The energy, honesty, and leadership shown at the NAA26 Leadership Summit are already influencing what happens next in our field.

Thanks to everyone’s thoughtful input, we are moving forward with a stronger, more practical vision for the Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential. This new direction reflects the real experiences, skills, and goals of youth development professionals across the country.

Turning Momentum into Meaningful Progress
The Leadership Summit was an important step. Together, attendees discussed what is needed to create a credential that is:

• Relevant to everyday practice
• Accessible to a diverse workforce
• Rooted in real-world youth development settings

The ideas shared are directly shaping the next phase of development. This will help make sure the credential is both challenging and useful for the professionals it is meant to support.

What’s Coming Next
As we maintain this momentum, we are preparing to start the next phase of work, which includes a pilot funded by the Wallace Foundation. The pilot is off and running, with pilot partner applications and selection underway. We will share more details as the project evolves.

In the meantime, we encourage members to watch the NAA26 credential unveiling, which shares NAA’s vision, visit the credential webpage, and read our recent credentialing white paper, Advancing the OST Profession for a closer look at the Credential and upcoming opportunities.

This paper shows how the credential is developing and what organizations and leaders can expect from the work ahead.

Powered by Partnership
This work is made stronger by a network of partners, including PEAR, the Forum for Youth Investment, Policy Studies Associates, and The Wallace Foundation. Together, with the ongoing leadership of NAA and its members, we are ensuring this credential reflects best practices, focuses on equity, and supports the growth and recognition of the youth development workforce.

Looking Ahead
It is clear from the NAA26 Convention and Leadership Summit that our field is ready for a shared and meaningful way to support professional recognition and growth.

We appreciate the leadership and insight that keep this work moving forward, and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

Each year, the National AfterSchool Association honors the highest-rated NAA Convention session presenters, and we are excited to announce the results from NAA26! This year’s honorees included both returning favorites and engaging new presenters. All sessions were evaluated by Convention participants, and these were highly praised for their excellent content, dynamic facilitation, and core relationship-building skills.

To qualify this year, top sessions received at least 15 evaluations with an average score of 4.52 or higher out of 5.

Introducing NAA26’s Top Sessions:

It started with a song.

As “Don’t Stop Me Now” filled the room, nearly 1,500 afterschool professionals found their seats, their colleagues, their people. There was laughter, applause, and the quiet recognition of being in a room full of people who get it.

“If there’s anybody who deserves to have a good time,” National AfterSchool Association CEO Gina Warner told the room, “it’s the people in this room.”

And just like that, NAA26 began.

Over the next four days, just outside Washington, D.C., the afterschool field came together not just to learn, but to remember, to reconnect, and to reimagine what’s possible. Our theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — was everywhere. Not as a slogan, but as a challenge to dream bigger than the current moment, to dare in the face of uncertainty, and to do the work that moves us forward.

Because the reality is that this field is navigating a lot. Staffing shortages. Funding instability. Growing needs from young people and families. And yet, day after day, professionals continue to show up. At NAA26, they showed up for each other, too.

By Thursday morning, the pace had quickened. Coffee in hand, participants moved through the Gaylord — some heading to workshops, others to Leadership Intensives, many stopping mid-hallway to reconnect or meet someone new. Outside, the weather had turned sharply as snow fell where spring had been just a day before, but inside, the energy only grew warmer.

On stage, a new challenge took shape. What would it look like, attendees were asked, to take this profession to a higher level? Not just in theory, but in real, tangible ways: stronger career pathways, better job quality, clearer recognition of the expertise required to do this work well.

The announcement of NAA’s forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential landed as a milestone, a promise, and an investment in the people who make afterschool possible.

But the most powerful moments didn’t come from announcements alone. They came from stories. Again and again, speakers stepped forward to share pieces of their lives, moments of doubt, of risk, of growth, of choosing not to shrink, not to wait, not to settle. “Just dream. Keep dreaming,” urged Story Showcase speaker Jennell Riddick.

And they did.

They dreamed about programs that center young people more fully. About systems that better support the workforce. About futures that feel both ambitious and within reach.

You can watch those moments—the ones that made people laugh, reflect, and in some cases wipe away tears—here:

Watch the Story Showcase videos

By Friday, something had shifted. The conversations were different now. Less about what’s possible, more about what comes next. “How do we take all of this,” NAA Board Chair Matthew Moheban asked, “and turn it into action when we go home?”

It’s the question that lingers after every great gathering, but this time, it felt heavier. More urgent. Maybe because the stakes feel higher. Maybe because the path forward, while challenging, feels clearer when walked together.

The closing session resisted the urge to wrap things up. Instead, it directed attention outward, toward the work awaiting participants in their programs, organizations, and communities. The impact of the Convention doesn’t stay in the room, but i t continues in the weeks ahead — in team conversations, in program decisions, and in the relationships that shape young people’s experiences.

Gina closed with an invitation to reconvene at NAA27, but the message that lingered was simpler: take what was built here, and carry it forward.

Watch the General Session highlights

There are moments from Convention that stay with you long after you’ve packed your bags and headed home: A story that shifts your perspective, a speaker who puts words to what you’ve been feeling, or a room full of people who remind you that you’re not doing this work alone.

At NAA26, those moments came to life through our General Sessions, where our community gathered to reflect, to be inspired, and to recommit to the work ahead. Now, those moments are available to revisit online!

All three General Session videos are now live on YouTube, offering a chance to experience — or re-experience — the energy, insight, and connection that defined this year’s Convention.

For those who joined us in Washington, D.C., these sessions are an invitation to pause and return to what resonated most. Maybe it was a line that stayed with you, a story you’ve already shared with your team, or a spark of an idea you’re just beginning to explore. Rewatching offers a new perspective and a way to carry that inspiration forward into your daily work.

For those who couldn’t attend, this is your opportunity to step into the experience. To hear directly from voices shaping the out-of-school time field. To witness the passion, urgency, and possibility that filled the room. And to understand why NAA Convention continues to be a space where professionals come together not just to learn but to feel connected to something bigger.

At a time when afterschool professionals are navigating both challenge and change, the messages shared from the General Session stage were a powerful reminder: this work matters, and so does your voice. Together, we are part of a national movement, one that is advocating, innovating, and showing up every day for young people, families, and communities.

Watch the General Sessions, revisit what inspired you, and share them with colleagues who could use a reminder of why this work matters.

Watch the General Sessions.

NAA26 brought together afterschool professionals from across the country for four unforgettable days of connection, learning, and inspiration. Grounded in this year’s theme — Dream. Dare. Do. — participants explored bold ideas, built meaningful relationships, and left energized to take action in their communities.

Now, we invite you to revisit the experience. Explore our daily recaps from each day of Convention to relive key moments, powerful stories, and standout sessions:

For our daily recaps, click here:

• NAA26 Day 1: Dreaming Big, Daring Boldly, and Doing the Work Together
• NAA26 Day 2: Elevating the Field Together
• NAA26 Day 3: From Inspiration to Action

We’ll be sharing even more in the weeks ahead, including Story Showcase videos and additional highlights to keep you inspired and connected to this incredible community.

The third and final full day of NAA26 began with a sense of purpose, as participants gathered early for another day of dynamic sessions, learning, sharing, and drawing inspiration from peers across the country. Friday also marked the close of the Leadership Summit, where attendees turned their focus to what’s next: preparing to support and implement NAA’s forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential and strengthen the systems that will carry this work forward.

Participants then gathered for the third general session, “Build Momentum for Action,” designed to send the NAA26 community home ready to turn inspiration into impact. NAA Board Chair Matthew Moheban and Vice Chair Shawna Rosenzweig opened the session by grounding attendees in both reflection and responsibility. Matthew posed a powerful question: “How do we take the ideas, the energy, the strategies, the conversations, and the inspiration from this Convention and turn them into action when we go home?” Shawna acknowledged the real challenges facing the field while highlighting how organizations like Camp Fire are supporting leaders not just to persist, but to truly thrive and flourish.

Zakiya Powell of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America then introduced the final Story Showcase speakers, each offering a deeply personal and inspiring call to action. Damien Myers shared a moving reflection on legacy, loss, and the lasting impact of investing in young people. MyKayla Searles-Houston spoke to healing, self-discovery, and the courage to choose joy. Paula Fynboh closed the series with a powerful reminder to lead with integrity and stay grounded in values, even when the path forward is uncertain.

To close the session NAA CEO Gina Warner invited participants to carry this momentum forward and continue the journey at NAA27 in Denver, Colorado, March 14–17, 2027.

Following the general session, past and present Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees gathered with the NAA Board of Directors for a special networking lunch, creating space for connection, mentorship, and community-building across generations of leadership. Throughout the afternoon, participants continued to engage in sessions and conversations, and emerging leaders came together at the Young Professionals and Millennials meet-ups — two energizing opportunities to build relationships and strengthen their networks within the field.

As NAA26 comes to a close, the energy, ideas, and connections sparked throughout the week will continue to ripple outward into communities across the country. From powerful stories of resilience and leadership to meaningful conversations about the future of the profession, this year’s Convention has been a reminder of what’s possible when we come together.

Now, it’s time to Dream. Dare. Do., and to carry this momentum forward, take action in our programs and systems, and continue shaping the future of afterschool.

The second day of NAA26 started early, with workshops, Sparks, Community Conversations, and Leadership Intensives starting as early as 8 a.m. While temperatures dropped outside (from 85 degrees on Wednesday to thirties and snow today!), participants crossed the Gaylord National in search of inspiration, new ideas, and community.

National AfterSchool Association Chief Operating Officer Heidi Ham opened the second general session to the sounds of Whitney Houston’s “Higher Love.” She challenged the audience to “take our profession to a higher level… through NAA’s work in advancing job quality, especially through professional recognition and credentialing.” From the stage, Heidi announced NAA’s newest initiative: the forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential.

NAA Board Members and past Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees Matrex Kilgore and Sheneika Simmons then took the stage to reflect on what the Convention theme, Dream. Dare. Do., means for them in afterschool. As Matrex shared, “Do is where we turn inspiration into action. And at this convention, ‘Do’ looks like learning strategies we can bring home immediately, strengthening partnerships, exchanging tools that improve quality and sustainability, and building the kind of network that makes us all stronger.”

Sheneika and Matrex then introduced the day’s three Story Showcase speakers. Dr. James Doyle shared his story of embracing risk, staying curious, and choosing joy along the way. Through his journey, James offered three powerful dares that invite us to live, learn, and lead with courage. Cantrell Williams told his deeply personal story about identity, belonging, and the courage to stop shrinking yourself to fit the room. Through his journey across science, theatre, teaching, and leadership, Cantrell reminded us what becomes possible when we choose wholeness over acceptability. Finally, Jodi Walker shared a story about what happens when we stop waiting for perfect conditions and start acting on what we know is right. Drawing from her experience building programs with young people, not just for them, Jodi showed us that real change begins when doers trust the people closest to the problem.

Next, Sheneika and Matrex introduced the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees, as they were called one by one across the stage to be recognized in front of their colleagues, mentors, and peers. This award recognizes young leaders in the out-of-school time field who demonstrate a deep commitment to their own growth and the development of others. Honorees are actively engaged in the broader afterschool community and are already influencing programs, organizations, and communities across the field. Sheneika offered an important piece of advice to the Next Gen Leaders, encouraging them to show up — not tomorrow, not in two years, but today — reminding them of the influence, power, and impact they already hold.

Thursday also marked the opening session of our invitation-only Leadership Summit, a two part program that brings together key leaders in the field, including intermediary and NAA Affiliate representatives; NAA Board members; federal, state, and local education agency leaders and Child Care and Development Fund administrators; funders; and past and present NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees. On Thursday, summit participants dove deep into NAA’s framework for the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, learning more about the credential building blocks, process, and next steps.

As the day came to a close, the Celebration of Leadership brought together members of the NAA Board of Directors and Corporate Advisory Board, Affiliate representatives, Next Gen honorees, and other leaders from across the field. The evening created space to recognize achievements, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the leadership shaping the future of out-of-school time.

After two inspiring days, participants left energized and ready for what comes next at NAA26. With powerful learning experiences, new connections forming in every hallway, and celebrations of OST professionals throughout the Convention, the momentum continues to build as we Dream. Dare. Do. together.

NAA26 has begun! The National AfterSchool Association’s 2026 Convention kicked off on Wednesday evening with the first general session, including remarks from NAA’s CEO, a call for advocacy, our first Story Showcase, and the Roll Call of States.

Walking on stage to “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, Chief Operating Officer Gina Warner opened NAA26 by saying, “If there’s anybody who deserves to have a good time, it’s the people in this room!” From the stage, Gina acknowledged the upheaval and uncertainty  that many afterschool professionals are navigating — from staffing shortages to funding challenges — while continuing to show up every day for the young people who rely on their programs.

Her opening remarks also underscored the importance of all of the participants in the room — representing the afterschool workforce — who deserve a “daring” vision of what the profession could be, including clear career pathways, realistic workloads, supportive supervision, and opportunities for leadership and growth. Gina closed by encouraging participants to make what they need from this year’s Convention: notes if they need ideas, introductions if they need a network, and language if they need help advocating for the future of afterschool.

Then, newest board member Dr. Timothy Raines of the Indiana Afterschool Network demonstrated the power of advocacy, reminding participants that last year’s Convention was vital in the Afterschool Alliance’s campaign to restore 2025 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding at the federal level. This year, the Alliance and NAA have set the goal of sending 1,000 messages to Congress through their Afterschool for All Challenge. Wednesday also marked the Alliance’s day on the Hill, and many NAA26 participants spent the day on Capitol Hill advocating for afterschool with their elected representatives.

Gabe Clark introduced our first NAA26 Story Showcase speaker, Jennell Riddick. Inspired by Oprah’s famous “You get a car!” moment, Jennell shared her story of the importance of mentorship, of dreaming, and of encouraging young people to imagine what’s possible for their futures. Jennell left the audience with a few closing thoughts as she asked participants to turn to their neighbor and say “Just dream,” and then look to their other neighbor to say, “Keep dreaming.”

Finally, no NAA Convention would be complete without the traditional Roll Call of States. One by one, participants from across the country stood, waved their state signs, and cheered with pride, filling the room with energy and celebration. From coast to coast, the moment served as a powerful reminder that while afterschool professionals may come from different places and programs, they share a common commitment to supporting young people and strengthening communities. Seeing the entire room united in that spirit set the tone for the days ahead.

As Day 1 came to a close, participants made their way into the Learning Expo, connecting with exhibitors and colleagues while enjoying dinner and drinks together. Conversations buzzed with new ideas, shared experiences, and the excitement of what the week ahead will bring. By the end of the evening, one thing was clear: the energy of NAA26 is just getting started. With a community ready to dream boldly, dare to lead, and do the work that moves our field forward, the Convention is already off to an inspiring start.

At NAA26, the theme Dream. Dare. Do. will mark an important time for the out-of-school time profession, as National AfterSchool Association announces new efforts to support and elevate the youth development workforce.

On Thursday during our general session, COO Heidi Ham will officially announce NAA's forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential. Today, we’re offering our members an early preview of what’s ahead, because this milestone belongs to the entire OST community, whether you’re joining us in D.C. or following along from afar.

As we prepare for this announcement, we invite you to reflect on the bigger vision that guides our work, and the journey our field is taking together.

A Higher Vision for Our Profession

There’s a line in the song “Higher Love” that’s been on my mind: “Bring me a higher love.”

When I think about OST professionals, I see our field calling us to reach for more recognition, respect, and support for those who show up for young people every day. OST professionals are essential. They support learning, safety, and well-being for millions of young people. But our field lacks shared structures like clear job expectations, a common language, credentials, and clear pathways. This leads to our work being undervalued.

When those structures are missing, systems do more than just overlook us. They undervalue us. And when a profession is undervalued, job quality suffers and talent leaves. Undervaluing our profession is not something we have to accept. It happens because of how things are set up. We can build better systems that give OST professionals the recognition and support they deserve.

Dream. Dare. Do. For real. These words guide how we make changes in our profession, so let’s look at each one.

Dream.

Imagine a world where saying “I work in afterschool” is met with, “Thank you. That work matters.”

Imagine a world where youth development is not treated like a side gig, but recognized as a cornerstone of community strength. A world where the importance of our field is reflected in the systems that support it.

Dare. To make this vision real, we need courage and fresh ideas.

To reach this goal, we have to question what has always been seen as “normal” in our field. High turnover is not just a staffing problem. It disrupts relationships, breaks program continuity, and affects young people. Our research also shows that how we define “qualified” does not always match what really matters.

Youth development is a practice lived in real time with real young people. Still, we often rely on seat-time requirements or degree-based shortcuts that create a paper ceiling. These shortcuts leave out skilled practitioners, especially those with strong experience and community ties. If we truly care about equity, we must be bold enough to create better and more accessible ways for people to enter and grow in this profession.

Do. With this mindset, NAA is taking action now.

This leads us to what NAA is doing right now. After two years of listening, researching, designing, and working with partners across the country, NAA is proud to introduce the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential.

This credential was created together with people in the field to reflect the real work practitioners do. What sets it apart? It is based on showing your skills in action. It does not ask, “How many trainings have you attended?” Instead, it asks, “Can you show the practice in action?”

It includes four micro‑credentials:

• Creating inclusive, supportive learning climates
• Establishing effective learning environments
• Facilitating purposeful learning
• Centering youth voice and choice

These are not just theories. They are the moments young people experience. The moment a participant walks in and knows, “I belong here.” The moment chaos gives way to calm through skilled facilitation. The moment learning happens because you made it possible. Those moments deserve professional recognition.

This credential does not replace strong state or local systems. Instead, it works with them. It helps programs, organizations, and systems recognize and validate practitioner skills in a consistent way, improve job quality, and support workforce retention by providing clear, transferable proof of expertise.

Next, we will pilot, learn, and improve this work together with practitioners, partners, and communities.

Taking the Profession Higher

If we want stability for young people, we need to build strong systems for the professionals who support them. This matches the importance of our work.

So let’s commit to:

Dreaming of a profession recognized as skilled, essential, and transformational.

Daring to challenge systems that undervalue this work.

Doing the work together to build what our field deserves.

The OST profession is ready for more recognition, respect, and visibility. This credential moves us closer to better support for our workforce and for young people.

Excerpted from National AfterSchool Association Chief Operating Officer Heidi Ham’s NAA26 general session remarks.

The wait is over. NAA26 begins today!

This evening, afterschool professionals from across the country will gather at the Gaylord National in the Washington, D.C. area to kick off four days of learning, connection, and inspiration. With state meetups, our opening general session featuring the Roll Call of States, and the opening reception in the Learning Expo, tonight marks the official start of a Convention designed to energize our field and bring our community together.

If you’re joining us on-site: welcome. We’re so glad you’re here. Over the next few days, you’ll have the chance to connect with colleagues from across the country, explore innovative ideas in sessions and the Learning Expo, and reflect on the purpose that drives this work every day.

This year’s theme, Dream. Dare. Do., is more than a slogan. It’s a call to imagine what’s possible for young people, to take bold steps forward as leaders in the field, and to turn ideas into action that strengthens programs, communities, and opportunities for youth.

Not in Washington, D.C. this week? You’re still part of the experience.

Throughout Convention, we’ll be sharing highlights, insights, and moments from the NAA26 community across our social media channels and as news stories on our website. Follow along to catch:

• Key takeaways from sessions and speakers
• Photos and stories from the Convention floor
• Advocacy moments and community celebrations
• Behind-the-scenes glimpses of NAA26 in action

Whether you’re attending in person or engaging from afar, we invite you to be part of the conversation. Follow, comment, and share as our community comes together to dream big, dare boldly, and do the work that moves our field forward.

The countdown is officially on.

In just one week, over a thousand afterschool and youth development professionals will gather at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, for NAA26, March 11–14, 2026.

Beginning with the first State Meetup to the Roll Call of States on Wednesday evening, NAA26 will launch four unforgettable days of connection, courage, and community.

This is your moment to Dream. Dare. Do.

Dream.

Imagine stepping into a space designed just for you, where learning is practical, inspiring, and deeply connected to the real challenges you face every day. As our field navigates change and uncertainty, NAA26 is more than professional development. It’s a place to recharge, reconnect, and reaffirm your purpose.

Dare.

Dare to raise your voice. Through our collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance and the Afterschool for All Challenge, we’ll bring advocacy, policy, and funding conversations to the forefront. Together, we’ll strengthen our collective impact and stand up for the young people and communities we serve.

Do.

Do the work that transforms programs and lives. With 1,000+ professionals expected, dozens of interactive workshops, leadership intensives, sparks and community conversations, you’ll leave with tools, strategies, and renewed energy to lead boldly.

Haven’t Registered Yet? There’s Still Time.

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment, this is it!

Secure your registration today and make your plans to be part of the national movement shaping the future of afterschool.

We’ll see you next Wednesday.

As our field navigates funding uncertainty, workforce challenges, and systems-level change, leadership has never mattered more. That’s why we’re bringing together select national, state, and local leaders for the 2026 NAA Convention Leadership Summit & Celebration of Leadership Reception — an exclusive, invitation-only experience designed for those shaping the future of out-of-school time. Interested? Register for the summit and celebration by Monday, March 2!

Why the Leadership Summit Matters

On March 12 & 13, leaders from across the country will convene to:

• Explore national, state, and local job quality efforts
• Dive into the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential
• Examine systems integration strategies that elevate workforce and youth outcomes and strengthen the profession as a whole

This isn’t a sit-and-listen session. It’s a working space for bold thinkers and decision-makers ready to move from ideas to action.

In the spirit of Dream. Dare. Do., we’ll dream about what’s possible for the OST workforce, dare to challenge outdated systems, and commit to the concrete steps that move our field forward.

An Exclusive Space for Field Leaders

The Leadership Summit is intentionally curated and invitation-only. Participants include:

• National, state, and local intermediary leaders
• Federal, state, and local education agency leaders
• CCDF administrators
• Philanthropic partners
• Past and present NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees
• NAA Board Members

This is your opportunity to connect with peers operating at the highest levels of impact and to collaborate on solutions that ripple across states and systems.

March 12: Celebration of Leadership Reception

Leadership deserves to be celebrated.

On the evening of March 12, join us for the Celebration of Leadership Reception, where we’ll honor the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders and hear remarks from NAA leadership. This inspiring evening offers time to build relationships, reconnect with longtime colleagues, and welcome emerging changemakers into the national spotlight.

Haven’t Registered for NAA26 Yet?

Now is the time.

NAA26 (March 11–14, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center) is where thousands of OST professionals will gather to recharge, reconnect, and take action. Registration is open — and early pricing won’t last forever .

When you register, you can secure your spot at:

• The full NAA26 Convention experience
• The Leadership Summit
• The Celebration of Leadership Reception

Click here to register for the Convention, Leadership Summit, and Reception. Prospective participants must register by Monday, March 2 to confirm attendance at the summit and celebration.

Already Registered for NAA26?

We’re excited to see you in March!

To add the Leadership Summit and Reception at no additional cost, simply forward this email and your request to convention@naaweb.org by Monday, March 2.

Space is limited to invited leaders, so we encourage you to confirm your participation as soon as possible.

At this pivotal moment for afterschool and youth development, your leadership matters.

Come to Washington, D.C. ready to dream bigger for our workforce, dare to push for systems change, and do the collaborative work that strengthens our field for years to come. We can’t wait to gather with you.

The countdown to NAA26 is on, and the energy across the afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) field is building. In just two weeks, professionals, leaders, partners, and advocates from across the country will gather to learn, connect, and strengthen the systems that help young people thrive.

At the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), we know that workforce leadership, job quality, equity, and strong professional practice are the foundation of positive youth outcomes. NAA26 is designed to deliver exactly that: practical strategies, research-informed insights, and meaningful connections that elevate both people and programs.

If you’ve been considering joining us, this is your sign. There is still time to register for NAA26. Don’t miss your opportunity to invest in your growth, expand your network, and bring actionable tools back to your team and community.

Register now and join us at NAA26.

Over the past few weeks, we’ve highlighted several powerful sessions you won’t want to miss. Here’s a quick roundup:

Session Spotlight: Advocacy in Action

Aligned with this year’s Convention theme, Dream. Dare. Do., advocacy sessions at NAA26 invite participants to imagine a future where afterschool is fully funded and valued, to step boldly into advocacy roles, whether new or seasoned, and to take concrete action grounded in research, storytelling, and collective power. Participants will gain tools to understand the policy landscape, communicate their impact, and engage decision-makers at every level.

Learn more about advocacy sessions.

Session Spotlight: Recruitment & Retention

Programs across the country are grappling with limited resources, staff turnover, and high expectations, yet they continue to show up for young people every day. The sessions selected for NAA26 don’t shy away from these challenges. Instead, they offer concrete strategies, research-informed insights, and people-centered approaches that support both staff wellbeing and program sustainability.

Learn more about recruitment and retention sessions.

Session Spotlight: Youth Voice in Action

When young people are trusted as leaders and partners, afterschool programs become more powerful, and NAA26 is making space for that shift. Across multiple workshops, presenters will dig into what it really takes to move beyond “engagement” and toward authentic youth leadership, where young people help shape programs, culture, and outcomes. Whether you’re working with youth who seem disengaged, looking to deepen relationships, or ready to co-create programs with young people instead of for them, these sessions will give you practical tools you can use right away.

Learn more about youth voice sessions.

Session Spotlight: Data-Informed Advocacy

As afterschool and OST professionals navigate funding uncertainty and evolving policy landscapes, it’s not enough to know our programs make a difference. We must be able to articulate that value in ways that resonate with funders, policymakers, families, and community leaders. At NAA26, we’re spotlighting sessions that show how data-informed storytelling can elevate youth voice, strengthen advocacy, and translate impact into sustainable support.

Learn more about data sessions.

As afterschool and OST professionals navigate funding uncertainty and evolving policy landscapes, it’s not enough to know our programs make a difference. We must be able to articulate that value in ways that resonate with funders, policymakers, families, and community leaders. At NAA26, we’re spotlighting sessions that show how data-informed storytelling can elevate youth voice, strengthen advocacy, and translate impact into sustainable support.

This is what it means to Dream. Dare. Do. Dream about what’s possible for young people. Dare to measure and reflect on your impact. Do the work of turning insight into influence.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your case for funding, amplify youth-generated research, or shape policy conversations at the local and state levels, these sessions will equip you with tools, strategies, and inspiration to transform data into demonstrated value.

Registration is open now for NAA26, and rates will increase as Convention approaches. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn alongside national advocates, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and leave Washington, D.C. better prepared to stand up for afterschool.

Explore the full NAA26 schedule
Learn more or register for NAA26 today

Spark: Data with a Purpose: Using Student Surveys to Drive Funding, Advocacy, and Improvement
In today’s funding climate, afterschool programs must clearly demonstrate their impact. Learn how to use student surveys to strengthen partnerships, advocate for your program, and secure support. Explore ready-to-use survey questions that capture youth voice and program outcomes, and discover how to turn data into compelling visuals and stories for funders, families, schools, and community leaders. Participants will leave with customizable survey templates, digital presentation tools, and actionable strategies for communicating results to diverse audiences.
Presented by Jamie Bellissimo and Christine Corriston of Laurus Grant Writing and Evaluation Services

Workshop: Numbers with Heart: Turning Your Program’s Data into Your Most Powerful Story
In today’s challenging funding climate, data is more than numbers. It’s the heart of your program’s story. Learn how to collect and use data to demonstrate true impact, inspire funders, and engage families. Together we will discover how to turn numbers into narratives that connect emotionally and strengthen your case for support. Leave with practical tools to transform data into stories that sustain your mission and celebrate those you serve.
Presented by Timothy Raines of the Indiana Afterschool Network

Workshop: From Ideas to Action: How to Incorporate Youth-generated Data into Intergenerational Advocacy
Young people have bold ideas for creating conditions where all youth can thrive and want to partner with adults to make it a reality. This session highlights intergenerational advocacy in New York City, featuring young leaders from the Office of Neighborhood Safety Youth Council and the NYC Youth Authority sharing research, recommendations, and successful action strategies. Through dialogue and collaborative exercises, participants will explore how to turn ideas and data into action through intergenerational partnerships.
Presented by Jennifer Tang and NAA Board Member Sarah Zeller-Berkman of CUNY School of Professional Studies

Workshop: Advancing OST Policy Through Data & Research
The presenters will share how they work with the California Department of Education and a diverse committee of field representatives to identify evaluation/research strategies and leverage data to demonstrate the scope and impact of all of California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities. We will share how this impacts local and state OST policy. Participants will walk away with practical tips for developing data and research strategies that can impact OST policy from local to state levels.
Presented by Heather Williams, Tiffany Gipson, and Leslye Lugo of the California AfterSchool Network.

NAA26 is less than one month away, and we’re hard at work on all of the final preparations to make your experience unforgettable. If you haven’t registered yet but still want to attend, now is your chance! Click through to learn more and register today.

When young people are trusted as leaders and partners, afterschool programs become more powerful, and NAA26 is making space for that shift. Across multiple workshops, presenters will dig into what it really takes to move beyond “engagement” and toward authentic youth leadership, where young people help shape programs, culture, and outcomes.

Whether you’re working with youth who seem disengaged, looking to deepen relationships, or ready to co-create programs with young people instead of for them, these sessions will give you practical tools you can use right away.

Registration is open now for NAA26, and rates will increase as Convention approaches. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn alongside national advocates, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and leave Washington, D.C. better prepared to stand up for afterschool.

Explore the full NAA26 schedule
Learn more or register for NAA26 today

Workshop: Design with, Not For: Practical Strategies for Youth-Led Program Planning
Many leaders talk about “youth voice” but struggle to put it into action. This session provides concrete frameworks for co-designing programs with young people—from advisory councils to everyday decision-making moments. Participants will experience a live prototyping activity, leaving with practical strategies they can implement right away. Walk away with tools, examples, and the confidence to authentically integrate youth leadership into your program culture.

Presented by Shelley Kuang and Fong Marcolongo, Be the Change Consulting

 
Workshop: Why Aren't Youth Talking? How to Build Connections through Conversation

How do we get youth to talk more? This session will provide strategies and activities to building connections with youth and between youth through conversation. You will have the tools to create a safe & supportive environment, embed SEL activities throughout the program day and empower youth to be their best selves. Educators will learn strategies in order to boost resilience, build confidence, encourage conversation and have positive relationships between peers and adults.

Presented by Lisa Demoulias, Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership

Workshop: Amplifying Youth Voice: Building Leadership and Programming in Out-of-School Time
Ignite youth leadership and creativity in out of school time programs through the power of a Youth Voice Council. Discover ways to empower students to co design experiences that tackle real issues like substance abuse prevention and workforce readiness. With an adult guided, student driven approach, you will explore practical tools and inspiring examples from student led podcasts to peer education projects that bring programs to life and elevate authentic youth voice.

Presented by Erin Grant and Malachi Nelson, Black Hills Special Services Cooperative

Check out the recently released NAA26 schedule and begin to plan your four days in Washington, D.C. Join afterschool professionals, funders, system leaders, researchers, and policymakers March 11–14, 2026 to Dream. Dare. Do. together.

At a time when afterschool and summer learning programs face increasing uncertainty around funding and policy, advocacy has never been more essential or more urgent. For NAA26, the National AfterSchool Association is proud to partner with the Afterschool Alliance to elevate advocacy as a core part of the Convention experience.

As we reviewed session proposals for NAA26, it was clear that afterschool professionals across the country are stepping up as advocates in powerful ways. From navigating federal policy changes to mobilizing families, youth, and communities, presenters shared real stories of what it takes to protect programs and secure their future. These sessions reflect a field that is informed, resilient, and ready to act.

Aligned with this year’s Convention theme, Dream. Dare. Do., advocacy sessions at NAA26 invite participants to imagine a future where afterschool is fully funded and valued, to step boldly into advocacy roles, whether new or seasoned, and to take concrete action grounded in research, storytelling, and collective power. Participants will gain tools to understand the policy landscape, communicate their impact, and engage decision-makers at every level.

Last week, the full NAA26 Convention schedule was released, giving participants the opportunity to explore all sessions and begin planning their experience. Advocacy is woven throughout the schedule, including programming connected to the Afterschool Alliance partnership and the Afterschool for All Challenge. Today, we’re highlighting a set of sessions that take a deeper dive into advocacy strategies and skill-building, designed for practitioners and leaders who want to strengthen their voice and make an impact beyond their programs.

Registration is open now for NAA26, and rates will increase as Convention approaches. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn alongside national advocates, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and leave Washington, D.C. better prepared to stand up for afterschool.

Explore the full NAA26 schedule
Learn more or register for NAA26 today

Workshop: Raising Voices, Securing Futures: Advocating for Afterschool
Afterschool programs need champions—now more than ever. This session covers federal policy updates, key research findings, including from the newly released America After 3PM report, and advocacy tactics that work. This hands-on workshop helps participants craft powerful messages, practice speaking with elected officials, and leave ready to defend and advance afterschool and summer learning programs for students and communities.

Presented by Alexis Steines of the Afterschool Alliance

Spark: Dream. Dare. Do. Advocate: Stories from the Field
Ready to make your voice heard? In this lively 30-minute panel, Afterschool Alliance Ambassadors share how they turned passion into action to grow support for their programs. From building relationships with elected officials to engaging families, youth, and communities, they’ll share real stories and practical strategies that worked. You’ll leave inspired—and equipped—with ideas to step up your own advocacy and make a difference for the programs and kids you care about.

Presented by Alexis Steines of the Afterschool Alliance

Leadership Intensive: Raising Voices, Protecting Programs: Tools and Lessons Learned for Afterschool Advocacy
When funding threats arise, are you ready to advocate for your program? Learn how thousands of voices restored funding for 23,000 students in Fairfax, VA, and how you can do the same. Using tools from Virginia’s State Afterschool Network, participants will craft personal impact stories, identify audiences, and explore strategies to engage youth, families, and staff in advocacy. Leave ready to tell your story and take action for afterschool.

Presented by Christine Jones Monaccio of the Virginia Partnership for Out-of-School Time

Workshop: Sustain the Gain: Leveraging Federal, State and Local Funding, Policy, & Partnerships
During challenging times, it is more important than ever to understand the policy landscape and have a strategy for sustaining your program that leverages federal and state funding sources, as well as local school and community partnerships. This interactive workshop will dive into the latest afterschool policy news, review federal funding opportunities for afterschool and summer programs, discuss tools and resources for program sustainability, and explore state level funding campaigns.

Presented by Erik Peterson of the Afterschool Alliance

The National AfterSchool Association’s 2026 Convention is coming into clearer focus, and with the release of the NAA26 schedule , the energy around the field’s largest convening is building.

From March 11–14, 2026, afterschool professionals, funders, system leaders, researchers, and policymakers will gather just outside Washington, D.C., at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center for four days designed to help the field Dream. Dare. Do. together. The newly published schedule reflects the intention behind NAA26: to create space not only for professional learning, but also for connection, alignment, and collective action at a moment when afterschool’s visibility and sustainability matter more than ever.

Across the Convention, participants will experience programming that blends learning with relationship-building. Educational sessions run throughout each day, offering practical tools, research-informed strategies, and bold ideas that address the realities of today’s out-of-school time landscape. General Sessions anchor the experience, bringing the full community together to reflect on shared challenges and renew a sense of purpose. Dedicated time in the Learning Expo ensures meaningful opportunities for discovery, partnership, and informed purchasing decisions, while state meetups, interest groups, and receptions create space for the conversations that often matter just as much as what happens in the meeting rooms.

Importantly, the NAA26 schedule also reflects the growing urgency of advocacy. Through a continued partnership with the Afterschool Alliance, the Convention weaves policy, research, and advocacy throughout the experience, reinforcing the idea that professional development and policy impact are deeply connected. For many attendees, especially funders, administrators, and policymakers, NAA26 offers a rare opportunity to hear directly from practitioners while engaging in conversations about the systems, investments, and decisions that shape afterschool nationwide. Registering now ensures you and your organization are part of the conversations, connections, and decisions that will shape the future of afterschool, whether you are participating as attendees, presenters, exhibitors, sponsors, or advocacy partners.

NAA is also inviting everyone involved in the Convention to help extend its reach. Participants, exhibitors, presenters, and sponsors are encouraged to use the NAA26 sharing toolkits, which include ready-to-use messages and graphics that make it easy to highlight involvement in the Convention. When leaders across the field share their participation, it strengthens visibility, builds momentum, and reinforces the collective importance of afterschool at the national level.

The release of the NAA26 schedule marks an important milestone, but it is also an invitation. An invitation to gather with purpose, to elevate the work happening across communities, and to move forward together. By registering early, sharing your involvement, and encouraging others to engage, you help ensure that NAA26 is not only a convening but a catalyst for the future of afterschool.

We’re excited to share that the schedule for the National AfterSchool Association 2026 Convention (NAA26) is now live! Filled with engaging workshops, Community Conversations, Leadership Intensives, Sparks, and more, the NAA26 schedule is designed to meet afterschool and out-of-school time professionals wherever they are in their careers.

NAA26 will take place March 11–14, 2026, in the Washington, D.C. area, and brings our community together under the theme Dream. Dare. Do. This year’s Convention invites you to imagine what’s possible for the future of afterschool, take bold steps in your leadership, and leave with practical strategies you can put into action right away. Whether you’re seeking fresh ideas, deeper learning, or meaningful connections with peers from across the country, NAA26 offers sessions aligned with your goals and passions.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

• Workshops featuring interactive, hands-on explorations of critical topics in the OST field
  
• Leadership Intensives that provide extended, in-depth learning for current and emerging leaders
• Sparks that deliver quick bursts of inspiration and innovative ideas
• Community Conversations facilitated by skilled moderators that center dialogue and shared learning
• Identity and Interest Group Meetups designed to foster connection, belonging, and peer support
• Three General Sessions, including the Roll Call of States, Story Showcase speakers, and powerful moments of recognition and inspiration

Now is the perfect time to register for NAA26 and start planning your personalized Convention experience. With so many learning and networking opportunities available, you can build a schedule that reflects your interests, strengthens your skills, and supports your impact back home.

Don’t wait! Register today and explore the full schedule to begin planning your NAA26 experience. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Washington, D.C. area as we dream boldly, dare to lead, and do the work that moves our field forward together.

Earlier this year, the National AfterSchool Association team came together to review hundreds of session proposals submitted by afterschool professionals, researchers, and partners from across the country for NAA26. The proposals reflected the realities of the field today, pairing complex challenges with deep commitment and creative problem-solving.

As we reviewed submissions, one theme surfaced again and again: recruitment and retention. Programs across the country are grappling with limited resources, staff turnover, and high expectations, yet they continue to show up for young people every day. The sessions selected for NAA26 don’t shy away from these challenges. Instead, they offer concrete strategies, research-informed insights, and people-centered approaches that support both staff wellbeing and program sustainability.

Aligned with this year’s Convention theme, Dream. Dare. Do., these sessions invite participants to reimagine how we attract and support talent, take bold but realistic steps to strengthen staff culture, and put practical tools into action, from recruiting pipelines and referral strategies to career development, coaching, and retention practices staff actually value.

In the coming weeks, participants will be able to explore the full Convention schedule and plan their NAA26 experience. Today, we’re highlighting a set of sessions that take a deeper dive into recruitment and retention designed for leaders and practitioners who are ready to invest in their people and strengthen their teams for the long term.

Registration is open now for NAA26, and rates will increase as Convention approaches. Don’t miss your opportunity to learn from peers, engage with research and real-world practice, and walk away with strategies you can use right away.

Click here to learn more or register for NAA26 today.

Workshop: Recruiting for Afterschool Programs
Recruiting for afterschool is a challenge. The hours are short. The wages are low. And the expectations are high. Even in the face of these challenges, you can still develop a great recruiting pipeline for your program. This session will cover how to develop a core value proposition for your roles, how to attract candidates, how to screen candidates and how to generate referrals from high performing individuals.

Presented by Adam Rosen of Radar Talent Solutions

Workshop: People First: Practical Strategies for Retaining your Afterschool All-Stars
Facing a staffing crisis? Retention starts with valuing staff as people first. This session, led by the Youth Program Director of the award-winning Power School program, moves beyond theory to offer actionable strategies for creating a supportive and vibrant environment. Learn how to leverage flexibility, provide meaningful recognition, align work with personal strengths, and build authentic trust. Leave with a practical toolkit to reduce turnover, boost morale, and empower your team to do their best.

Presented by Emily Loder, Intercultural Community Center

Workshop: Recruiting, Training, and Retaining OST Staff Who Deliver STEM. The Latest on What to Know!
The National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST) with support from the Overdeck Family Foundation conducted 35 program visits, along with 32 interviews and surveys with 2000 program staff and directors and have a lot to share! We will share strategies and approaches to recruiting, training, and retaining program staff that can work for a variety of program types, sizes, and geographic locations. Statewide OST experts will join NIOST researchers for sharing and discussion.

Presented by Georgia Hall of the National Institute on Out-of-School Time (NIOST)

Spark: Link Up & Level Up: 3 Retention Moves Your Team Will Actually Love
If you want your staff to stay, it’s time to rethink what keeps them. In this quick session, you’ll get 3 high-impact, low-cost strategies that make staff feel seen, valued, and supported. Bonus: They don’t involve pizza parties. Come ready to steal some ideas and shift your retention game.

Presented by Lorenzo Harrison of Lorenzo Harrison Enterprise

Workshop: Prioritizing People: Career Development for OST Staff
Ready to mitigate staff turnover and low morale? Let's explore ways to maximize benefits to staff by supporting their development, while improving program quality, too! We will review the staff life cycle from job postings to performance reviews, identifying opportunities at each stage to develop and coach staff. Participants will receive and practice using staff development tools including individual goal-setting templates, PD plans, and coaching tools.

Presented by Jen Curry of Change Impact

The excitement around NAA26 is building, and we’re getting closer to a major milestone. On January 28, the full NAA26 Convention session schedule will be released, giving you your first look at the learning experiences, conversations, and inspiration awaiting you this March in the Washington, D.C. area.

Designed around our 2026 theme, Dream. Dare. Do., the NAA26 schedule reflects the bold ideas, practical strategies, and real-world leadership that define the out-of-school time field. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime NAA Convention participant, this year’s programming offers something for every role, career stage, and area of impact.

You’ll be able to choose from a wide range of interactive workshops, leadership intensives, community conversations, and sparks, all grounded in actionable takeaways you can bring back to your program, organization, or system. Sessions are designed to be engaging, relevant, and rooted in the challenges and opportunities OST professionals are navigating right now.

The schedule will also spotlight three powerful General Sessions, each centered on personal and professional stories from OST leaders who embody Dream. Dare. Do. These sessions will dive deep into lived experiences—moments of courage, innovation, and resilience—that remind us why this work matters and what’s possible when we lead with purpose.

With the full schedule launching January 28, now is the perfect time to register for NAA26. Securing your spot early gives you the opportunity to plan your Convention experience, align sessions with your goals, secure lodging at the Gaylord National, and take advantage of current registration rates before prices increase. It also ensures you’re part of the national gathering where connection, learning, and advocacy come together.

From March 11–14, 2026, join thousands of OST professionals as we come together to dream big, dare boldly, and do the work that moves our field forward.

Register now to be part of NAA26.

Whether you’re hoping to attend NAA26 or another professional development opportunity in the coming year, take a look at our Make the Case document. Developed for NAA26 but with a template that can be applied to other conferences or PD, Make the Case provides a simple, step-by-step guide to proposing a budget, aligning the opportunity with your organizational goals, and more.

NAA26 registration is open now! Register today before prices increase in February.

In a field that gives so much to young people, families, and communities, it’s easy to put yourself last. This season, we invite you to do something different: treat yourself to connection, inspiration, and professional growth at NAA26 Convention, March 11–14, just outside Washington, D.C.

NAA26 is more than a conference. It’s a chance to step away from the day-to-day, reconnect with your purpose, and return home reenergized with new ideas, practical tools, and a renewed sense of belonging. Guided by our 2026 theme, Dream. Dare. Do., Convention is where afterschool professionals come together to imagine what’s possible, take bold steps forward, and do the work that moves our field ahead.

Why Convention Is Worth It

When you register for NAA26, you’re investing in:

• Powerful professional learning through hundreds of interactive workshops, leadership intensives, and sparks designed for professionals at every career stage
• Meaningful connections with peers from across the country who understand your challenges and share your commitment
• Inspiration and momentum from general sessions, story showcases, and moments that remind us why this work matters
• Advocacy in action, including opportunities to engage with national policy conversations and strengthen your voice alongside partners like the Afterschool Alliance

Whether this is your first Convention or your tenth, NAA26 is a space to grow, reflect, and move forward.

Give the Gift of Convention

Looking for a meaningful way to close out the year? Gift Convention to yourself, a colleague, or a rising leader on your team. It’s a gift that lasts far beyond four days—bringing back strategies, confidence, and connections that strengthen entire programs and organizations.

Our next registration price increase goes into effect after December 31, making now the best time to commit. Registering early means:

• Locking in a lower rate
• Securing your place at the field’s premier national gathering
• Giving yourself something exciting to look forward to in 2026

Don’t wait to invest in yourself or your team. Dream boldly. Dare to prioritize your growth. Do what fuels your impact.

Register for NAA26 before December 31!

This holiday season, give yourself or your team the gift that lasts far longer than a wrapped present: the chance to learn, recharge, and dream big together at the 2026 NAA Convention.

Taking place March 11–14, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, NAA26 is where afterschool professionals come together to Dream. Dare. Do. Join colleagues from across the nation to imagine bold possibilities for young people, reconnect with purpose, and gain the tools and inspiration needed to lead with confidence in a rapidly changing landscape. From hands-on workshops and thought-provoking general sessions to joyful community moments that remind us why this work matters, NAA26 offers four unforgettable days of learning and connection.

Register Now: Prices Increase After December 31!
If attending NAA26 is on your wish list, now is the time to check it twice. Registration rates increase after December 31, so securing your spot before the new year ensures the best value for you and your organization. And with this year’s theme calling us to dream boldly, dare greatly, and do the work that moves our field forward, there’s no better moment to invest in your own professional growth.

Don’t Forget Your Hotel Room
The Gaylord National is our convention hotel, offering unmatched convenience, and rooms will fill quickly. Reserve your room as soon as possible to ensure you're right in the heart of the action .

Give yourself the gift of renewed purpose. Give your team the gift of shared learning. Give your organization the gift of stronger leaders and fresh ideas.

Make NAA26 part of your holiday season and step into 2026 ready to Dream. Dare. Do.

Register today!