Month: September 2020

Million Girls Moonshot Comes to Pennsylvania! State’s Afterschool Network Joins Nationwide Effort To Close the Gender Gap in STEM

The STEM Next Opportunity Fund announced a multi-year grant to PSAYDN as part of the Million Girls Moonshot. The Intel Foundation and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation have joined STEM Next Opportunity Fund and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation to launch the Million Girls Moonshot. The effort is designed to engage one million school-age girls in the United States in STEM — science, technology, engineering and math — learning opportunities over the next five years. The organizations will provide grant funding and in-kind resources to Mott-funded afterschool networks in all 50 states to increase access to hands-on, immersive STEM learning experiences. The first-year Pennsylvania grant, just awarded, is for $55,500.

Message From Former PSAYDN Director

After more than five years of serving as PSAYDN director, I have recently transitioned into another position as strategic initiatives director for the Center for School and Communities. I have enjoyed working with you — afterschool professionals and advocates across the state and beyond — and look forward to supporting the next chapter of PSAYDN leadership.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to keep kids safe, inspire learning and support working families! Laura Saccente

Lights On Afterschool

Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020 | Nationwide
Register your LOA event, even if you are doing an atypical one this year. There will be new offerings and developments that all can take part in, no matter the circumstances.

Afterschool Program Changes Due to COVID-19 Prevention Efforts

Afterschool Program Changes Due to COVID-19 Prevention Efforts surveyed program staff working directly with children, overseeing a single or multiple programs, and more.

It is no surprise the report indicates most program staffing has been negatively affected due to the pandemic, with 66% of respondents working from home, 20% experiencing layoffs, another 20% being furloughed, and 17% dealing with the reassignment of duties.

Betsy DeVos Tells States Not to Expect Waivers From Annual Tests

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has informed states that they should not count on getting the same waivers from federal testing mandates for this school year that they got last spring as the pandemic shut down schools.

Flexibility in Afterschool Funding to Accommodate Learning Hubs and Centers During Virtual School Days

The U.S. Department of Education will allow flexibility within the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program so that schools can use the funds during the regular school day. The waiver will accommodate districts’ efforts to provide learning hubs and centers for students during distance learning.

Keystone STARS Designation Process for FY 2020-21

The announcement provides information on the Keystone STARS designation process and protocols for fiscal year 2020-21 to all Licensed Child Care Facilities and other Early Childhood Education programs participating in Keystone STARS, Early Learning Resource Centers, and Office of Child Development and Early Learning program representatives. Virtual components have been added to the Keystone STARS designation process in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in ECE programs. In addition, the expectations for STARS paperwork renewals are explained through this policy communication.

Bring PE to Your Family Week

Monday, Oct. 19 – Friday, Oct. 23, 2020 | Nationwide
Celebrate Bring PE to Your Family Week by gathering the whole family together for some active fun at home to help support a healthy lifestyle for everyone. Active Schools has partnered with the Online Physical Education Network to provide students with resources to inspire physical activity at home.

The Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship

Deadline: October 30, 2020 | Funds: $20,000
The scholarship is an achievement-based scholarship awarded to graduating high school seniors. Students are recognized for their capacity to lead and serve, as well as their commitment to making a significant impact on their schools and communities.

National Civilian Community Corps

PSAYDN, together with the Afterschool Alliance and Mott Foundation, has been informed of an opportunity to utilize National Civilian Community Corps teams (through the Corporation for National and Community Service program) to support afterschool programs. NCCC teams are comprised of 8-10 young people who will be sent into the community for 6-8 weeks between October 2020 and March 2021, to lend their services to afterschool programs. NCCC members are classified as essential workers.

For more information and to voice interest in receiving one of these teams at your afterschool program, contact Winnie Black.