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

Creating Inclusive OST Programs for Youth with Disabilities

Creating an inclusive out-of-school time (OST) program starts with ensuring every young person feels welcome, supported, and empowered to succeed. In this episode of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe is joined by one of our partners at Foundations, Chaz Sumners, a Technical Assistance Liaison with the 21st CCLC National Technical Assistance Center, to discuss practical strategies for supporting youth with disabilities in OST programs.

Drawing from his experience as both a special education teacher and an OST professional, Chaz explores common misconceptions about inclusion, the importance of developmental relationships, and ways staff can create welcoming environments where every young person has opportunities to participate and thrive.

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.

Dr. Tongia Sanders

Trends Shaping Today’s Afterschool and Summer Programs

Dr. Tongia Sanders reflects on emerging trends in afterschool and summer programs, including growing demand for enrichment, meaningful peer interaction, and academic support that goes beyond “summer school” remediation to meet a variety of student needs.

Ruth Pittard

Meaningful Youth Engagement Starts with Student Leadership

What does meaningful youth engagement look like in practice? Ruth Pittard shares how giving students opportunities to lead instruction, collaborate with peers, and take ownership of learning creates more engaging and meaningful experiences in OST programs.

Ashley Cortez and April Dugay

Using Youth Advisory Boards to Elevate Student Voice

Ashley Cortez and April Dugay discuss how their Youth Advisory Board helps shape programming. Their approach demonstrates how authentic student voice can strengthen OST programs.

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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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