Collaborating to Promote Afterschool Learning Opportunities

PSAYDN Convenes Commonwealth Leaders 

Harrisburg, Pa., October 6, 2017—Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) hosted its annual partner’s retreat yesterday where staff, advocates, educators, legislators and community leaders covered an array of afterschool, out-of-school time and summer learning opportunities.

Nearly 80 stakeholders from across the commonwealth heard from experts about policy development, coordination of quality initiatives and sustainability; and formal and informal educators and advocates worked directly with the invited panelists to examine and solve particular partnership challenges.

“Afterschool programs keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families. For every Pennsylvania child in a program, more than two are waiting to get in. PSAYDN and its partners are working to change that,” said Laura Saccente, PSAYDN director.

The day’s discussions highlighted ways in which informal (afterschool, youth development, summer learning) institutions can effectively partner and serve as resources to schools and business/industry in the implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).

PSAYDN is committed building key partnerships and support for afterschool from all sectors – from the business and philanthropic communities, as well as from the government at all levels.

Former Lieutenant Governor Jim Cawley provided the keynote presentation on inspiring partnerships and collaboration.

“Compromise is key in partnerships,” Cawley said. Afterschool has a lot non-traditional partners that support the work. The important work is engaging them."

“Collaboration is critical. The sustainability and success of Pennsylvania’s afterschool programs depend on outreach and relationship-building and today’s event was an important step forward,” said Shileste Overton Morris, Center for Schools and Communities director.

The policy session focused on a 2016 report “Afterschool: Improving Lives in Pennsylvania,” which identified effectively aligning resources and building partnerships as a key way for of out-of-school time programs to benefit more of Pennsylvania’s children.

Other participants in the event included:

• Afterschool Caucus staff
• Abby Smith, Director of Education, Team Pennsylvania
• Blake Lynch, NextGen PA
• Carrie Amann, Deputy Secretary of Policy and Planning, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
• Carmen M. Medina, Chief, Division of Student Services, Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Jeff Ney, Treasurer, Pennsylvania State Education Association
• Joel Miller, Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board
• Judd Pittman, STEM Consultant, Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Kristen Rotz, President, United Way of Pennsylvania
• Mark D. DiRocco, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators
• Matthew Stem, Deputy Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Education
• Suzann Morris, Deputy Secretary, Office of Child Development and Early Learning