Hosted by the PA Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) and facilitated by the Afterschool Alliance, will provide an overview of the national celebration and its importance in highlighting the impact of afterschool programs. Participants will receive practical guidance, planning tools, and resources for organizing successful events, engaging youth and families, involving community partners and policymakers, attracting media attention, and showcasing the value of afterschool programs across Pennsylvania.

Date and Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM 

Learn more and register.

This year, we are bringing together the best of both conferences to create a comprehensive and enriching experience for administrators, educators, program staff, industry partners and other professionals passionate about enriching their students’ lives through OST programming.

Dates: February 26-28, 2025

Location: Hilton, 1 N 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Learn more and register.

Spanning topics from integrating STEM across the curriculum and innovative teaching methods, to the crucial inclusion of underserved communities and the expanding role of technology, this series promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for fostering STEM excellence.

Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to engage youth in STEM learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and prepare them for the future careers that await in these ever-important fields.

Act 48 credit is available.

In this webinar gain insights and guidance on preparing students for careers in STEM fields- skills and experiences that are crucial for success in the STEM workforce.

Date and Time: Jun 19, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Explore:

• Project-based learning opportunities, where students tackle real-world problems and design solutions collaboratively.
• Interdisciplinary approaches, bridging the gap between different scientific disciplines and encouraging holistic problem-solving.
• Emerging technology integration that exposes students to cutting-edge developments and prepares them for future careers in STEM fields.

Date and Time: May 22, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn more and register here.

Spanning topics from integrating STEM across the curriculum and innovative teaching methods, to the crucial inclusion of underserved communities and the expanding role of technology, this series promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for fostering STEM excellence.

Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to engage youth in STEM learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and prepare them for the future careers that await in these ever-important fields.

Act 48 credit is available.

This webinar focuses on strategies to increase participation and success of underserved communities, women and minorities in STEM fields.

Date and Time: May 8, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Register.

Spanning topics from integrating STEM across the curriculum and innovative teaching methods, to the crucial inclusion of underserved communities and the expanding role of technology, this series promises to deliver cutting-edge insights and practical strategies for fostering STEM excellence.

Attendees can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to engage youth in STEM learning, both inside and outside the classroom, and prepare them for the future careers that await in these ever-important fields.

Act 48 credit is available.

In the webinar explore ways to integrate STEM education across different subjects and innovative teaching methods to engage students in STEM learning.

Date and Time: April 24, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn more and register.

This session will introduce the new Standards for Science, Technology & Engineering, and Environmental Literacy and Sustainability, and Pennsylvania Technology and Engineering (STEELS) and their importance in structuring effective STEM education in OST programs. It will also provide an overview of the standards and tools needed to understand and implement them effectively and their impact on student learning.

Act 48 credit is available.

Date and Time: April 10, 2024, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Learn more and register.

This year, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) will be using PA’s robust system of STEM ecosystems to deliver STEM education assets to educators across the state. The resources, trainings, and materials in the Million Girls Moonshot Asset Package are directed to out-of-school educators, but many assets can be used by teachers in schools as well.

To learn more about this initiative, take a look at the Million Girls Moonshot Toolkit. More information, highlighted resources, and trainings will be available soon.

Questions or comments? Please reach out to Miriam Krause at mkrause@csc.csiu.org.

• Identifying, aligning and strengthening student K-12 experiences to postsecondary opportunities with career pathways in STEM;
• Strengthening, diversifying, and aligning educator professional learning in STEM;
• Ensuring quality STEM experiences for all students, early childhood through postsecondary; and
• Connecting STEM education to economic opportunities through collaborative partnerships with diverse stakeholders in the education and the business/industry communities.

The STEM Ambassadorship program will provide training by recognized advocacy experts and STEM professionals on STEM policy, media outreach, relationship building, and leadership development. The skills learned and outcomes will help shape the future of STEM education by targeting vital policy conversations to legislative leadership in the areas of computer science, STEM Learning ecosystems, state and federal policy for formal and informal education and workforce needs.  Please review additional program details on the PSAYDN website.

STEM Ambassadors supported successful advocacy efforts totaling $70 million over two years in the state STEM/workforce investment known as PAsmart as well as statewide STEM competitions and events, the building of STEM Learning Ecosystems, STEM camps, and resources.  STEM Ambassadors have also been involved in the development of STEM Learning Ecosystems and serving on committees for Pennsylvania Integrated Standards for Science, Environment, Ecology, Technology and Engineering.

Please consider applying and/or forwarding the information to colleagues/friends for consideration.  Applications must be submitted by January 21, 2022.  Program sponsorship opportunities are also available on the website or by contacting Winnie Black at wblack@csc.csiu.org.