Recognition in the workplace is often framed as praise or appreciation. But in last month’s AfterSchool Today, Timothy A. Raines, PhD, asks readers to think more deeply about what recognition really means, and whose contributions are truly seen.

Centered around a powerful moment during a performance review, Raines reflects on the tension between collective language and individual attribution, particularly for professionals whose labor is often overlooked or absorbed into the success of a larger team. “Using ‘I’ is not about ego. It is about attribution, about making work visible where it might otherwise be lost in the collective.”

Drawing from both personal experience and broader conversations about workplace culture, Raines examines how assumptions around capacity, availability, and leadership shape who receives recognition and who is expected to carry invisible labor. He also challenges organizations to consider how everyday interactions, from meeting culture to performance reviews, communicate value.

Importantly, the article connects these dynamics back to young people. In OST spaces, youth are constantly observing how adults treat one another, whose voices are amplified, and whose work is acknowledged.

Raines closes with six practical strategies organizations can use to create more intentional and equitable cultures of recognition, reminding readers that recognition is not simply about morale, it is stewardship. Click to read Dr. Raines’ full article.

Recognition can do more than celebrate individual achievement. It can strengthen an entire field. In the spring issue of AfterSchool Today, Hillary Cook of the Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX) shares how the Brother Mike Awards have grown from a single awards ceremony into a citywide effort to uplift and connect out-of-school time mentors across Chicago.

Created in 2019 to honor the legacy of youth mentor and OST leader Mike “Brother Mike” Hawkins, the awards recognize mentors who demonstrate excellence in youth development and a deep commitment to social justice and racial equity.

“One of the most powerful outcomes of the Brother Mike Awards is the sense of community it builds among mentors. It reminds us that we are not working in isolation.”

What began as a one-night celebration has evolved into a broader culture of recognition—complete with mentor networking opportunities, storytelling platforms, appreciation events, and year-round visibility for OST professionals whose work is often unseen but deeply transformational.

By intentionally creating spaces for mentors to connect, reflect, and share their experiences, CLX is helping build a stronger, more connected OST ecosystem in Chicago—one where belonging, visibility, and community are central to retention and impact.

The article also highlights how meaningful recognition doesn’t have to stop at awards. From youth-centered nominations to mentor appreciation breakfasts and leadership storytelling, the Brother Mike Awards model how organizations can celebrate the people who shape young lives every day.

Read more in AfterSchool Today.

Recognition in the out-of-school time field often arrives in moments, like a staff shoutout, an award, or a week dedicated to appreciation. But Richmond Brown argues that meaningful recognition must go much deeper if programs want to retain and sustain strong teams.

In the most recent issue of AfterSchool Today, Brown explores what it means to build a true culture of recognition, one rooted not in occasional praise, but in daily leadership practices that help OST professionals feel seen, trusted, and valued.

“Recognition cannot live in isolated celebrations. It must be embedded in daily practice.”

Drawing from nearly two decades of OST leadership experience, Brown highlights how trust, collaboration, mentorship, and belonging shape staff retention just as much as compensation or workload. He challenges leaders to move beyond performative appreciation and instead create environments where staff voices are heard, growth is supported, and leadership opportunities are shared.

From celebrating progress instead of just outcomes to creating “micro-leadership” opportunities for staff, Brown offers practical strategies for building workplaces where people feel connected to both the mission and each other.

Because when recognition becomes part of organizational culture, rather than just a moment, staff stay, programs strengthen, and young people thrive.

Read more in AfterSchool Today.

Out-of-school time professionals show up every day during the hours when young people need them most, providing safety, mentorship, and stability during the “Afterschool Danger Zone.” But while their impact is undeniable, too many OST staff feel undervalued and overlooked.

In the most recent issue of AfterSchool Today, Rosalyn L. James explores a simple but urgent truth: recognition isn’t just about appreciation, it’s a key driver of retention.

“Recognition is not an extra — it is a necessity.”

James highlights how meaningful, consistent acknowledgment, paired with real investments in professional growth and leadership opportunities, can shift workplace culture and keep talented staff in the field. From authentic thank-yous to clear career pathways, her strategies remind us that supporting OST professionals requires more than one week of appreciation each year.

When staff feel seen, supported, and valued, they stay. And when they stay, young people and entire communities benefit.

Read more in AfterSchool Today.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is always a meaningful moment for the out-of-school time field. This year, it was also a powerful reminder of what is possible when we come together to elevate the workforce at the heart of our programs.

During our celebration last week, NAA led a coordinated campaign to celebrate, amplify, and advocate for afterschool professionals, centering both the people and the systems that support a thriving OST workforce.

A Week of Focused Storytelling and Field Leadership

Each day of APAW, NAA highlighted a different dimension of the profession, creating a narrative arc that reflected the depth, expertise, and impact of the workforce:

• Monday: The Power of Action
  We kicked off the week with a Story Showcase from NAA26 speaker Jodi Walker, whose message, The Power of Do, reminded us what happens when professionals stop waiting for perfect conditions and start acting alongside young people. Her story reinforced that afterschool professionals are not passive implementers, but leaders who adapt in real time, trust their expertise, and co-create meaningful change with the communities they serve.

• Tuesday: Investment in the Workforce
  Drawing on research from the Wallace Foundation, we reinforced that sustaining quality programs requires sustained investment in the professionals who make them possible. The research highlighted growing demand for out-of-school time programs and the critical role of workforce supports such as compensation, professional development, and systems that enable retention and long-term impact.

• Wednesday: The Fullness of the Workforce
  Midweek, we returned to the NAA26 stage with Cantrell Williams’ powerful message on identity and belonging. His talk, More than Acceptable: A Dare to Be Whole, challenged the field to consider what becomes possible when professionals bring their full selves to the work. This theme underscored the importance of creating environments where both youth and adults feel seen, valued, and able to lead authentically.

• Thursday: Recognition as Essential Infrastructure
  With the release of our latest issue of AfterSchool Today, The Power of Recognition: Recognition as Essential Infrastructure for OST, we elevated recognition as a core component of job quality, workforce stability, and program success. The issue explored how intentional recognition practices strengthen relationships, build trust, and create the conditions for both young people and professionals to thrive.

• Friday: Dreaming and Possibility
  We closed the week with a final Story Showcase from NAA26 speaker Jennell Riddick, whose message, You Get a Dream!, centered the power of mentorship and imagination. Jennell reminded us that when afterschool professionals nurture their own growth and leadership, they create the conditions for young people to dream bigger and pursue new possibilities for their futures.

Together, these themes underscored a central message: afterschool professionals are essential to youth success, and supporting them must be a year-round priority.

Amplifying the Field

A key component of this year’s campaign was participation from across the field.

NAA invited organizations, partners, and practitioners to share how they were celebrating APAW, and the response was strong. Through LinkedIn and other platforms, we saw a wide range of recognition efforts, from staff spotlights and appreciation events to storytelling campaigns and messages from youth and families.

We were proud to amplify many of these celebrations across our social channels, lifting up the voices and practices of organizations nationwide. This collective storytelling helped demonstrate both the scale and the diversity of the OST workforce and reinforced the shared commitment to recognizing and supporting professionals.

Recognition as a Starting Point

While APAW is a moment of celebration, it is also a call to action.

Recognition plays a critical role in workforce stability, job quality, and program outcomes. When professionals feel seen and valued, they are more likely to stay in the field, build strong relationships, and deliver high-quality experiences for young people.

At the same time, recognition must be paired with continued investment in compensation, professional development, and systems that support long-term growth.

Looking Ahead

As we move beyond APAW, our opportunity is to carry this momentum forward.

We encourage partners and field leaders to continue:

• Elevating the visibility and value of afterschool professionals
• Embedding recognition into organizational culture and practice
• Advocating for policies and funding that support a thriving workforce

Together, we can ensure that appreciation is not limited to one week, but reflected in the structures and supports that sustain the OST profession year-round.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is here! This week, April 20–24, organizations across the country are recognizing the afterschool professionals who make OST programs possible every day. These are the individuals who build relationships, create safe and engaging environments, and support young people’s growth with care and intention.

Their impact is felt in every community. And this week, we have an opportunity — and a responsibility — to make that impact visible.

Recognition Matters More Than Ever

In OST, we know that when young people feel seen and valued, they engage and thrive. The same is true for the professionals who support them. Recognition is not just a moment of appreciation. It is a core part of building a strong, stable, and thriving workforce.

When afterschool professionals feel valued:

• They are more likely to stay in the field
•  They build deeper relationships with young people
• They contribute to stronger, more consistent programs

Recognition is not extra. It is essential.

It’s Not Too Late to Participate

Whether you’ve been planning for weeks or are just getting started, there is still time to celebrate your team and join the national movement.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week can take many forms:

• Sharing staff stories and spotlights
• Hosting appreciation events or team gatherings
• Highlighting voices of youth and families
• Offering time for reflection, connection, or professional growth

Every action, big or small, helps elevate the profession and strengthen the field.

Use the APAW Toolkit to Amplify Your Efforts

To support your celebrations, the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) has created an Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week Media Toolkit. If you haven’t accessed the toolkit yet, it’s not too late! The toolkit makes it easy to share your message and connect your efforts to a broader, national narrative about the value of afterschool professionals.

Share Your Story

We want to see how you’re celebrating. Share your APAW moments on LinkedIn and tag the National AfterSchool Association. Throughout the week, NAA will spotlight stories, ideas, and celebrations from across the country, amplifying the voices of the professionals who power this field.

Beyond This Week

APAW is a moment to celebrate. It is also a reminder.

The ways we recognize and support afterschool professionals, through appreciation, job quality, and investment, shape the future of our field and the experiences of the young people we serve. This week, let’s celebrate loudly, and keep the work of recognition all year long.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is almost here.

From April 20–24, organizations across the country will come together to recognize the afterschool professionals who make OST programs possible. These are the individuals who build relationships, create safe and engaging environments, and support young people’s growth every day.

This week is about celebrating them and making sure their impact is visible.

One Week Away: Time to Finalize Your Plans

As APAW approaches, now is the time to bring your plans to life.

Whether you are hosting events, sharing staff stories, engaging families, or recognizing your team internally, every action helps elevate the profession and strengthen the field.

If you joined us last week in sharing your plans, thank you. If you are still finalizing details, there is still time to participate and make your appreciation visible in your community.

Use the APAW Media Toolkit to Amplify Your Message

To support your efforts, the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) has created an Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week Media Toolkit designed to make it easy to celebrate and share your message.

The toolkit includes:

• Ready-to-use social media graphics and messaging
• Sample posts and templates
• Resources to help you engage partners, families, and stakeholders

Using the toolkit helps ensure that, together, we are telling a consistent, powerful story about the value of afterschool professionals nationwide.

Help Us Spotlight the Field

We want to continue lifting up the incredible work happening across the country.

Share your APAW celebrations on LinkedIn and tag the National AfterSchool Association. Throughout the week, NAA will spotlight organizations, ideas, and stories from the field across our social channels and in upcoming eNews.

Your voice helps demonstrate the collective impact of the afterschool workforce and reinforces why continued investment in professionals is essential.

Why This Week Matters

Afterschool professionals are the backbone of program quality and positive youth outcomes. At the same time, the field continues to navigate workforce challenges that require sustained attention and investment.

APAW is a moment to:

• Recognize the expertise and dedication of professionals
• Elevate the visibility of the workforce
• Strengthen morale and connection
• Advocate for long-term support and job quality

When we celebrate afterschool professionals, we are also strengthening the future of the field.

Let’s Make It Visible

Next week is our moment to show the country what afterschool professionals make possible.

Use the toolkit. Share your story. Tag NAA.

Together, we can ensure that appreciation is not just a moment, but part of a larger movement to support, develop, and advocate for the afterschool workforce.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW), April 20–24, is more than a moment of recognition. It is an opportunity to elevate the people who make out-of-school time programs possible every day.

Across the country, afterschool professionals are creating safe, engaging, and enriching environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. They build relationships, foster belonging, and support academic, social, and emotional development. Their impact is profound, and their contributions deserve to be seen, valued, and sustained.

At the National AfterSchool Association, we believe appreciation is not only about celebration. It is about visibility, voice, and investment in a thriving workforce.

Show Us How You’re Celebrating

This APAW, we want to hear from you.

How is your organization recognizing and celebrating afterschool professionals? Whether you are hosting events, highlighting staff stories, offering professional development, or creating moments of connection and gratitude, your ideas can inspire the field.

Share your plans and celebrations on LinkedIn and tag the National AfterSchool Association at @national-afterschool-association.

We will spotlight select ideas throughout the week across our social channels and in upcoming eNews to amplify the incredible work happening nationwide.

Why It Matters

Afterschool professionals are the backbone of program quality and positive youth outcomes. Yet, the field continues to face workforce challenges, including staffing shortages, turnover, and barriers to career advancement.

Recognition plays an important role in addressing these challenges. When organizations intentionally celebrate and invest in their staff, they contribute to stronger programs, more stable teams, and better outcomes for young people and families.

APAW is a chance to:

• Elevate the professionalism and expertise of the workforce
• Strengthen staff morale and sense of belonging
• Highlight the impact of OST programs in your community
• Advocate for continued investment in afterschool professionals

Ideas to Get You Started

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few ways organizations are celebrating:

• Featuring staff spotlights and storytelling campaigns
• Hosting appreciation events or team gatherings
• Offering professional development or wellness opportunities
• Sharing messages from youth and families
• Recognizing staff publicly with partners and stakeholders

No action is too small. What matters is making the workforce visible and valued.

Let’s Celebrate Together

NAA is proud to stand alongside afterschool professionals and the organizations that support them. This month, we invite you to join us in lifting up the people who make this work possible.

Share your celebration. Tag NAA. Inspire the field.

Together, we can ensure afterschool professionals are not only appreciated for a week, but supported year-round.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is just around the corner, taking place April 20–24, 2026.

Across the country, afterschool professionals are preparing to be celebrated — and celebrate their colleagues — for the essential role they play in the lives of young people, families, and communities. From social media spotlights to handwritten notes from youth, APAW is a powerful moment for our field to come together and say: we see you, we value you, and your work matters.

But as we approach this year’s celebration, there’s an opportunity to go even further, because recognition is not just something we do during one week in April. It’s something we can build into the everyday experience of being an afterschool professional.

Expanding What Recognition Looks Like

Recognition can take many forms, and the most meaningful approaches often extend beyond appreciation into action.

As you plan for APAW, consider the different ways recognition shows up in your organization or network:

• Celebration: Publicly acknowledging staff through stories, shoutouts, and community visibility
• Voice: Creating space for professionals to share their ideas, leadership, and expertise
• Growth: Investing in professional development and learning opportunities
• Stability: Advancing job quality through fair compensation, supportive policies, and clear pathways

These forms of recognition reinforce a powerful message: afterschool professionals are not only appreciated, but essential to the strength and future of our field.

Why It Matters

Recognition is deeply connected to workforce stability and program quality.

When professionals feel seen and supported, they are more likely to stay, grow, and lead. In turn, the young people we serve benefit from consistent relationships, stronger programs, and enriching experiences that support their development.

This connection is at the heart of NAA’s work to build a thriving out-of-school time workforce. Recognition is not separate from job quality. It is one of the ways we demonstrate value, build culture, and sustain the profession.

A Field-Wide Focus on Recognition

This spring, NAA will further explore the power of recognition in the upcoming issue of AfterSchool Today, highlighting how programs and leaders across the country are embedding meaningful recognition into their daily practice.

We are also continuing to elevate the profession through the forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential, which will help define, support, and recognize the core practices that drive high-quality youth development. By strengthening how we name and support these practices, we strengthen the visibility and credibility of the workforce as a whole.

Together, these efforts reflect a shared commitment: ensuring afterschool professionals are recognized not only for what they do, but for the expertise and impact they bring every day.

Make Your APAW Plan Count

There’s still time to plan how your organization or network will celebrate APAW.

If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to:

• Use NAA’s APAW Press & Social Media Kit to share stories and appreciation
• Engage youth and families in recognizing the professionals in their lives
• Identify one way your organization can extend recognition beyond the week

Because when recognition becomes part of how we operate — not just how we celebrate — we build a stronger, more sustainable field.

NAA has developed a press release, blog post/enewsletter story, social media posts, and associated graphics to help you celebrate APAW this April. Click to access the APAW Press Kit.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is almost here — taking place April 20–24, 2026 — and the National AfterSchool Association is proud to once again lead this national effort to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for the professionals who make out-of-school time programs possible.

Across the country, more than 850,000 afterschool professionals support young people’s learning, development, and well-being every day. They are mentors, educators, and trusted adults who create safe, engaging environments where youth can thrive. APAW is our opportunity as a field to come together and elevate their impact.

Join Us in Celebrating #HeartOfAfterschool

We invite you, our partners, affiliates, and members, to participate in APAW by sharing your appreciation and uplifting afterschool professionals across your networks.

Whether you’re a program provider, intermediary, or partner organization, your voice helps amplify the message: afterschool professionals are essential, and they deserve recognition and investment.

How to Get Involved

• Share stories, photos, and shoutouts on your social media channels
• Highlight your staff, colleagues, and community partners
• Encourage youth and families to express their appreciation
• Lift up the importance of workforce support and job quality

To make participation easy, NAA has created a ready-to-use press and social media kit with sample posts, messaging, and graphics.

Access the APAW Press & Social Media Kit

Together, we can ensure afterschool professionals feel seen, valued, and supported, not just during this week, but all year long.

Let’s celebrate the #HeartOfAfterschool.

The National AfterSchool Association is in the final days of accepting nominations for the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders , a program that recognizes emerging young professionals who are championing afterschool and helping elevate the out-of-school time profession.

We’re looking for leaders age 30 or under who are making an impact beyond their individual program sites by strengthening organizations and communities, showing a proven commitment to learning and growth, and actively engaging in efforts that move the field forward. Nominees may be advancing areas like advocacy, professional development, creative program design, youth voice, data and evaluation, and social justice.

Nominations close Friday, Dec. 5. If you know someone whose leadership is already influencing others and inspiring what’s possible in afterschool, we’d love to review your nomination.

Submit a nomination (deadline: Dec. 5)
Learn more about eligibility and selection

Let’s celebrate the next generation of leaders shaping afterschool. Thank you for taking a few minutes to nominate someone extraordinary.

As many of us gather with our communities in thanks this week, the National AfterSchool Association team is also taking a moment to express our gratitude for the extraordinary leaders who shape our profession, especially emerging young OST leaders. These dedicated individuals, driven by an unwavering belief in the power of afterschool programs, are making a profound impact on the lives of countless young people, families, and communities.

Do you know an exceptional young leader who is shaping the future of afterschool care? Nominate them for the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders! NAA’s Next Gen is designed to recognize and honor the talent of young afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the field for years to come. These emerging leaders have demonstrated a commitment to advocacy, professional development, community engagement, and influence beyond an individual program

Nominations for this award are open through Dec. 5, 2025, and we encourage you to nominate a young leader who meets the qualifications outlined below. Sample nominations from past years are available for your review here.

This year, NAA will honor individuals age 30 or under as of Nov. 1, 2025 who are:

• Active in the afterschool community beyond their specific organization or program, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and NAA affiliates
• Actively engaged in higher-level efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession

In addition, nominees should demonstrate:

• A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader
• Contributions that have begun to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond
• Understanding of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply Level, moving toward Amplify in many of the CKSC content areas.

Each honoree will receive a free NAA membership, a free NAA26 Convention registration and recognition at Convention, ongoing leadership development, support in broadening their professional networks, and other opportunities to expand their impact. Those selected must be willing to respond to a written interview, submit a professional photo, agree to be featured in the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today magazine, and be highlighted on NAA's social channels and digital content.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is right around the corner, and to celebrate, we’re spotlighting the afterschool professionals who shared their stories at NAA25! Check out Lorenzo Harrison’s Story Showcase, "Turning Moments into Movement: Expanding Opportunities for Every Child." Watch it here.

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is right around the corner, and to celebrate, we’re spotlighting the afterschool professionals who shared their stories at NAA25! Check out Melvin Meade and Keanda Fuller’s Story Showcase about their mentoring relationship and the value of mentoring. Watch it here.

This year, Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is slated for April 21-25, 2025. Join NAA and our partners to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of youth.

NAA has developed articles, flyers, copy, and graphics that can be shared on social media, in emails and newsletters, and more. Click below to view APAW assets and join us to celebrate afterschool professionals in your own networks and community!

Click to View the APAW Press Kit

The 2025 APAW assets are being shared in our new media kit platform, Social Press Kit. Our team has created a video tutorial and written guide to help you navigate NAA’s press kits. Questions? Reach out to comscreative@naaweb.org for help navigating Social Press Kit or to request other asset types.

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is proud to announce the Class of 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders! This award recognizes young leaders in the out-of-school time field who have a proven passion for the development of themselves and others and who demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders in afterschool. In addition, honorees are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, and are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field.

“At the National AfterSchool Association, we understand the connection between program quality and positive youth outcomes — a connection that can only be facilitated by strong leadership and a thriving workforce,” said Gina Warner, Chief Executive Officer of NAA. “By supporting emerging leaders, we are supporting the workforce of the future, and we are excited how these emerging leaders make their mark on their organizations and the broader afterschool profession."

Out of over 100 nominations, 28 emerging professionals 30 years of age and younger were selected for this year’s honor. The entire cohort will be recognized at NAA’s national 2025 Convention in Nashville in March. Additionally, they will be profiled in a feature story in the National AfterSchool Associations biannual magazine, AfterSchool Today. View a digital edition of the magazine here this March.

Join us in honoring the 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders!

Brian Allen
ASAS DC
Washington, DC

Alivia Avila
Salt Lake City School District Community Ed
Salt Lake City, Utah

Ayana Bell
Boys & Girls Clubs of Mercer County
Trenton, New Jersey

Tylan Blades
YMCA of Greater Houston
Houston, Texas

Aujenay Cianciola
Center 360
Charlotte, North Carolina

Samone Coleman
Schools Out Washington
Tukwila, Washington

Blakeley Davenport
After-School All-Stars
Chicago, Illinois

Bao Huong Doan
Parks Tacoma
Tacoma, Washington

Allie Duke
Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA)
Nashville, Tennessee

Po Eh
Ignite Afterschool
Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota

Jesse Esquivel
Woodcraft Rangers
Los Angeles, California

Maritza Evette Garcia
City of Dallas Park and Recreation Department- Out of School Time Division
Dallas, Texas

Malia Kema
Utah Afterschool Network
Salt Lake City, Utah

Darian Lofton
Ignite Afterschool
Saint Paul, Minnesota

Alexis Mathieson
After-School All-Stars
Newark, New Jersey

Malachi Nelson
Black Hills Special Services
Rapid City, South Dakota

Hannah Orff
Butterfly Pavilion
Westminster, Colorado

Rebecca Osborne
After-School All-Stars
Cleveland, Ohio

Mason Pappas
Utah Afterschool Network
Salt Lake City, Utah

Jala Powell
Domestic Violence Prevention Network
Indianapolis, Indiana

Destiné Price-Willis
Fire Historical & Cultural Arts Collaborative
Kalamazoo, Michigan

Alexis Rivas
Think Together
San Bernardino, California

R’Quiya Ruffin
MLK Community Center
Indianapolis, Indiana

MyKayla Searles-Houston
U.S. Dream Academy
Houston, Texas

Derrick Smith, Jr.
LA’s BEST
Los Angeles, California

Elaina Wargo
YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Gabbrielle Whatley
Douglasville Parks and Recreation
Douglasville, Georgia

Lily Wilson
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri

Help us recognize the work being done by young people in out-of-school time. Nominations for NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders 2025 awards close TODAY, Dec. 4, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Please consider nominating a coworker, colleague, or yourself for this honor before the deadline! Click here to review successful past nominations.

NAA's Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders identifies young leaders and recognizes and cultivates the talent of afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the field of afterschool for years to come. The selected emerging leader honorees will have demonstrated contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to organizations and communities, a proven passion for developing themselves and others, active engagement in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, and demonstrated persistence in their work to grow as leaders.

The 2025 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders will honor individuals age 30 or under as of Nov. 1, 2024 who are:

• Active in the afterschool community beyond their specific organization or program, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and NAA affiliates
• Actively engaged in higher-level efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession

In addition, nominees should demonstrate:

• A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader
• Contributions that have begun to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond
• Understanding of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply Level, moving toward Amplify in many of the CKSC content areas.

We encourage all nomination submissions to share concrete examples of how a nominee demonstrates the qualities listed above. Are you ready to nominate yourself or another candidate? Click below to get started!

Submit Your Nomination Today!

Help us recognize the work being done by young people in out-of-school time. Nominations for NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders 2025 awards close TODAY, Dec. 4, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern. Please consider nominating a coworker, colleague, or yourself for this honor before the deadline! Click here to review successful past nominations.

NAA's Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders identifies young leaders and recognizes and cultivates the talent of afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the field of afterschool for years to come. The selected emerging leader honorees will have demonstrated contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to organizations and communities, a proven passion for developing themselves and others, active engagement in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, and demonstrated persistence in their work to grow as leaders.

The 2025 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders will honor individuals age 30 or under as of Nov. 1, 2024 who are:

• Active in the afterschool community beyond their specific organization or program, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and NAA affiliates
• Actively engaged in higher-level efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession

In addition, nominees should demonstrate:

• A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader
• Contributions that have begun to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond
• Understanding of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply Level, moving toward Amplify in many of the CKSC content areas.

We encourage all nomination submissions to share concrete examples of how a nominee demonstrates the qualities listed above. Are you ready to nominate yourself or another candidate? Click below to get started!

Submit Your Nomination Today!

Last week, the U.S. Department of Education announced the 2024 Engage Every Student Recognition Program Champions. This recognition program aims to showcase programs that have gone above and beyond providing high-quality afterschool or summer programming. 2024 Champions also excelled in the following areas:

• Employing evidence-based approaches
• Increasing their K-12 enrollment from the 2022-23 year to 2023-24 by at least 20%
• Serving students who attend schools with 40% or more students qualifying for free or reduced lunch
• Leveraging American Rescue Plan funding to expand access to OST and summer learning

The following programs were recognized as the 2024 Engage Every Student Recognition Program Champions:

• Litchfield, CT: Ed Advance BASES in partnership with Torrington School District
• Atlanta, GA: Camp Twin Lakes in partnership with Hall County School System
• Idaho Falls, ID: Community Youth in Action in partnership with Idaho Falls School District 91 and Booneville School District 93
• Springfield, IL: Compass For Kids, Inc. in partnership with Springfield Public Schools – District 186
• Baltimore, MD: Arts For Learning Maryland in partnership with Baltimore City Public Schools
• Ridgeland, MS: Scientific Research, SR1, in partnership with Forest Municipal School District
• Lincoln, NE: Lincoln Community Learning Centers in partnership with Lincoln Public Schools
• Nashua, NH: YMCA of Greater Nashua in partnership with Nashua School District
• Fair Lawn, NJ: iLearn Schools in partnership with North Jersey Arts and Science Charter Schools and Linden Public School District
• Youngstown, OH: Ohio Urban Renaissance in partnership with Youngstown City School District
• Canby, OR: Todos Juntos in partnership with Canby School District, Estacada School District and Molalla School District
• Florence and Lake City, SC: Boys & Girls Club of the Pee Dee Area in partnership with Florence 1 Schools and Florence County School District No. 3
• Sturgis, SD: Black Hills Special Services Cooperative in partnership with Rapid City Area School District

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona emphasized the importance of this initiative, highlighting that it’s not just about academic achievements but also about supporting the whole student. This includes mental health, extracurricular activities, and creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported. “These awardees include a range of organizations all across the country, with nearly half located in under-resourced or rural communities, Secretary Cardona shared. “Every child deserves the opportunities for out-of-school time enrichment these programs provide.”

For those interested in learning more, check out the full announcement from the Department of Education and join us in celebrating the 2024 Champions.

Engage Every Student was launched by Secretary Cardona in July 2022 and is a bold call-to-action to provide high-quality out-of-school time learning opportunities for every child or youth who wants to participate. Increasing access to high quality afterschool and summer learning programs is a core component of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Improving Student Achievement Agenda. And through the American Rescue Plan, schools, communities, and states have had access to additional funding to further support high-quality expanded learning programs and the well-being and academic growth of millions of students. The Initiative is a partnership between the Department, the Afterschool Alliance, the School Superintendents Association (AASA), the National League of Cities, the National Summer Learning Association, and the National Comprehensive Center at Westat.

As Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week nears a close, we are grateful for the support and celebration of OST professionals shown this week while also recognizing the necessity of long-term recognition, appreciation, and advocacy. Research and lived experience shows that skilled and knowledgeable program staff are the backbone of program quality and are key to program quality and positive youth outcomes.

As part of our Thriving Workforce Initiative, NAA is currently expanding our suite of resources with tools specifically designed for the support of and advocacy for OST workers. In the coming months, our OST Job Quality Standards will be refined and released, representing what we hope to be a constructive step forward for the profession.

As part of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, we are spotlighting our NAA24 Story Showcase speakers, who each shared real-life stories about the importance of professional development, the support structures they have found most valuable in their career, and the ways that their personal experiences intersected with their OST journey.

Keep reading to see how each Story Showcase might inspire you to celebrate #theheartofafterschool — those in your program, organization, or community that are integral to quality OST programming!

Learn about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week.

View Tyler Kearns, #Be Playful

View Nat Rosales, #Be Inclusive

View Tyneisha Gibbs, #Be An Example

View Tavaghn Monts, #Be Pliable

View Brandis Stockman, #Be Real

View Juan Livas, #Be Water

View Juan Alvarado, #Be Authentic

Happy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week!

Lorenzo Harrison

Lee’s Summit Before and Afterschool Y-Club

Attending various sessions and engaging with other participants has provided me with key insights into effective program management strategies, the importance of integrating social-emotional learning into afterschool curricula, and innovative approaches to engaging families and communities in the learning process. Additionally, hearing diverse perspectives and sharing experiences with fellow attendees has broadened my understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the afterschool field.

Toni Gray-Hazlewood

Global Kids, Inc.

My favorite quote from the convention was “When gaps are not filled with intention by default, they will place you in tension.” I’ve always been careful to have intention for the changes I implement. However, looking back there are a few processes that we tend to hold onto without intention that ultimately place us in tension.

Angelo Monaco

Before/After School Programs, Linden Public Schools

I realized that there are a variety of careers within the OST field. As a supervisor in a school district, I have a school-centric mindset related to after school programs. At the convention, I met people that have held various roles in OST and transitioned between organizations and roles. These connections have expanded my horizons of what it means to be an OST professional.

Jackie Lopez

California Teaching Fellows Foundation

The most memorable moment from the convention was standing on stage and seeing so many leaders in the afterschool field take the time to applaud and appreciate me and my fellow Next-Gen Leader honorees. I was amazed at how much NAA invested in this group of young leaders and the intentional spaces and places you created for us. I will carry this memory with me throughout my career.

Andrew Milburn

Harris County Department of Education - CASE

The NextGen awardees were such a great resource for perspective, knowledge, and advice. If we can maintain these relationships, then I know it will be an invaluable asset for everyone in the long run. Furthermore, I am trying to use this newfound awareness to be more involved in my local community. While at the NAA convention, I met people that were not just potential partners, but active contributors and stakeholders in the very programs that I serve. There are a million different roles and visions, and an array of solutions that are all coming together to tackle the same problem. I just want to understand it all, so I can do my part to help. 

It’s day three of Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, and we’ve already seen so much exciting celebration from members and within our networks. Keep it up, and tag us on social media to help us amplify what your teams are sharing!

• Facebook: /NationalAfterSchoolAssociation
• Twitter: @NatlAfterSchool
• LinkedIn: national-afterschool-association

This week, we’re spotlighting our fantastic Story Showcases from NAA 2024 Convention. These eight-minute, TED-talk style presentations were part of our general sessions at Convention in Dallas and feature real-life stories from afterschool professionals like you!

Our speakers each told unique and engaging stories about how their personal experiences intersected with their OST journey, career paths, and professional goals. Keep reading to see how each Story Showcase might inspire you to celebrate #theheartofafterschool — those in your program, organization, or community that are integral to quality OST programming!

Learn about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week.

View Tyler Kearns, #Be Playful

View Nat Rosales, #Be Inclusive

View Tyneisha Gibbs, #Be An Example

View Tavaghn Monts, #Be Pliable

View Brandis Stockman, #Be Real

View Juan Livas, #Be Water

View Juan Alvarado, #Be Authentic

Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW) is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of youth.

Why is it important to recognize afterschool professionals?

Afterschool professionals deserve recognition, appreciation, and support for their work with kids, families, and communities. 

• An estimated 7.8 million young people participate in afterschool programs yearly in the U.S. 

• Over 850,000 afterschool professionals--those who work with children and youth during out-of-school time–are part of a highly skilled and valuable profession. However, they are often not recognized or appreciated for their essential work.

• Research shows that afterschool professionals are the key to the program quality that mitigates risk factors and positively impacts youth outcomes.

• Afterschool programs run by skilled professionals result in increased social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance.

• Let's recognize, appreciate, and advocate for afterschool professionals during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week and beyond!

How can we show appreciation for our afterschool professionals?

The National AfterSchool Association has developed flyers, graphics, and talking points that can be shared on social media, in emails and newsletters, and more. View downloadable APAW assets and join us to celebrate afterschool professionals in your own networks and community! 

Here are some other ideas to show your appreciation:  

• Declare on social media: "Research shows that Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool"

• Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.

• Send an email to an afterschool professional's supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.

• Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program. 

Is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week celebrated every year?

Yes! Dates for upcoming years are below:

2025: April 21-25, 2025
2026: April 20-24, 2026
2027: April 19-23, 2027

Mark your calendars! From April 22 to 26, 2024, we celebrate Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (APAW). This dedicated week recognizes the incredible individuals who work with young people during out-of-school hours.

Why is it important to recognize afterschool professionals?

Afterschool professionals deserve recognition, appreciation, and support for their work with kids, families, and communities. 

• An estimated 7.8 million young people participate in afterschool programs yearly in the U.S. 

• Over 850,000 afterschool professionals--those who work with children and youth during out-of-school time–are part of a highly skilled and valuable profession. However, they are often not recognized or appreciated for their essential work.

• Research shows that afterschool professionals are the key to the program quality that mitigates risk factors and positively impacts youth outcomes.

• Afterschool programs run by skilled professionals result in increased social-emotional skills, school attendance, and academic performance.

• Let's recognize, appreciate, and advocate for afterschool professionals during Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week and beyond!

How can we show appreciation for our afterschool professionals?

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) has developed flyers, graphics, and talking points that can be shared on social media, in emails and newsletters, and more. Click below to view APAW assets and join us to celebrate afterschool professionals in your own networks and community!

DOWNLOAD APAW CREATIVE ASSETS

Here are some other ideas to show your appreciation:  

• Declare on social media: "Research shows that Afterschool professionals make a profound difference in the lives of young people. #heartofafterschool"

• Give a hand-written card from you and/or your child to the afterschool professionals you know.

• Send an email to an afterschool professional's supervisor describing why that person is appreciated.

• Make healthy or non-food treats for the staff at your afterschool program.