Communications Resources

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.

Collection of materials to help state networks and providers encourage families to enroll their kids in a summer program and recruit/hire new staff. Includes messages and sample copy for social, email, newsletter and web, as well as template designs for flyers and social graphics. Editable art files provided.
For an example of a robust summer campaign, check out the Vermont Network’s 2021 Summer Matters website, which was launched in April in partnership with the state education and human services agencies.

Guidance and tools to help networks engage SEAs and make the case for using American Rescue Plan funds to support afterschool and summer. Kit includes action steps for developing your asks, resources about funding, ideas and materials from other states, and a sample letter to the state commissioner of education. We will continue to add tools as they’re developed.

An easy to tailor one pager that explains how American Rescue Plan funds flow in your state and the unique ways your network can help state education agencies maximize supports for students. Includes funding information from this source and a story callout. See how Minnesota customized this with specific asks!

This tool has STEM-specific talking points for learning recovery and workforce. Use these messages for engaging with policymakers and education leaders to make the case for partnership and funding.

A template for drafting op-eds about the benefits and critical role of summer learning programs this year. Includes description of American Rescue Plan funding and partnership opportunities, as well as AA3 data about unmet demand. Easy for states and partners to tailor and describe local programs and needs.

A factsheet summarizing the benefits and research on summer programs that explains how they help accelerate learning and meet kids’ needs. Emphasizes messaging about equity, highlights role programs play in addressing hunger, and includes research-based strategies for successful summer programs.

Review these slide decks states are using to engage with education leaders—tailor them for presentations you have with state and local groups. A WV presentation about partnerships between school districts and summer and afterschool programs. A KY school boards presentation about partnering with state level education organizations, including your state school boards association and teachers unions to help reach LEAs.

A slide deck that describes funding opportunities available via the American Rescue Plan, federal, state and local decisionmakers, asks and questions for the field to consider. The slides can be edited and tailored by states.

Two editable handouts (in Word) that make the case for using ESSER funding for summer and afterschool programs. 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 documents were adapted from resources posted by the Indiana DOE.

A template letter programs and advocates can use to urge local education leaders to dedicate federal COVID-19 relief funds (ESSER II funds) for afterschool and summer programs, as well as talking points for meetings and emails with local education leaders, and suggested handouts to share.

A set of messages that explain how summer and afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to address learning loss, provide SEL supports and help students recover. These messages include new America After 3PM data and will be updated regularly.

A three-page handout that shows how afterschool and summer programs accelerate learning with unique academic, social and emotional supports. Includes new data from Deborah Vandell and 2020 America After 3PM, as well as a featured program story that can be tailored for states.

A two-page handout that describes how afterschool and summer learning programs are essential for meeting kids’ needs and addressing inequities. It also explains why COVID relief funds are needed with specific examples of how they would be used.

A sample letter describing specific asks for Governors to consider in supporting afterschool and summer programs utilizing the opportunities in the federal Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations (CRRSA) Act.

Use this tool to help you speak with principals, superintendents, and school boards about using COVID-19 recovery dollars to support students with afterschool and summer learning programs.

This document provides guidance to help afterschool state and local leaders connect their work to the new legislation passed in response to COVID-19 in December 2020 and maximize new and existing funding opportunities.

A backgrounder on CRSSA funding opportunities that includes information about key decisionmakers and timing.

Updated March 2021: 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.

Updated March 2021: A full guide to 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.

A template for drafting op-eds that reflects a forward-thinking vision for afterschool and describes learning supports that young people need today. The template can be tailored to emphasize important themes, including SEL, healing from trauma, the digital divide, workforce and more. If you’d like help revising and/or placing an op-ed, please contact Lauren Maddox at lauren.maddox@hklaw.com or 703.395.6185.

Tools to promote offerings by afterschool providers and help recruit staff, including flyers, social graphics, sample emails and social posts. You’ll find blank templates with no branding and editable art files that states and programs can tailor with their own language, logos and contact information. If you have questions or need help with these, please contact afterschool@burness.com.

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 resource to help afterschool leaders identify and communicate specific ways programs can support students and schools for different reopening scenarios, including in-person, fully remote and hybrid approaches.

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.

A webpage posted by Afterschool Alliance with one-pagers and a simple 5-step plan to help ensure afterschool programs are included in schools’ strategies for reopening and meeting students’ needs.

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.

(Updated with Summer AA3 Materials!) Your resource for all materials related to the 2020 America After 3PM afterschool and summer reports, including social media posts, graphics and artwork you can localize, as well as template tools, state and national fact sheets, and news releases.

A summary of the latest data points about the benefits of afterschool programs, parent polls and 21st CCLC programs. (Updated April 2021)

Find your state’s 2020 21st CCLC one-pager from the Afterschool for All Challenge. (Updated April 2021)

National overview of 21^st CCLC programs, participants and evaluation data. (Updated April 2021)

A research brief with supporting evidence for afterschool and summer programs. (Updated April 2021)

A research brief about the academic and social and emotional benefits of 21st CCLC programs. (Updated April 2021)

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)

This Google Drive contains a messaging guide and example materials to help you position afterschool as a proactive, preventative strategy for substance use and misuse and a viable, smart option for directing investments back into your state’s communities. The messaging guide also includes specific steps and calls to action to help you generate support along your journey no matter where your state stands on cannabis legalization today.

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.

This Google Drive includes resource message and style materials, social media toolkit, national press release, state template news release, digital assets, pitch letter and other language, an equity one-pager, a workforce one-pager, and a state-specific example one-pager. 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.

Learn more about this initiative and find sample language for your newsletters and email. Download logo files and check the identity guide for helpful tips about designing your own materials.

Find graphics for Twitter and Facebook that may be edited in Canva.

The May 2020 theme is “Understanding Engineering Mindset.” Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full May content package.  Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The June 2020 theme is “Creating Equitable and Inclusive STEM Learning Environment.” Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full June content package.  Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The August 2020 theme is “Cultural Responsiveness.” Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full August content package.  Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The September 2020 package dives deeper into three of the critical features of an engineering mindset: 1) using a systematic problem-solving process; 2) exploring the properties and uses of materials; and 3) considering real-world problems. Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full September content package.  Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The October 2020 package dives deeper into three more critical features of an engineering mindset: 1) criteria and constraints; 2) science and math; and 3) multiple solutions. These features allow students to apply their knowledge of science, math, and their community to real-world problems with no single solution. Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full October content package.  Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The November 2020 package wraps up our deep dive into four more critical features of an engineering mindset: 1) evaluating and iterating designs; 2) persisting through and learning from failure; 3) working effectively in teams and 4) identifying as engineers. Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full November content package. Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

The December 2020 package wraps up our deep dive into how engineering mindsets further drives equity and inclusion. Find media assets, including tips, posts and graphics that can be shared with network STEM staff, network partners, and programs via newsletters, websites, social media, and other channels when it makes the most sense for your network. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full December content package. Contact Terri Ferinde (Ferinde@collaborativecommunications.com) for questions and if you need help customizing.

February kicks off the 2021 asset packages, with a deep-dive into role models and mentors. We are focusing on the strategy of diverse role models and mentors to strengthen equity and inclusion in STEM programs. The package dives deep into how Networks can support programs to: 1) Plan for role models in afterschool STEM, 2) Connect with role models locally and nationally, and 3) Train role models to work with youth in afterschool. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full February 2021 content package.

The March 2021 asset package focuses on diverse role models and mentors as a strategy to strengthen equity and inclusion across the Networks and in STEM programs. It dives into how Networks can support programs to: 1) Plan for role models in afterschool STEM, 2) Connect with role models locally and nationally, and 3) Train role models to work with youth in afterschool. You’ll also find a list of webinars and PD resources in the full March 2021 content package.

The April 2021 asset package continues to focus on diverse role models and mentors as a strategy to strengthen equity and inclusion across the Networks and in STEM programs. You’ll find more assets, including webinars, PD, and activities in the April content package.

The May 2021 asset package gives tools and resources to Networks, programs, and partners as they plan for and implement summer 2021. As programs slowly head back to hybrid and in -erson programming, this is an opportunity to reintroduce engineering mindset, role models, and reach out to families.. You’ll find more assets, including webinars, PD, and activities in the May content package.

This month, the Million Girls Moonshot will focus on tools and resources for Networks, programs, and partners as they implement STEM in summer programming. As programs across the country slowly head back to hybrid and in person programming, this is an opportunity to reintroduce engineering mindset, role models, and reach out to families. You’ll find more assets, including webinars, PD, and activities in the June content package.

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.

Looking for a way to bring outdoor exploration to your afterschool program? National Geographic and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation are proud to partner on webinars this fall focusing on engaging learners in a safe, fun, and free way for youth to learn about local biodiversity through a BioBlitz—an activity to find and identify as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.  Please share this opportunity with fellow educators! Communications Toolkit here.

Registration Site: NatGeoEd.org/BioBlitz. The promotion period for webinars is September 3-28, 2020.

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

An 8-page handout the Indiana Afterschool Network shared as part of a panel discussion they co-hosted with IDOE. Describes how strong partnerships between CBOs and schools are at the core of successful OST programs. Includes program examples and makes the case for schools to partner with OST in planning new ways to support students with relief funding.

A 2-page handout about the role of OST in rebuilding the Texas education ecosystem to meet students’ needs and the value of collaboration between community organizations and school districts.

This four-page brochure makes the case for afterschool in Alabama, highlighting the benefits of afterschool, including providing STEM learning opportunities; demand for afterschool programs; and programs’ COVID-19 response efforts. It invites readers to support afterschool.

A two-page handout that highlights five key outcomes of afterschool programs. It provides qualitative and quantitative examples of how the Utah Afterschool Network and sites across the state pivoted to respond to COVID-19.

A two-page handout that describes a youth-driven afterschool program. It includes program component spotlights, a student quote, and a quote from the Executive Director about why the connections the center provides are so important in COVID-19. It also describes the ways in which the program pivoted to meet students’ safety and social and emotional needs.

A two-page handout designed specifically for the Governor of South Carolina. It describes the importance of afterschool programs for economic recovery, as impacted by COVID-19. It asks the Governor for $5 million to safely open and operate 100 afterschool programs statewide.

A guidebook that includes key findings and recommendations for opening schools and out-of-school time programs safely, and in ways that support nontraditional schedules of schools and working parents. It was written by the Maryland Out-of-School Time Network.

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.