October 2, 2024, marks a milestone in Alaska’s history – the first ever 4-H Day in the state! Alaska 4-H, a youth development program under the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) Cooperative Extension, is dedicated to cultivating leadership, curiosity, and practical skills in young Alaskans. From urban to rural communities, Alaska 4-H engages youth in hands-on learning experiences that foster a love for science, technology, agriculture, and community service.
Welcome AmeriCorps STEM Coaches
Welcome Hollis Long, our Advancing Afterschool Fellow
Hello! My name is Hollis Long, and I am a recent graduate of Yale University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in English. My passion for supporting children in adverse environments began through my work with the Mayhew Program-an all-boys residential summer program that provides school year mentoring for at-risk boys in New Hampshire.
Leon Belegu's Internship Comes to an End
My experience as a Summer Data Management Intern at the Alaska Afterschool Network has been both fulfilling and immensely educational. Over eight weeks, I had the opportunity to contribute to various projects, develop new skills, and collaborate with an incredible team.
During my internship, I worked on several key projects. Initially, I focused on getting familiar with the team and the systems, particularly Salesforce – their database management system. My first project was optimizing their Google Tracking Sheets to improve the Network’s ability to collect and analyze AmeriCorps STEM Coaches’ student engagement data. I created formulas using my linear algebra knowledge to automate calculations, which had previously been done manually.
Students Explore Space Science & STEM Careers at the Campbell Creek Science Center
Making observations, asking questions, testing ideas, having fun, and working together are some of the science skills that more than 650 students around Anchorage practiced this summer thanks to the GSK-funded, a global healthcare company, Science in the Summer program. This program, offered in collaboration with the Franklin Institute, helps increase children's value of and confidence in doing science and pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) careers, especially for children from backgrounds currently underrepresented in STEM fields. Additionally, this grant provided opportunities for new partnerships and stronger community engagement for the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC), helping the site meet strategic objectives.
Celebrating Summer Learning!
National Summer Learning Week, July 10-14, 2023, is a celebration dedicated to elevating the importance of keeping kids learning, safe, and healthy every summer. Summer learning programs such as summer camps, culture camps, libraries, and teen centers provide caring adults and structured learning environments, ensuring students return to school ready to succeed during the year. Throughout Alaska, youth are participating in dynamic, meaningful, and empowering summer learning opportunities. To celebrate this week, we are highlighting a few out-of-school time programs and, for the first time, Summer Learning Week mini-grant recipients!
Empowering Alaska’s Afterschool Landscape: Reflections from an Afterschool Fellow
As an Advancing Afterschool Fellow with the Alaska Afterschool Network, a program of Alaska Children’s Trust, my journey has been one of advocacy, collaboration, and learning. I’ve had the opportunity to wear multiple hats within the Network, from supporting advocacy efforts to engaging communities and expanding access to quality afterschool programming.
2024 Alaska Afterschool Superheroes
Alaska's indominable afterschool and summer learning educators are our heroes without the capes! These superheroes go the distance to support, nurture, and grow the young people of their communities. These educators build and support relationships through kindness and passion, inspire learning, and uplift the young people and the community in which they serve.
The Alaska Afterschool Network is thrilled to recognize six outstanding afterschool professionals who act as everyday superheroes in our youths’ lives during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 24 - 28, 2023. These six Afterschool Superheroes inspired children and youth to reach for greatness. Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment and passion for our youth!
Welcome to the team, Xaviera!
My experiences working directly with youth have allowed me to see what challenges our youth face and what changes need to be made in our community so that we can best serve them and set them up for success. I believe that children and families of all backgrounds should be equipped with the tools and resources that will help them thrive and lead happy, healthy lives.
