File | Description |
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Accelerating Action and Investment visual | A simple visual to help show the historic opportunity we have for advancing afterschool and the need for accelerated action and investment to reach our north star of serving more children. This tool has editable Powerpoint slides to help convey: the strong foundation the afterschool field has built over the last 20 years; the pivotal moment we’re in now with historic ARP resources; the path we’re on and what we can achieve if we accelerate. States can easily tailor with their own data and priorities. |
Tools for Engaging Local Education Leaders | A simple cheat sheet with strategies to help you reach out to local education leaders. Includes step by step guidance, templates, handouts, ideas for handling “No’s” and sample materials different states are using to engage with state leaders, district leaders, and schools. Includes link to the Afterschool Alliance LEA outreach kit. (updated February 2023) |
Presentation: State Afterschool Funding Strategies | This deck highlights innovative approaches different states are using to fund afterschool and can be helpful to states that are looking to continue ARPA investments through state-level funding streams. Adapt this tool to make the case for investing in OST. |
Handout: A Summer of Growth & Learning | A factsheet about the urgent need for school districts to partner with summer programs. Summarizes ARPA resources, the evidence base for summer, and research-based strategies for successful summer programs. This can be tailored for state use. |
Handout: Comprehensive Afterschool | A one pager that describes and defines comprehensive afterschool programs, including what the evidence shows about outcomes, a puzzle graphic detailing program components, and the key principles for effective programs. This piece can easily be localized for states. |
Handout: Key Principles for Expanded Learning to Support Student Re-Engagement (Short & Long Versions) | A one-page summary that can be used to guide expanded learning policy and implementation at the local, state, and federal levels, which is particularly important as our country moves to recovery from COVID-19. And click here to download the full five-page guide to expanded learning policy and implementation at the local, state, and federal levels. |
Handout (Template): LEA Outreach | An easy-to-tailor template (in Google Slides) to help states engage with LEAs. This piece explains the value of partnering with afterschool, describes elements of comprehensive afterschool, and presents the evidence base for student outcomes. Also includes option to highlight a partnership between a provider and school/district. |
Content Gathering (Template): Create & Share Stories/Profiles about Maximizing ARP Funds | Use this tool to create stories and profiles about partnerships that have helped improve the quality of OST programs, expand OST program offerings, and/or serve more kids through afterschool and summer programs. Includes questions to consider and ideas for different types of materials, such as stories, program profiles, graphics, and audiograms. |
Tools for Engaging State Education Leaders | Guidance and tools to help networks engage SEAs and make the case for using ARP funds to support afterschool and summer. Includes how to develop your asks, resources about funding, materials from other states, and a sample letter to the state commissioner of education. The Afterschool Alliance team will continue to add tools as they’re developed. |
Timeline: ESSER Funding (2020-2028) | A timeline noting legislative activity, funding release dates, fund deadlines, and guidance for Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds provided in pandemic relief bills. Includes links to resources from Congress, US Department of Education, and CDC. |
Handout: How Afterschool Supports Students' Learning | A document that describes the ways in which afterschool and summer learning programs support the whole child, providing essential supports for academic, social, and emotional learning. Details how partnering with OST ensures more time for engaged learning, supports youth well-being, sustains connections to families, and addresses inequities. |
ESSER Handouts (Editable in Word) | Makes the case for using ESSER funding for OST. ESSER Afterschool and Summer Programs explains why programs are so important and provides state data about how many kids are missing out. ESSER learning loss explains different ways funds can be used to address learning loss. These were adapted from resources posted by Indiana DOE. |
Site Visit Toolkit | Tips and templates to help you plan and execute a successful site visit. |
A Blueprint for Supporting Schools | A handout that describes a vision for how afterschool providers, community partners, and schools can work together to build a better learning day for all of our kids, including by providing increased access to smaller classes and personalized learning; positive youth development; academic enrichment; and better aligned services. |