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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tips and templates to help you plan and execute a successful site visit.

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.

This guide features new messages to help make the case for investing ARP funds in afterschool and summer programs. It combines compelling data with the most recent message research to explain how afterschool is meeting kids’ needs and delivering what parents want; what afterschool offers and how it’s unique; how school districts benefit from partnerships; and the urgency to act.

The Healthy Futures Google Drive includes communications tools and state examples related to SEL, mental well-being, keeping kids safe, and using cannabis tax revenue to support OST. You’ll find a national factsheet, “Thriving in Afterschool,” issue briefs, message guides, and more.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

Supporting Mental Well-Being for Texas Youth. This one pager outlines Texas’s investment in OST programs to address the state’s youth mental health crisis. It was used at the TXPOST statewide conference for OST providers on March 16.

Texas Mental Well-Being Conference Presentation. This slide deck dives into the youth mental health crisis and how OST programs are uniquely situated to help address it. It was used at the TXPOST statewide conference for OST providers on March 16.

Newsletter, Email, and Letter Template Toolkit. Features template materials for Afterschool Networks working to support their states in connecting to families that currently have and/or are eligible for health coverage through Medicaid and CHIP.

Messaging: OST Programs Paving the Way. A short summary of a research study to understand how parents, teachers, and program providers perceive the role of out-of-school-time programs in children’s social, emotional, and academic development to help inform communications, programs, and policy.

Vermont: Addressing Mental Well-Being. Makes the case for responding to the youth mental health crisis with coordinated and urgent action, including partnering with afterschool programs. This factsheet explains the unique role OST can play in supporting kids’ mental well-being and describes the benefits of cross-agency collaboration.

The Workforce Google Drive includes tools and handouts related to helping young people gain workforce skills, inspiring future careers, supporting working parents, and career and technical education, You’ll find an issue brief, message guides, factsheets, and many example materials from states.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

Supporting North Dakota’s Families and Workforce. A summary of how afterschool programs in North Dakota have helped to bridge the childcare gap.

Factsheet: This is Afterschool (Workforce). A summary of research showing how afterschool is uniquely positioned to help address workforce gaps and prepare young people for the jobs of tomorrow.

Factsheet: This is Afterschool (CTE). A summary about the benefits of partnerships between CTE and afterschool programs.

The Learning Google Drive includes tools and handouts related to academic outcomes, accelerating learning, and credit for learning programs. You’ll find summaries of key research, an issue brief on credit for learning, a message guide on helping students learn and grow, and example materials from states.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

Freedom to Explore Op-Ed Template. A template for state networks to use to promote the value of afterschool.

Research Brief: Evidence Base for Afterschool and Summer. A summary of research on the positive impact of OST programs on academics, learning, and core competencies.

Issue Brief: Credit for Learning: Making Learning Outside of School Count. A guide about credit for learning programs, which offer students opportunities to explore their interests and participate in activities that allow them to earn credits toward their graduation requirements.

South Carolina: Partnering to Engage Students and Accelerate Learning. A handout developed with SCAA for a presentation to the National Assessment Governing Board—the education stakeholders who set policy for The Nation’s Report Card, also known as the National Assessment of Educational Progress, or NAEP. The handout focuses on key data with messages about how OST engages students, the power of partnership, and the need to expand access.

The Quality OST + Value of State Networks Google Drive includes materials states have used to explain what high-quality OST is, demonstrate their value of their network, and make the case for sustainable funding. You’ll find many examples of state materials and a summary about the impact and power of the 50 State Afterschool Network.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

New Mexico OST Funding Announcement Toolkit. This toolkit was designed to celebrate New Mexico’s recent $20 million investment in OST, educate program networks about the opportunity, and encourage programs to apply for funding. It includes graphics and sample social media posts.

Oregon: The Future of Afterschool and Summer Programs. This factsheet outlines Oregon’s vision for OST programs for its state’s youth.

Ohio: Why Quality Matters. This one pager covers the importance of high-quality OST programs and the role of the state network in supporting them.

The Future of Hawaii’s OST Programs: Case for Support. Hawaii makes the case for sustainable funding for OST programs, including by highlighting the value of programs and the current funding gap. This factsheet breaks down the cost per child and various programming expenses with simple graphics.

The STEM Google Drive includes brief reports that summarize research, handouts about program outcomes, and many example materials from states.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

Factsheet: This is Afterschool STEM. A summary of the unique value of afterschool STEM and the latest research demonstrating student outcomes.

Leveraging OST STEM to Support Education Recovery

Vermont: STEM handout. One pager with state-specific data on STEM workforce and outcomes of afterschool STEM programs.

The Summer Google Drive includes an op-ed template, factsheets, resources from Wallace and NSLA, and example materials from states.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

Oregon: Expanding Afterschool and Summer Programs Toolkit. A toolkit promoting new findings on the impact of a $50 million state investment in summer programs.

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.

Vermont: Summer Matters for All Grant Program. A visual factsheet that highlights the reach and impact of Vermont’s summer grant program, which directed nearly $4 million in federal funding to support expanded learning for youth statewide. Vermont also captured success stories from individual programs to showcase the impact of the grant awards. See the full collection of story cards.

Evidence Base for Summer Enrichment. A brief by Terry Peterson and Deborah Vandell with data that states, communities, and school districts can use to develop and implement their own plans for evidence-based summer and afterschool learning opportunities for their students, in partnership with local communities and families.

The 21^st CCLC Google Drive includes a national factsheet, the latest state-specific factsheets, research evaluations, and example materials from states, including stories, program profiles, and student testimonials.

Some of the most recent and popular tools include:

State Factsheets: 21^st CCLC – This is Afterschool. Find your state’s 2022 21^st CCLC one pager from the Afterschool for All Challenge.

Factsheet: 21^st CCLC. National overview of 21^st CCLC programs, participants, and evaluation data.

Factsheet: The Academic and Social Emotional Benefits of 21^st CCLC. A research brief about the academic, social, and emotional benefits of 21^st CCLC programs.

Access Afterschool Alliance overview of upcoming activities, events, and engagement themes. Includes a calendar that provides daily posts for Twitter and Facebook, imagery suggestions, and evergreen content. Calendar is updated every month.

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

(Updated with Rural AA3 Materials!) Your resource for all materials related to the latest America After 3PM reports, including on STEM and summer programs. You’ll find social media posts, graphics, and artwork you can localize, as well as template tools, state and national fact sheets, and news releases.

Messaging tools to help state networks introduce and explain Engage Every Student to key partners, including talking points about how the initiative can help in your state, a sample email, and a blog post.

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

Find monthly tips, posts, and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels. Each media assets package also includes a link to a content package, which lists webinars and professional development resources.

This Google Drive includes tools to help you explain, promote, and engage partners in the Million Girls Moonshot. You’ll find talking points, a video, a PowerPoint deck, a series of one pagers, a template for a state factsheet, and social media graphics. These are ready to share and easy to tailor with state or local information. You can also access 2020 launch materials and all asset packages from this main folder. Please contact afterschool@burness.com if you would like the state template customized with your logo and contact information. Materials will be added as completed.

This toolkit is specifically for afterschool program staff. It is a collection of resources, tools, and activities to implement the initiative.

Download logo files and check the identity guide for helpful tips about designing your own digital and print materials.

This toolkit includes tips, key messages, sample flyers, graphics, copy for emails, ads, and social media that program providers and state networks can use to recruit staff for afterschool and summer programs.

A collection of resources to help program providers build support in the community, reach policy makers, engage media, and find sustainable sources of funding. Includes tips and tools for starting, running, and sustaining a program.

Two highly produced videos (a full-length version and 30-second version) show how credit-for-learning programs give youth freedom explore their passions while earning school credits. State networks are welcome to use and share these videos. The full-length video can be accessed here and the 30-second version can be accessed here.

To download the videos and natively upload them to your platforms, use this Google Drive link where you’ll find captioned versions for social sharing and SRT files for uploading to YouTube.

A 30-second animated video that shows how kids benefit from summer enrichment and makes the case for using ARP funding to support local summer programs. Intended for use on social channels.

A highly produced inspirational 60-second video that shows how afterschool programs challenge kids and encourage them to grow and keep learning. State networks are welcome to use and share this video. The video can be accessed via Vimeo at this link.

To download the video and natively upload it to your platforms, use this Dropbox link where you’ll find a captioned version for social sharing and SRT file for uploading to YouTube.

A 40-second video that shows how afterschool programs responded to the pandemic to support students and accelerate their recovery.

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 short collection of footage from afterschool providers that showcases some of the exciting learning opportunities afforded to students. Can be shared with media and partners for use in news stories or other promotions. Credits (provided in clips) are required.

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 21^st 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 21^st 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 21^st 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 21^st CCLC 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 21^st 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 21^st 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 as a critical support that allows parents to work and not worry. Students featured: Brennon Shope, Wayne County 21^st 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 21^st CCLC site) in Stratford, OK;  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=D3WaxfxM_Pg

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.

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.

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

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.