Communications Resources

A set of key messages that demonstrate how afterschool is responding to the crisis and why programs are essential for recovery. These messages will be updated regularly and include specific examples of programs in action during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A sample email and letter that make the case for including afterschool in discussions and planning around reopening schools. These can be adapted by state networks and/or providers and sent to education stakeholders.

A four-page handout that describes why afterschool and summer learning programs are important and effective; outlines the support we need for reopening; and provides specific calls-to-action by audience.

This is an internal document designed to help afterschool professionals understand and communicate about COVID-19 legislation and the important role afterschool and summer learning programs play during the crisis and through recovery. It includes: a backgrounder on COVID-19 legislation; talking points about afterschool and COVID-19; briefing tools for speaking about the CARES Act with stakeholders, policymakers, and LEAs; a template OpEd; a template letter to your governor; example letters to state superintendents of education; and an example of a youth advocate policy memo.

A one-page overview, created by the National Summer Learning Association, that describes what can be funded and how to advocate for funds to support summer learning.

A document that describes the ways in which afterschool and summer learning programs can help students catch-up and keep-up as schools reopen in 2020 – 2021 school year.

A summary of proven benefits, backed by data, of afterschool programs for working parents.

A summary of the latest data points about the benefits of afterschool programs, parent polls and 21st CCLC programs. (Updated March 2020)

Find your state’s 2020 21st CCLC one-pager from the Afterschool for All Challenge. (Updated March 2020)

National overview of 21^st CCLC programs, participants and evaluation data. (Updated March 2020)

A summary of the unique value of afterschool STEM and research demonstrating student outcomes. (June 2019)

A summary about the benefits of partnerships between CTE and afterschool programs.

A summary of research showing how afterschool is uniquely positioned to help address workforce gaps and prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow. (March 2020)

A summary of the latest research showing how afterschool helps young people build skills and relationships that help them thrive and reduce risky behaviors. (Updated March 2020)

An overview of upcoming activities, events and engagement themes.

A resource document to share experiences, best practices, and references we use in our social media work. All networks are invited to post info, ideas, and questions. Move between the tabs at the bottom cover 3 different topics: Platforms – Use, Tips & Notes; Benchmarks & Standards; and Ideas for Call Topics.

Tips and templates to help you plan and execute successful site visits.

A guide with tips on how to find a local afterschool program and what to do if your community doesn’t have a program.

A guide for parents on what to look for in an afterschool program to help their kids thrive at any age.

Use parent supporter cards to gather stories from parents and add contacts to your database. To request printed copies, please email Shaun Gray at sgray@afterschoolalliance.org.

State specific and national graphics showing the impact of the proposed elimination of the 21st CCLC initiative. How many kids in your state stand to lose their afterschool program?

(Updated February 2020) NOTE: These are embargoed until the White House budget announcement, but state networks can reach out if they need more materials ahead of time.

View the latest collection of standing banners and table top displays available for events. Brand and order your own materials for future events or borrow from the lending library. States borrowing materials should check the calendar for availability and contact Nicole Wilkins (Wilkins@collaborativecommunications.com) to reserve materials.

We’ve developed a collection of materials to highlight your state’s outstanding 21^stCCLC programs, including a program profile, story and quote card. Download this content gathering template to see examples and get started. Please email afterschool@burness.com for more information or to request help with design and editing.

Use parent supporter cards to gather stories from parents and add contacts to your database. To request printed copies, please email Shaun Gray at sgray@afterschoolalliance.org.

This guide includes examples of campaign visuals and guidance about fonts, color schemes, imagery and layout to help you produce new print and digital materials.

Use this Photoshop template to create your own story cards. Need help? Contact us at afterschool@burness.com.

A summary of talking points and findings from new message research on how afterschool helps kids learn and grow.

A summary of talking points and findings from new message research about how afterschool can inspire future careers.

A summary of talking points and findings from new message research about how afterschool programs support working parents.

A summary of talking points about the new federal law and messages that make the connection to afterschool.

A summary of talking points and findings from new message research on how afterschool helps young people avoid risky behaviors.

Use this as an example to design your afterschool stories related to student achievement and outcomes.

Use this as an example to design your after school stories about how afterschool helps keep kids safe.

Use this as an example to design your after school stories about how afterschool helps parents keep their jobs and support their families.

A short summary of the latest message research about afterschool.

A template for drafting op-eds that reflects the latest message research and can be tailored to emphasize important themes, such as keeping kids safe; protecting kids from substance abuse; supporting learning; and exploring career paths.

A new, free app built with and for afterschool professionals that provides high-quality, engaging learning content.  It includes activity playlists and multi-week modules that can be done at home or in small-group settings. The app’s content focuses on youth learning and well-being and is provided by organizations like Jazz at Lincoln Center, the California Academy of Sciences and After-School All-Stars.

The National Geographic GeoChallenge is a project-based, multilevel competition that empowers students in grades four through eight to develop creative solutions to today’s urgent environmental problems.

Students form teams of between four and six people and—through research, collaboration, and creativity—take action on a real-world environmental issue. Participation in GeoChallenge could take several weeks in Fall 2019, culminating in a project submission in January 2020. Details to be announced in mid-August at https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/student-experiences/geochallenge/

Network Promotion Period: August 15 – October 30, 2019

Students share their excitement about how afterschool programs are helping them learn, gain hands-on STEM skills, and get inspired about the future.

Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ywglcwA5CKQ 

Students explain how afterschool programs help them build confidence, discover their passion and give back to their community.

Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_XftzmWt-I

A synopsis of interviews about how afterschool engages young people in learning and helps them get excited about their future.

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5-c9AMaO0Q&t=3s

A college bound student explains how her afterschool program inspired a love of music and teaching. Student featured: Jazmyne McNair, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lawrence (a 21st CCLC site) in Lawrence, KS

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/DRTumlz_g28

A 21^st CCLC program director describes how afterschool exposes young people to enriching opportunities that help inspire future careers. Parent featured: Laticia Vacca, Program Director, C3 Afterschool Program (a 21st CCLC site) in Stratford, OK

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VXaP2LJnLG4

A college bound student shares his excitement about earning a college scholarship and his future career path. Student featured: Colby Holmes, New Hope High School Mr. Fix It Club (a 21st CCLC site) in New Hope, AL

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/tAy49Z6YnoE

A high school student describes how his afterschool program helped him learn to love reading and ignite his passion for filmmaking. Student featured: Matthew Tucker, Jones Middle School (Hampton Parks and Recreation), Hampton, VA

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Bzlisq2PBY8

A single dad credits afterschool for helping his young daughter transform from a struggling below average student to a confident straight A student. Parent featured: Dale Austermuhl, Joy Elementary After School Program (a 21^st CCLC site) in Fairbanks, AK

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Leq0uyLHH0o

A high school student explains how his afterschool program helped him develop public speaking skills. Student featured: Brennon Shope, Wayne County 21st Century Community Learning Center in Huntington, WV

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/3_Rv_i27_PU

A police officer talks about the importance of partnerships between law enforcement and afterschool programs. Community member featured: Captain Tyrone Collington, City of Takoma Park Police Department, ACE Academy (a 21st CCLC site) in Takoma Park, MD

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/VsF2ta1GqEY

Parents credit afterschool programs for helping them keep work schedules and provide for their families, and giving them peace of mind during out-of-school hours. Parents featured: Dale Austermuhl, Joy Elementary After School Program (a 21^st CCLC site) in Fairbanks, AK; Kelly Quattlebaum, New Hope High School Mr. Fix It Club (a 21^st CCLC site) in New Hope, AL

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIMJRThykIU

A mom explains how her kids’ afterschool program gives her peace of mind at work and keeps her kids engaged in fun learning activities. Parent featured: Pamela Shope, Site Director, Playmates Preschool and Child Development Center (a 21st CCLC site) in Ceredo, West Virginia.

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHMtCNbPN9o

Kids and parents talk about afterschool a critical support that allows parents to work and not worry. Students featured: Brennon Shope, Wayne County 21st Century Community Learning Center in Huntington, WV — Matthew Tucker, Jones Middle School (Hampton Parks and Recreation), Hampton, VA — Parents featured: Laticia Vacca, Program Director, C3 Afterschool Program (a 21st CCLC site) in Stratford, OK — Kelly Quattlebaum, New Hope High School Mr. Fix It Club (a 21st CCLC site) in New Hope, AL

Sample Content for Sharing – Share via Alliance YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3WaxfxM_Pg

A two-page handout from the Hawaii network that describes how afterschool programs can support different scenarios for reopening schools. This piece encourages school leaders to include afterschool in planning discussions.

A two-page handout that highlights IN afterschool programs’ impact on COVID-19 recovery, as well as students’ academic performance and behavior. It asks supporters to partner with IN afterschool programs to address inequities, support kids’ social and emotional development and more.

A two-page handout about how HI afterschool programs quickly pivoted to respond to COVID-19 and considerations for support to help programs re-open.

A factsheet about how afterschool supports workforce development and businesses benefit by partnering with the state afterschool network.

A factsheet about how afterschool programs can help to address the state’s talent shortage.

A summary of literacy assessments for Michigan students and research demonstrating how afterschool helps students make gains in reading.

A one-pager highlighting how afterschool and summer learning programs are supporting Kansas’ businesses by preparing their future workforce.

A one-paper explaining how investing in afterschool and summer learning STEM programs help connect kids to opportunities and build a prosperous state economy.

A one-pager illustrating how afterschool and summer learning programs support Missouri’s students, parents, and businesses.

A one-pager focused on how afterschool and summer programs prepare young people for college and the workforce that emphasizes STEM learning and offers specific ideas for businesses to partner with programs.

A one-pager describing how afterschool and summer STEM programs can help address the state’s workforce gap.

Graphics that explain the impact of afterschool and summer learning on the state economy.

A one-pager describing the “middle skills” workforce gap that North Dakota faces and explaining how afterschool programs help bridge the gap by preparing North Dakota’s future workforce.

A one-pager highlighting how afterschool programs support students’ positive social emotional health and help decrease risky behaviors, which are particularly important in the midst of West Virginia’s opioid epidemic.