PSAYDN is excited to launch our 2025–2026 Education and Awareness Campaign to elevate the importance of afterschool and summer learning opportunities across the Commonwealth. Through this campaign, we will host monthly virtual sessions focused on building knowledge, capacity and collective voice in support of out-of-school time (OST) programs statewide.
2025–2026 Education and Awareness Campaign Launch
Presenter: Chris Neitzey, Director of State Policy, Afterschool Alliance
(Recorded Aug. 21, 2025) We are honored to welcome Chris Neitzey, senior director of policy at the Afterschool Alliance, as our featured presenter for this kickoff session. Chris shared timely updates on recent federal and national advocacy efforts that have advanced policies and funding priorities benefiting out-of-school time programs across the country.
Session 2: Lights on Afterschool: Amplifying Our Movement
Sept. 18, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Lights On Afterschool: Amplifying Our Movement – Preparing for and Leveraging OST Awareness Campaigns with a Focus on Statewide Visibility Efforts
Join PSAYDN for a dynamic webinar designed to strengthen the visibility and impact of OST programs across Pennsylvania. As part of the national Lights On Afterschool celebration, this session will focus on practical strategies for preparing and leveraging OST awareness campaigns to amplify our collective voice and elevate statewide recognition.
Laura Saccente, assistant director at Center for Schools and Communities and former director of PSAYDN, brings extensive expertise in education policy, advocacy and coalition building. Drawing on her years of experience in legislative relations and grassroots mobilization, Laura will guide participants through actionable steps on:
- Scheduling a visit with your legislator – from initial outreach to effective follow-up.
- Engaging local legislators – building authentic relationships, sharing powerful stories, and aligning OST priorities with community and state needs.
Resources will also be shared to amplify Lights On Afterschool 2025, providing participants with tools and strategies to maximize campaign visibility and engagement. This interactive session will equip OST providers, educators and advocates with concrete tools, messaging strategies, and examples of successful visibility efforts to advance afterschool and summer learning opportunities statewide.
Meet Our Presenter
Laura Saccente
Assistant Director
Center for Schools and Communities
Laura Saccente has served as the assistant director for Center for Schools and Communities (CSC) since July 2023. She oversees the youth development, afterschool, family support and SWAN Helpline initiatives. She provides expertise in education policy issues, association/non-profit advocacy, strategic communications, coalition building, grassroots mobilization, and youth and family programming.
Laura joined the CSC as the network director for the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) in April 2015. Previously, she had nine years of experience as director of governmental relations for the Association of Pennsylvania State College and University Faculties (ASPCUF) and worked in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives under two legislators.
Laura received a bachelor’s degree in speech communications and a master’s degree in political science from East Stroudsburg University. She is a 2006 graduate of the Pennsylvania Education Policy Fellowship Program. Currently, she serves as a member of the Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance (PENN SACCA), PA Mental Health Association, Pennsylvania State Workforce Development Board Youth Council and CSIU AI Taskforce.
Session 10: Action Day at Harrisburg State Capitol
May 6, 2026, time TBA
Registrants will be notified of the livestream link to watch the rally at the State Capitol if they are unable to attend in person.