2023 10 week STEM Coaches
The Alaska Afterschool Network welcomes our newest cohort of AmeriCorps members.
Madelyn Mac: 21st CCLC Willow Crest Elementary
Kenzie Long: 21st CCLC Mountain View Elementary School
Quinlen Schachle: Boys & Girls Club- Goose Bay
Raeanne Susook: 21st CCLC Nenana
Athena Robbins: 21st CCLC Lake Otis Elementary
Orange Shirt Day and Afterschool
September 30 is National Day of Remembrance of Indigenous Boarding Schools, or Orange Shirt Day. Orange Shirt Day brings attention to the damage the residential school system did to Indigenous children, lifeways, and cultures. The Alaska Afterschool Network recognizes this day to acknowledge the lives lost and altered from residential schools in Alaska and beyond and the consequent repercussions on youth, families, and communities. These schools, which existed in Canada and across the continental United States and Alaska, forcibly separated Indigenous children from their parents, banned the use of Indigenous languages, and alienated children from their cultures. The Alaska Native Heritage Center has located over 100 residential schools in Alaska alone, and that number continues to grow.
2023 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!
Celebrating AK AmeriCorps Members!
Service brings people together and bridges divides, and that's what AmeriCorps members, volunteers, and programs do each and every day. Service as an AmeriCorps provides opportunities address Alaska's areas for growth, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. We're in luck to have many AmeriCorps members serving at sites across Alaska. Today, (and throughout this week on social media) we're lucky enough to feature 5 of our Afterschool AmeriCorps members.
Fairbanks’ Own Honored Nationally in Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders, selected Lindsy Weaver, Director, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Programs, Fairbanks, AK, as one of NAA’s 2023 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
Juneau Junior Selected for National STEM Program
Juneau Junior Sophia Owen is the only Alaskan young person selected into the Million Girls Moonshot Flight Crew, an effort to use afterschool and STEM learning (science, technology, engineering, and math) to build a better future where young girls everywhere can envision a place for themself in STEM roles. Motivated by impactful STEM experiences beyond the classroom in afterschool programs, the Flight Crew, including Sophia, is currently working in their communities to break down stereotypes and spark their peers' curiosity in STEM.
Welcome to Afterschool, Jun!
Back to Afterschool: The Best Part of The Day!
For thousands of Alaska’s children and youth, the return of school means the return of what Karen says is “the best part of the day”, afterschool! This week and next, schools are starting and afterschool programs across the state are welcoming staff and opening their doors for Alaska’s children and youth. While exciting, this time can also be stressful for staff and students alike. However, there are some easy things that program providers can do to make sure the year gets off to a strong start for all.
Summer Learning Week 2022: Program Highlights!
Here at the Alaska Afterschool Network, we know that summer learning programs play an integral role in supporting Alaska’s children and youth, providing space for them to grow, play, and develop new friendships. Summer learning programs also interact with children and youth as students – though the ‘classroom’ is a bit different during summer! Programs across Alaska provide opportunities for Alaska’s kids to learn in new and different ways, preventing “learning loss” throughout the summer and encouraging space to take advantage of unrealized potential. Summer Learning Week (July 11th – 15th) gives us all a chance to recognize the incredible work being done for Alaska’s kids. The week is a national celebration that highlights programs that contribute to the holistic development of youth. All throughout Alaska, thousands of our youth are participating in dynamic, meaningful, and empowering summer learning opportunities. To celebrate this, we are highlighting a few OST programs!