Call for Presenters
2016 PSAYDN Retreat
October 24, 2016; Grantville, PA
The 2016 PSAYDN Retreat planning committee is seeking dynamic examples of out-of-school time (OST) partnerships for morning and early afternoon general session panel presentations focused on sustaining Pennsylvania communities and helping children and youth thrive in their education and career and/or career goals. OST serves an important part of the community. Though not always recognized, they partner with government, public and private schools, higher education, nonprofits, STEM-rich institutions and business/industry stakeholders to achieve mutual goals. This retreat will look in-depth at some of these unique partnerships, how they are structured and how they impact OST advocacy and sustainability.
Legislators Tour Nationally Recognized STEM Learning Afterschool/Summer Program
Front row left to right: Dr. Thomas Meyer, Lehigh Carbon Community College; Laura Saccente, PSAYDN; Carmen M. Medina, Pennsylvania Department of Education; Shileste Overton Morris, Center for Schools and Communities; Ali Rhoades-Hobb, staffer PA State Rep. Mike Tobash
Back row left to right: Paul Svoboda, Pennsylvania Department of Education; PA State Rep. Mindy Fee; PA State Sen. Ryan Aument; Jared Solomon, staffer U.S. Sen. Bob Casey; Jennifer Rinehart, Afterschool Alliance; Steve Williams, representative of PA State Rep. Jake Wheatley; PA State Rep. Jerry Knowles; PA State Sen. John Yudichak; U.S. Rep. Joe Barletta; PA State Rep. Doyle Heffley
As state and national legislators increasingly recognize the educational value of high quality afterschool STEM programming and summer learning opportunities, a special tour took place at Schools and Homes in Education (SHINE) Afterschool Program in Jim Thorpe, Pa.
On August 10, Congressman Lou Barletta, the Pennsylvania Afterschool Caucus leadership team, Pennsylvania Department of Education staff and PSAYDN visited the program to view a holistic approach to STEM education in a forum with students, parents, county leadership and state legislators.
"STEM learning occurs in afterschool and summer programs across Pennsylvania, inspiring our next generation of innovators," said PSAYDN director Laura Saccente. "Afterschool programs are ideal to encourage this exploration. Today we are pleased to recognize the great work SHINE is doing in the field."
The Lehigh Carbon Community College Carbon and Schuylkill SHINE 21st Century After-School Program is a community success story. The achievement lies in how a community’s grassroots prevention efforts through a quality afterschool program – along with effective early childhood programs – are increasing educational attainment, preventing juvenile crime, and having a life-long impact on the communities and families it serves.
The guests learned about the seamless transition experienced by children from the school day program to the afterschool program. Parents talked about program benefits and how STEM plays an important role in the curriculum; and all experienced Mr. Robotic, a 5-foot tall robot, created by middle school students. Speakers included David Reinbold, Carbon Career and Technical Institute Administrative Director; Dr. Thomas Meyer, Lehigh Carbon Community College Vice President; U.S. Rep. Joe Barletta (R-11); PA State Sen. John Yudichak (D-14); Laura Saccente, PSAYDN Director; Rachel Strucko, Carbon and Schuylkill SHINE Program Director; and Rose McGlone, SHINE Program Home Visit Teacher.
"As early as 12 or 13 years of age, youth are faced with big choices about which subjects to take to achieve certain skill sets. Choosing to study STEM keeps their career options open. But even if they don’t work in one of these fields, strong STEM skills are critical to a well-rounded education," Saccente added.
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