WHAT'S NEW
Summer Nutrition Programs Are Still on the Menu for 2025
This one-pager outlines USDA programs that provide free meals and food assistance to children and teens. It covers SUN Meals, SUN Meals To-Go, SUN Bucks EBT, and the Child and Adult Care Food Program, with links to USDA contact maps for applying and finding local resources. Please note that deadlines for some States are approaching quickly.
Introducing Our Exciting New Podcast:
Inside Out-of-School Time
Discover Inside Out-of-School Time, the podcast designed for 21st Century Community Learning Center professionals! Our premiere features Dr. La’ Shawndra Scroggins, who explores strategies for collaboration and tools like the Professional Learning Portal shaping the future of OST programs.
Why and How 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Full-Service Community Schools Can Collaborate
This fact sheet explains ways 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs and Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) are similar and ways they differ. State and local program leaders for both of these federally funded programs can use this information to identify shared priorities and opportunities for coordination and collaboration.
Discover the Best Practices Shared by OST Professionals at the 21st CCLC Summer Symposium
Kanika Frazier-Wright, Broward County Public Schools – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Kanika’s team made learning engaging for elementary students by having them design their own cities using LEGO® blocks and recycled materials. They wrapped it all up with an educational field trip to LEGOLAND®, where they used an interactive lesson plan workbook to bring the learning to life. This is a great example of place-based, hands-on learning.
🎦 Watch Kanika describe the project and imagine how you could get students thinking about community and creativity in your OST program.
Cynthia Gatson, 21st CCLC Project Director, Union Parish – Farmerville, LA
Cynthia shares how her team keeps students engaged by aligning afterschool learning with the school-day curriculum — plus they offer a mentoring program and hands-on life skills classes like "Funtology" to boost confidence and connection.
🎦 Watch the video to hear how they make it all happen — and get inspired to try something similar in your program!
Tracy Cameron, Executive Director, Delta Area Association for Improvement of Schools (DAAIS) – Cleveland, MS
Tracy reminds us that keeping students and staff excited about afterschool is a key element of sustainability. Her tip? Don’t just extend the school day — reimagine it. Bring in STEAM, fine arts, and interactivity that make the program feel fresh, fun, and engaging.
🎦 Watch Tracy’s quick clip for inspiration on making your OST program stand out.
Brandon Brooms, KidzQuest, Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation – Virginia Beach, VA
Brandon Brooms offers a glimpse into how Virginia Beach Parks & Rec serves thousands of youths across 55 elementary schools and multiple rec centers: with before- and after-school programs, summer camps, specialty offerings like Safety Camp, and teen-focused experiences.
🎦 Watch Brandon’s video to learn more — and explore the full range of programs at Virginia Beach Parks & Rec Child Care.
