Next year marks a major milestone: the National AfterSchool Association is celebrating 40 years of advancing the out-of-school time profession.

For four decades, NAA has championed the professionals, programs, and partnerships that help young people learn, grow, and thrive beyond the school day. Throughout the coming year, we'll look back at the people and moments that have shaped our history while celebrating the exciting future of the field.

You'll also see this milestone reflected March 14-17 In Denver at NAA27, where we'll honor four decades of impact with special anniversary celebrations woven throughout the Convention experience. Mark your calendars for NAA27 and stay tuned for more details in the months ahead. We can't wait to celebrate with you!

NAA Membership is a great professional development opportunity for your team! Want to ensure your staff get to see content like this weekly and are among the first to receive updates on the Foundational Practices Credential? Visit our member portal to register or renew an expired membership.

As a friend or former member of NAA, you’re receiving this special edition of News from NAA. Want to see content like this in your inbox weekly and be among the first to receive updates on the Foundational Practices Credential? Visit our member portal to register or renew an expired membership.

Each summer, the catalog serves as a trusted planning guide for thousands of afterschool and youth development leaders exploring everything from curriculum and staffing supports to consulting services, technology platforms, wellness initiatives, and organizational resources. If your organization offers products, services, training, consulting, or other supports that could benefit the OST community, we’d love to consider including you in this year’s catalog. Click through to learn more!

As out-of-school time professionals begin preparing for the school year ahead, many turn to NAA’s annual Back-to-School Products & Services Catalog to discover new resources, tools, professional development opportunities, and partners that can support their work.

Each summer, the catalog serves as a trusted planning guide for thousands of afterschool and youth development leaders exploring everything from curriculum and staffing supports to consulting services, technology platforms, wellness initiatives, and organizational resources. Because the guide is curated specifically for the OST field, it offers organizations a unique opportunity to connect with leaders at the exact moment they’re making decisions for the year ahead.

If your organization offers products, services, training, consulting, or other supports that could benefit the OST community, we’d love to consider including you in this year’s catalog.

Organizations can participate in several ways, including:

• Full-page advertiser-designed ads ($1,620)
•  Half-page listings featuring your logo, image, and brief description ($920)

Many organizations choose a full-page ad to create a strong visual presence and clearly communicate their offerings within this widely used resource, while half-page listings provide an accessible way to introduce your work to the field. Take a look at last year’s catalog to see how your organization could be featured.

In addition to the catalog itself, we’re also bringing back our Back-to-School Bash Spotlight Week (July 27–31), a five-day promotional campaign highlighting select partners across NAA channels. Spotlight Sponsors receive a dedicated eBlast to more than 30,000 OST professionals, social media promotion, and additional engagement opportunities designed to increase visibility during peak planning season.

Last year’s Spotlight Sponsors saw more than 10,000 email opens and 2,000+ clicks in a single day.

Whether you’re looking to raise awareness about a new offering, connect with OST leaders, or simply ensure your organization is part of the conversation this back-to-school season, we’d love to hear from you.

Materials and payment are due June 30.

To learn more or reserve your placement, contact marcom@naaweb.org.

As a member of the National AfterSchool Association, you’re getting early access to the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today! In this edition, The Power of Recognition: Building a Stronger OST Field, we explore a critical truth for our profession: recognition is not an extra. It is essential to building a thriving OST workforce and delivering high-quality experiences for young people.

Across this issue, contributors from across the field examine how recognition shapes culture, strengthens retention, and builds environments where both youth and professionals feel seen, valued, and supported. From everyday leadership practices to broader systems and policies, these stories highlight how valuing people drives belonging, stability, and impact.

You’ll also meet the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders — 30 emerging leaders whose work is already influencing programs, organizations, and communities nationwide. Their voices and experiences offer a powerful look at the future of the OST field and what it takes to sustain it.

As you explore this issue, consider how recognition shows up in your own work. Where are there opportunities to more intentionally acknowledge contributions, elevate voice, and embed practices that strengthen your team and your program?

The Spring 2026 issue will be released publicly tomorrow. For now, we invite you to be among the first to read and reflect.

Access your member preview.

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Timothy A. Raines to its Board of Directors, following a recent vacancy. Dr. Raines was voted in by the board during NAA’s annual Convention, joining a diverse group of leaders committed to advancing the out-of-school time profession nationwide.

Dr. Raines serves as Vice President of Quality Initiatives at the Indiana Afterschool Network, where he leads statewide efforts to elevate program quality, drive innovation, and expand access to meaningful learning experiences for young people. With a unique blend of scientific inquiry and educator insight, he brings a strong track record of advancing research-informed practices that support both youth and the professionals who serve them.

In addition to his statewide leadership, Dr. Raines is the founder and principal consultant of Dr. Tim Raines Consulting, LLC, where he partners with organizations across the country to strengthen organizational culture, advance inclusive practices, and support sustainable, equity-centered change. His work is grounded in a deep commitment to belonging and the belief that every child, family, community, and provider should feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive.

“Dr. Raines brings a powerful combination of field leadership, systems thinking, and a deep commitment to equity that aligns strongly with NAA’s mission,” said NAA CEO Gina Warner. “His experience supporting OST professionals and strengthening program quality across communities will be an asset to the board and the field.”

Reflecting on his connection to NAA and the broader OST community, Dr. Raines shared:

“I joined NAA in 2023 as the Indiana State Affiliate, and from my very first convention, I knew I had found my people. Being invited to lead the roll call of states was both joyful and grounding, it reminded me how powerful it is to be in community with others who believe deeply in the value of out-of-school time. Through those connections with board members, state affiliates, and leaders across the field, I saw what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose. After the 2024 convention, I shared with a colleague that I felt called to contribute at a deeper level. I am honored to now serve on the Board and to help advance a collective vision that strengthens equity and access, deepens belonging, and expands opportunity for both young people and the providers who support them in their leadership journeys.”

As the professional membership association for people who work with and for youth during out-of-school time, NAA plays a critical role in supporting, developing, and advocating for the afterschool workforce. Through its national network, state affiliates, and partnerships, NAA advances policies, professional development, and resources that strengthen program quality and expand opportunities for young people and families.

Dr. Raines’ appointment reflects NAA’s continued commitment to elevating field leaders who are shaping the future of OST through innovation, equity, and collaboration.

About the National AfterSchool Association (NAA)
The National AfterSchool Association is the professional membership association for people who work with and for youth during out-of-school time. NAA fosters positive youth outcomes by supporting, developing, and advocating for afterschool professionals and leaders. Through partnerships, professional development, and national convenings, NAA builds a strong, connected, and equitable OST field that benefits young people, families, and communities nationwide.

The National AfterSchool Association has announced the 2026 honorees of the prestigious Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders award. This recognition celebrates outstanding early-career professionals in the out-of-school time field who are deeply committed to their own growth and the growth of others, and who continue to build their leadership skills through dedication, curiosity, and perseverance. Honorees are also active contributors to the broader afterschool community, demonstrating impact that extends beyond individual program sites to strengthen organizations and communities while helping elevate the afterschool profession as a whole.

“Across the out-of-school time field, we’re facing a complex and demanding landscape, from workforce challenges to shifting needs and limited resources,” said Gina Warner, Chief Executive Officer of NAA. “What makes this year’s Next Generation honorees so remarkable is that they continue to lead with purpose and persistence through it all. By investing in emerging leaders, we’re strengthening program quality, supporting youth outcomes, and building the future of the afterschool workforce one courageous leader at a time.”

Selected from more than 140 nominations, 30 professionals age 30 and under were chosen as part of the 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders cohort. The full group will be recognized at NAA’s national 2026 Convention in the Washington, D.C. area in March. Honorees will also be featured in a dedicated story in AfterSchool Today, the National AfterSchool Association’s biannual magazine. A digital edition of the magazine will be available in April.

Bryce Akridge
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana
Indianapolis, IN

Mickaela Allison
Promise South Salt Lake
South Salt Lake, UT

Eric Barton
Urban League of Greater Chattanooga
Chattanooga, TN

Bianca Byrd
Madison Community Education
Phoenix, AZ

Malik Caldwell
Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center
Sacramento, CA

Amber Craig
Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline
Harrisonburg, VA

Derek DeLisi
For Kids Only Afterschool
Peabody, MA

Zaakirah Farid
Ivy league Kids
Mokena, IL

Bryianna Fips
Harris County Department of Education
Houston, TX

Michaela Flores
Columbia Housing Authority Moving Ahead Program
Columbia, MO

Brady Hargrove
Boys and Girls Clubs of South Central Tennessee
Columbia, TN

Guadalupe Hernandez
After-School All-Stars North Texas
Dallas, TX

Malik Hines
Boys & Girls Club of Rutland County
Rutland, VT

Deidre Johnson
Ironbound Community Corporation
Newark, NJ

Brianna Milton
USD 349 - Stafford Schools
Stafford, KS

Carter Mitrovich
Grove City Parks & Recreation
Columbus, OH

Dejah Morgan
Urban League of Greater Hartford
Hartford, CT

Lea Nelson
Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta
Snellville, GA

Sara Orellana
Think Together
Santa Ana, CA

Megan Ostergar
Utah State University Extension 4-H
Salt Lake City, UT

Hay Blute Paw
Ignite Afterschool
Minneapolis, MN

Guadalupe Ramirez
Boys & Girls Clubs Of San Antonio
San Antonio, TX

Ana Christina Romero
Woodcraft Rangers
Los Angeles, CA

Dakota Schlechter
BOOST
Raymore, MO

Chelsea Sidel
Cardinal Community Learning Centers
Crete, NE

Jalen Sultzer
Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
Indianapolis, IN

Marycruz Talavera-Chavez
Parks Tacoma
Tacoma, WA

Lily Tegner
Serve Alaska
Anchorage, AK

Alexandria Wong
After-School All-Stars
Federal Way, WA

Catie Young
YMCA of Columbia
Columbia, SC

Each year, an estimated 7.8 million young people participate in afterschool programs, and the field employs approximately 850,000 professionals and leaders. The National AfterSchool Association is the leading professional membership organization for those who work in out-of-school time and afterschool programs. NAA supports, develops, and advocates for afterschool professionals to help foster positive youth outcomes nationwide. Learn more at naaweb.org.

Our latest member resource, The Out-of-School Time Guide to Maximizing Mentorship for Professional Development and Personal Growth, was released last week. Log into your membership portal today to access the new guide!

Close out National Mentorship Month with the upcoming members-only resource, The Out-of-School Time Guide to Maximizing Mentorship for Professional Development and Personal Growth.

All current NAA members will receive their copy this Friday, January 30. Ensure you, your staff, and your colleagues memberships are current by logging into your membership portal today!

Ever wonder what colleagues, partners, and other afterschool professionals across the nation are reading to support them in their work? Check out our regular AfterSchool Today feature, What Afterschool is Reading!

In the most recent issue of AfterSchool Today, Amanda Heckenkamp reviews The Art of Showing Up by Rachel Wilkerson Miller, Krista Galloway reviews The Power of Mattering by Zach Mercurio, Amy Maciaszek reviews Talk to Me Nice, and Katie Greene reviews When We’re in Charge: The Next Generation’s Guide to Leadership.

Finally, Crystal Snyder reviews Raising a Nation: 10 Reasons Every American Has a Stake in Child Care For All. This issue also features an exclusive interview with author Elliot Haspel, conducted by NAA CEO Gina Warner. Read it here.

As we begin a new year, many of us are stepping back into familiar routines with fresh energy and maybe a renewed sense of purpose. At NAA, we’re excited about what’s ahead and grateful to be moving into 2026 alongside a community committed to youth development, learning, and impact.

Coming Together at NAA26
One of the best ways to start the year is by giving yourself something to look forward to. Registration for NAA26 is now open. NAA26 will be a space to reconnect, recharge, and reimagine our work together. It’s an opportunity to gather with colleagues from across the field for inspiration, practical learning, and meaningful conversations that spark action long after the event ends. We hope you’ll plan to join us March 11-14 at the Gaylord National Resort and be part of this collective moment of renewal and forward momentum.

Growing and Strengthening Our Community
As a member, you’re part of a powerful network advancing quality and equity in youth development. As you head into the year, we invite you to share NAA membership with colleagues, team members, and peers who would benefit from connection, professional learning, and being part of a national community. Expanding our network strengthens our collective voice and ensures more practitioners have access to the tools, resources, and relationships that support their work.

Looking Ahead: National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential
We’re also excited to share some critical work currently underway, the National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential. This project is in the development phase, and we’re actively engaging key interest groups as we shape and refine the framework. As we move toward a pilot phase, we’ll be sharing more details, and NAA members will be the first to know. We look forward to inviting your input and participation as this important initiative takes shape.

Thank you for being part of NAA and for the work you do every day to support young people. We’re looking forward to a year of learning, connection, and shared progress, and we’re glad you’re on this journey with us.

As the National AfterSchool Association approaches its 40th anniversary in 2026 and plans to commemorate four decades of elevating the afterschool profession, the NAA Board of Directors has officially embarked on a multi-stage strategic planning process that will guide our direction for the years ahead. The refreshed Strategic Plan will be released in June 2026 as part of our anniversary celebration.

This work begins with a thoughtful, inclusive process rooted in stakeholder voice. Earlier this month, the Board convened for the first phase of planning, a session designed to center the experiences of the people who make NAA what it is. Board members reviewed insights from our recent stakeholder engagement survey and completed a SWOT analysis, grounding the conversation in both external feedback and organizational realities. Together, the group revisited NAA’s mission, vision, and values and began identifying emerging themes and potential strategic focus areas.

Building on this foundation, the Board will shift in January 2026 to looking outward, by examining external trends, field-wide opportunities, workforce challenges, and the evolving needs of children, youth, and families. This step ensures that our future direction reflects not only where we are now, but also where the OST field is heading.

The process will then move into translating insight into action. In spring 2026, the Board will synthesize learning from both sessions into a comprehensive strategic roadmap. This plan will outline NAA’s strategic focus areas, major initiatives, measures of success, and phased priorities leading into and through our anniversary year.

Throughout the process, member voice remains central. At the 2026 NAA Convention, members will be invited to review the draft Strategic Focus Areas and provide feedback on priorities, tactics, and approaches, ensuring that our 2026–2030 Strategic Plan is both bold and grounded in the realities of the afterschool field.

Together, this collaborative process will ensure that NAA enters its 40th anniversary not only honoring our past but confidently charting the future of our association and the profession we serve.

We’re excited to share the Fall 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today, Voices for Change: Advocacy in Action — a special joint publication from the Afterschool Alliance and NAA.

Read the Issue Now

This edition spotlights the people and partnerships driving progress across the afterschool and youth development field. Through data, stories, and actionable examples, it illustrates how advocacy, both formal and informal, is strengthening systems, expanding opportunity, and improving outcomes for young people nationwide.

Inside this issue, you’ll find:

• Youth and adult changemakers leading efforts that influence policy, expand access, and mobilize communities
• New America After 3PM data that document demand, impact, and the urgency of sustained investment
• Strategies to grow and stabilize the OST workforce, a cornerstone of high-quality learning and care
• A national perspective on youth development and childcare as core social infrastructure
• Real-world examples of organizing, mentorship, civic engagement, and creative expression that elevate youth voice and build community power

Whether you're investing in the field, shaping policy, leading systems change, or partnering to advance equity, this issue offers insights and tools that support stronger, more resilient afterschool ecosystems.

Explore the Fall 2025 Issue of AfterSchool Today

Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to expanding opportunities for young people. Together, we can advance policies, partnerships, and investments that create a more equitable future for all.

Join us in recognizing extraordinary individuals, age 30 or under — firm believers in the power of afterschool ― who are vested in things like advocacy, professional development, creative program design, the power of youth voice, data and evaluation, and social justice.

If you know of a candidate worthy of this honor, review the information below and submit your nomination! The nomination period is open Friday, Nov. 1 through Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Click here for more information or to submit a nomination.

We are thrilled to announce the release of the Fall 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today, Voices for Change: Advocacy in Action!

Read the Issue Now

A special joint publication from the Afterschool Alliance and NAA, the latest edition brings together the voices of afterschool professionals, youth leaders, researchers, and partners who are raising awareness, driving solutions, and shaping stronger systems for young people and their communities. Through storytelling, data, and on-the-ground examples, AfterSchool Today highlights the many ways advocacy happens every day — both for afterschool and in afterschool.

Inside this issue, you’ll discover:

• Powerful stories of youth and adults leading change at local, state, and national levels
• Insights from new America After 3PM data that reveal impact, demand, and opportunities for action
• Innovative strategies to support and strengthen the OST workforce
• A special interview on youth development and childcare as essential building blocks of our social infrastructure
• Real examples of organizing, mentorship, civic engagement, and creative expression that elevate voices and inspire community action

Whether you’re a practitioner, system builder, policymaker, partner, or advocate, this issue offers inspiration and practical tools for moving the field forward.

Explore the Fall 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today

Thank you for lending your voice, passion, and leadership to this work. Together, we’re building a brighter, more equitable future for young people everywhere.

Each year, the National AfterSchool Association recognizes a cohort of emerging young leaders who are afterschool champions and believers in the out-of-school time profession.

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.

Join us in recognizing extraordinary individuals, age 30 or under — firm believers in the power of afterschool ― who are vested in things like advocacy, professional development, creative program design, the power of youth voice, data and evaluation, and social justice.

If you know of a candidate worthy of this honor, review the information below and submit your nomination! The nomination period is open Friday, Nov. 1 through Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Click here for more information or to submit a nomination

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 broader afterschool community, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and its state affiliates
• Actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession

In addition, successful nominees will demonstrate:

• A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader
• Contributions that have started to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond
• 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 NAA25 Convention registration, 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 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today magazine, and be highlighted on NAA's social channels and digital content.

Each year, the National AfterSchool Association recognizes a new class of young leaders who are shaping the future of the afterschool field. These individuals are passionate, innovative, and committed to advancing our profession far beyond their own programs.

We’re excited to announce that the nomination period for the 2026 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders will open Monday, Nov. 3, and close Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.

This national honor celebrates individuals age 30 or under (as of Nov. 1, 2025) who:

• Actively engage in efforts that elevate the afterschool field and profession
• Influence organizations, communities, and beyond
• Demonstrate persistence in growing as leaders and developing others
• Show an understanding of NAA’s Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply level and beyond

Honorees will receive a free NAA membership, complimentary registration to NAA26 Convention, ongoing leadership development, expanded networking opportunities, and national recognition. They’ll also be highlighted in the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today magazine and across NAA’s digital channels. To ensure honorees reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, NAA strongly encourages nominations of Black, Indigenous, and other emerging leaders of color.

Curious what makes a strong nomination? Check out the Next Gen Leaders page or take a look at the inspiring work of the 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.

Do you know a young professional who is ready to be recognized, or are you that person yourself? Don’t miss this chance to spotlight the passion, creativity, and leadership that will carry the afterschool field forward.

Nominations open November 3, 2025.

Join the National AfterSchool Association on Wednesday, November 12 at 2 p.m. Eastern for the release of our latest member resource, The Out-of-School Time Leader’s Guide to Establishing Sabbaticals for Sustainable Leadership. The webinar is free and open to all, but access to the guide is an exclusive benefit for NAA members. The guide will be released to all current members by Friday, November 14, 2025.

Register Now!

The National Academies' recent report, The Future of Youth Development: Building Systems and Strengthening Programs, offers a powerful vision for the future of out-of-school time (OST) learning. We at the National AfterSchool Association (NAA) are proud to say that our work is already in alignment with this vision, providing reassurance about the direction we're taking. This report affirms what we've long known: OST programs are essential to helping young people thrive. It also calls for stronger systems, better support for the workforce, and more equitable access to high-quality programs. These are the very pillars of NAA's work, emphasizing the importance of each stakeholder's role in our mission.

Elevating Quality Through Foundational Practices
The report highlights the importance of culturally sustaining practices, strong youth-adult relationships, and co-designed programming. Currently in development, NAA's forthcoming Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential will embed these principles into everyday practice. Building on our Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies framework, the credential will enable and support professionals to create spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered.

Supporting the OST Workforce
We know that youth development professionals are the heart of OST programs. The report highlights the challenges they face, including low wages, high turnover rates, and limited career advancement opportunities. NAA's Thriving Workforce Initiative is tackling these issues head-on. Comprising resources, convenings, recognition, and field and funder education, the Initiative works alongside our national partners and state affiliates to advocate for fair compensation, professional recognition, and leadership development opportunities that help youth workers grow and stay in the field.

To support and further this work, NAA has produced several foundational bodies of work that define the identity of OST professionals and the profession, including the Proclamation on the Profession; the Code of Ethics for OST Professionals; the Core Knowledge, Skills & Competencies and associated self-assessment; the Out-of-School Time Job Quality Standards, and related policy recommendations in partnership with the Afterschool Alliance.

Strengthening Systems and Intermediaries
Strong systems make strong programs. NAA works closely with state affiliates, city agencies, and national partners to build capacity and share best practices. Our convenings, publications, and partnerships help connect the dots between policy, practice, and research, just as the report recommends. NAA’s Affiliate network connects leaders from our 37 current affiliated state intermediaries for monthly meetings, encourages cross-collaboration and thought partnership, and brings Affiliate leads together in person annually at Convention. Together and in partnership with NAA, Affiliates offer unique strategies and missions that are pivotal in promoting quality afterschool programs through community building, professional development, and OST job quality improvement efforts in their territories.

Our spring 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today, NAA’s biannual magazine for OST professionals, highlighted the vital work of state intermediaries and local programs, including many outside NAA Affiliate networks. The issue showcased the practical, impactful efforts of skilled practitioners driving success in the field every day.

Centering Equity and Access
Equity isn't just a value. It's a practice. The report recommends reducing barriers to OST participation, particularly for marginalized youth. NAA provides tools and frameworks to help programs assess and improve their inclusivity. We also advocate for policies that expand access and ensure every young person can benefit from high-quality OST experiences.

As leaders in the field work to remove barriers to program access, we also recognize that the field must work to ensure a strong OST workforce, pipeline of professionals ready to serve, and incentives and development opportunities that also create career pathways and a leadership pipeline. Our Guide to Equitable Hiring and Staff Development Practices was intended to catalyze the OST workforce, our stakeholders and partners to examine systems and to elevate practices and policies that will build and strengthen the field. The guide features best practices and guiding questions to support policy and practice in the areas of recruitment and hiring, onboarding and professional development, and performance reviews and feedback.

Additionally, recent AfterSchool Today issues have been dedicated to this work, including our fall 2023 issue focused on healthy experiences, and our fall 2024 issue about celebrating and supporting neurodiversity in afterschool. These collections of narrative, research, and best practices from the field support opportunity and access among OST professionals and the youth and families they serve.

Advancing Research and Evidence-Based Practice
We're committed to learning and growing alongside the field. NAA partners with researchers and thought leaders to share evidence-based strategies and elevate what works. Our commitment to using data and stories to drive meaningful change should instill confidence in our audiences.

Our upcoming fall 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today will spotlight the powerful voices of afterschool professionals and youth who are standing up, speaking out, and leading the way toward a brighter future. We recognize that stories grounded in data, research, and real-world practice not only inspire but also provide models that others can adapt and implement. By weaving together evidence and lived experience, this issue seeks to equip the field with insights that are both meaningful and actionable.

In 2026, NAA will launch a monthly research newsletter sharing studies, surveys, and policy updates shaping the out-of-school time field. Each issue will highlight trends, insights, and trusted resources to support evidence-based practice and stronger outcomes for youth and staff. Members can submit reports and research, and the newsletter will serve as a platform for surveys and other opportunities to contribute to the field’s knowledge.

Looking Forward
The National Academies' report is a call to action and a validation of the work already happening across the OST field. At NAA, we're excited to continue leading, listening, and learning as we build a future where youth development is prioritized, resourced, and celebrated. Our work is making a significant impact on the future of youth development.

Let's keep moving forward — together.

Want to share this article about NAA’s field leadership? Check out our press kit to easily promote this and other timely NAA stories to your network through social media, email, and blog posts.

This summer, the National AfterSchool Association introduced our first Back-to-School Bash, a weeklong spotlight on resources designed to help OST professionals prepare for the year ahead. Together with our valued partners, we highlighted innovative tools, resources, and programs designed to help afterschool and summer learning professionals kick off the year with confidence.

From curriculum and family engagement platforms to operational support and professional resources, each day of the week featured a trusted partner committed to strengthening the afterschool field. Hundreds of professionals joined us live for webinars, giveaways, and spotlights on solutions to make fall programming smoother, more engaging, and more impactful.

The week also marked the release of the Fall 2025 Products & Services Catalog , your one-stop guide to curated resources that support high-quality programming. Inside, you’ll find top picks recommended by NAA, featuring everything from curriculum and professional development to supplies and technology solutions.

If you missed any of the highlights, you can still explore the catalog and catch up with each sponsor’s featured resource below:

Explore the Fall 2025 Catalog
Your guide to top picks from NAA and our valued partners to help you create an exceptional fall experience. 
Check Out the Catalog

Arux
Meet Arux, a browser-based, mobile-friendly platform to manage any type of out-of-school programming you run. Watch their informational video to learn more about innovating attendance tracking and family engagement.
Watch Now

AllBoss Club
Discover AllBoss Club, a project-based curriculum that teaches students entrepreneurship by helping them start and run real businesses. 
Learn More

Line Leader
Line Leader streamlines your afterschool operations. Watch their webinar recording to learn more about how Line Leader can support your program. 
Watch Now

NAA Membership
As you head into a new program year, now is the perfect time to join or renew your NAA membership and connect with the tools, resources, and network that support your growth and strengthen our field. Click below to hear from NAA’s CEO Gina Warner about the benefits of membership! 
Watch Now

As the National AfterSchool Association begins the work of updating our strategic plan, we want to hear from you — the professionals and leaders who live and breathe afterschool every day.

Submit a trend, idea, or resource here.

We’re inviting NAA members to share insights, signals, and trends that you’re noticing across the field. What’s changing in your community, your program, or the broader OST ecosystem? What’s emerging that we should be paying attention to?

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) is pleased to welcome the Rhode Island Afterschool Network (RIAN) as its newest affiliate partner. This affiliation reflects a shared commitment to advancing the out-of-school time (OST) field and supporting the professionals who make high-quality programs possible across Rhode Island.

As an official NAA affiliate, RIAN will serve as a key connector and advocate for OST professionals in the state, helping to grow membership, strengthen professional development, and champion policies that support the field. Affiliates like RIAN play a vital role in creating strong, statewide OST networks that promote equity, elevate the profession, and improve outcomes for youth, families, and communities.

“Joining NAA as an affiliate deepens our commitment to advancing equity, improving quality, strengthening the OST workforce, and expanding access to high-quality learning beyond the school day,” shared RIAN Network Lead Michael Dunican. “In collaboration with our partners, we are co-creating a sustainable, youth-centered ecosystem where OST programming is recognized as essential public infrastructure — driving student success, family stability, and community resilience across Rhode Island.”

Rhode Island now joins the 35 existing NAA affiliates across the country. Each affiliate is selected based on its alignment with NAA’s mission, its organizational capacity, and its ability to foster strong local connections among OST stakeholders. Affiliates are expected to demonstrate leadership in the field and offer pathways for professionals to engage with the broader national OST movement.

“NAA’s affiliate network is essential to our work of growing and supporting the OST profession nationwide,” said Heidi Ham, Chief Operating Officer at NAA. “We’re excited to collaborate with RIAN to expand access to and support professionals in high-quality, inclusive afterschool opportunities in Rhode Island and beyond.”

The National AfterSchool Association is the leading network of OST professionals dedicated to fostering positive youth outcomes through advocacy, professional development, and community building. Through this new partnership, RIAN will gain access to NAA’s national platform, rich network of professionals, and strategic resources designed to enhance job quality and promote equity in afterschool and expanded learning.

Together, NAA and RIAN will continue building a stronger OST infrastructure in Rhode Island, one that supports youth development, workforce sustainability, and access for all.

For more information about the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and its affiliation with NAA, visit naaweb.org.

The National AfterSchool Association is excited to launch our Fall 2025 Products & Services Catalog! From professional development and curriculum resources to program management tools and equipment, this catalog highlights our top picks and trusted partners to help you create an exceptional fall experience.

Check out the catalog now!

To celebrate, we’ve been hosting a weeklong Back-to-School Bash featuring daily spotlights on some of our valued sponsors and their innovative solutions. Each day, watch for an email at 9:30 am ET and a special video or live webinar around noon to help you learn, engage, and win giveaways — and check in on Thursday for a special NAA announcement from CEO Gina Warner.

Yesterday, members joined AllBoss on their live webinar to learn more about their flexible, project-based curriculum that guides students in launching real businesses. Attendees were entered to win a BossPack and Annual Site License — everything a program needs to get started (a $320 value)!

Here’s what’s coming up this week:

• Wednesday, July 30: Arux: Discover how their platform simplifies program management. Watch their on-demand video and enter to win a $10 Starbucks gift card.
• Thursday, July 31: NAA Membership: Learn why membership matters and how it can support your professional growth this year. Tune in to our video from CEO Gina Warner for a special NAA announcement!
• Friday, August 1: LineLeader: Register here for their live webinar at 1:30 pm ET to learn how to streamline your afterschool operations, and enter for a chance to win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards!

Don’t miss this chance to connect with industry-leading tools and resources that make your fall planning easier and your programs stronger. Stay tuned the rest of the week for more information and opportunities to engage.

This week, the National AfterSchool Association is celebrating Back-to-School with sponsors from our Fall 2025 Products & Services Catalog! We know that planning for fall programming involves many important decisions, from professional development and curriculum planning to supply purchasing and equipment upgrades. Check out the catalog here for top picks from NAA and our valued partners to help you create an exceptional fall experience.

As the National AfterSchool Association begins the work of updating our strategic plan, we want to hear from you — the professionals and leaders who live and breathe afterschool every day.

We’re inviting NAA members to share insights, signals, and trends that you’re noticing across the field. What’s changing in your community, your program, or the broader OST ecosystem? What’s emerging that we should be paying attention to?

Whether it’s:

●      A new challenge or need among young people

●      Innovations in program delivery or tech

●      Shifts in the workforce or funding landscape

●      Fresh approaches to equity, partnerships, or leadership

…your perspective can help us better understand where the field is headed — and how NAA can be ready to meet the moment.

Submit a trend, idea, or resource here.

We’ll be compiling your submissions into an ongoing NAA Trend Radar to inform strategic discussions and shape the direction of our work through 2028.

Thanks for being part of a community that not only serves youth — but helps lead the future of afterschool.