about quality afterschool. Outstanding Quality Award: Structure and management, positive connections, safety and health, obesity, safety, activities, life skills, core activities. Outstanding Sustainability Award: Developing intentional partnerships (i.e. business, higher ed., STEM), fundraising/resource development, professional development, policy and procedures-continuity of services. Youth Award: Leadership within a program, mentorship abilities, consistent participation, champion for youth (e.g., resilience, strong peer relationships). Policymaker Award: Familiarity with afterschool/OST/summer learning programs, support through funding, resource help, and community connections. Organization Award: Demonstrate dedication and inspiration for the out-of-school time community and help children and youth succeed. Other criteria to be considered: policy and advocacy, sustainability, quality (structure and management, positive connections, safety and health [obesity, safety], activities [life skills, core activities]) as well as PSAYDN’s Statement of Quality in Afterschool and Vision Statement’s three goals. Submit a nomination on the PSAYDN website. Nominations are due Monday, September 26, 2022. More Information Contact Alison Shughart ashughart@csc.csiu.org or Steven Williams swilliams@csc.csiu.org with any questions regarding the nominations.
November 12, 2018 PSAYDN Annual Partners’ Retreat Focusing on policy development, coordination of quality initiatives, and sustainability, the PSAYDN Annual Partners’ Retreat provides professional development opportunities for OST professionals, school administrators, teachers, nonprofits, policymakers, and more. Register here to attend. PSAYDN Retreat and PENN SACCA Conference For the first time, the PSAYDN Retreat and PENN SACCA Conference will run consecutively to provide additional opportunities for OST advocates and professionals to receive professional development and participate in networking activities. National and State Experts Will Discuss: STEM and Advocacy Career Pathways Social-Emotional Learning Behavioral Development Substance Abuse Prevention Sustainability and Partnerships Leadership Development Act 48 credits available.
