Partnering with or providing quality afterschool programs helps schools equip students with essential academic, social and emotional skills. Research shows these programs improve attendance, academic performance and well-being, creating a win-win by aligning with school goals to foster student success.
The Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) helps schools acquire resources, build partnerships and advocate for expanded program access, ensuring every student has opportunities to thrive in and beyond the classroom.
Seven benefits for your school as a member of PSAYDN
1. Cutting-edge Professional Development
Access innovative training on best practices for youth development in afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs. Recent offerings include the 2025 ELO and EMPOWER Conference, Engaging STEM webinar series, and insightful Virtual and Extended Reality webinars.
2. Regular Updates on OST Trends and Policy Developments
PSAYDN members receive the PSAYDN Youth Development Digest e-newsletter and special alerts.
3. Access to Grants and Funding
Unlock funding opportunities tailored specifically for OST programming, allowing your school to expand and enhance its afterschool initiatives.
4. Networking Opportunities
Connect with a diverse network of schools, OST programs, higher education institutions, and industry professionals, along with policymakers and community leaders. These relationships can lead to invaluable partnerships and the sharing of best practices.
5. Youth Leadership and Civic Engagement
Empower the youth you serve by providing them with leadership and civic engagement opportunities through statewide campaigns, challenges and initiatives. This fosters their development as active, engaged citizens.
6. Comprehensive Resources for Improvement
Utilize targeted resources to leverage OST programs that enhance student well-being and align programming with Pennsylvania’s Science, Technology and Engineering, Environmental Literacy and Sustainability (STEELS) Standards.
7. Enhanced Leadership and Visibility
Elevate your program’s profile and demonstrate its impact to legislators and at state and national levels. Increased visibility can lead to greater support and recognition for your school’s efforts in afterschool programming.
Formed in fall 2004, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), at Center for Schools and Communities, Camp Hill, Pennsylvania, is a dedicated, highly motivated network of providers, policymakers, advocates and educators from diverse organizations who support and believe in the power of afterschool and youth development programs.