21st CCLC Century Community Learning Centers NTAC National Technical Assistance Center - What's New

WHAT'S NEW

Introducing Our Exciting New Podcast:
Inside Out-of-School Time

Entrepreneurship, Leadership, and Workforce Readiness in Afterschool

In this first episode of a three-part series with the Missouri AfterSchool Network, host Karin Wolfe speaks with Aaron Banks, the network’s workforce development and entrepreneurship lead, about how out-of-school time programs can support college and career readiness for middle and high school students.

Aaron shares how his journey from law enforcement to teaching and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to youth workforce development. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how afterschool programs create space for students to build leadership skills, explore career interests, and develop the confidence needed for future success.

This episode also explores how youth leadership initiatives, entrepreneurship experiences, and strong community partnerships can help students discover new possibilities and begin preparing for life beyond high school.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

To see more Inside Out-of-School Time podcast episodes, click here.

Spotlight on OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME: BEYOND SCHOOL HOURS CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS

Explore highlights from the Beyond School Hours Conference featuring program leaders and student perspectives from across the country. These short videos share examples of how out-of-school time programs support youth through career exploration, life skills development, and meaningful community connections.

Jennie Noonkester from Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Career Life Skills for All Students

Jennie Noonkester from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, explains afterschool and summer programs offered by her career and technical education department, highlighting ways these programs support at-risk students. Examples of programming include interview etiquette; community projects; and career experiences in fields such as auto repair, barbering, and day care.

Danielle Bland from Richland School District Two in Columbia, South Carolina

Career Partnerships for Kids

Danielle Bland from Richland School District Two in Columbia, South Carolina, describes her district's program called Career for Kids, which leverages partnerships to provide a breadth of career presentations for students.

Jazlyn Jackson

Student Perspective: The Afterschool Family

Jazlyn Jackson, from a non-21st CCLC program, shares a student’s perspective on how her afterschool program feels like a second family and provides a sense of safety, underscoring the value of out-of-school time programs in supporting youth regardless of how they are funded.

Becca Burnfin from Garden City, Kansas

College and Career Connections for Rural Students

Becca Burnfin from Garden City, Kansas, describes some ways her summer and afterschool programs make connections to college and careers for students in rural communities.

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This resource was developed by the Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC), funded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (Department) and administered by Synergy Enterprises, Inc. under Cooperative Agreement No. 287E230009 with the Department’s Office of Elementary and Secondary Education. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Department or the Federal government. The 21st CCLC NTAC project officers are Dr. La' Shawndra Scroggins and Ms. Andrea Jackson.

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