Hi NYS Network Conference Prospective Attendees, I have attended the NYS Network’s Conference more than 5 times of the past several years, and each year keeps getting better and better with the content offered. I highly recommend any School Age Program in NYS to join the Conference to help enhance your programs success.

Thanks for providing this opportunity for us to examine aspects of our programming in detail. It is worth while to get other perspectives on our work space.

This conference was a wonderful opportunity to network with others, learn new concepts, learn new strategies, and gain resources to impact my program.

This was my first time attending the conference and my experience was a positive one. Not long after arriving and picking up my badge along with multiple fun stickies to adhere at the bottom I ran into a former coworker that I hadn’t seen in years. She was in a new role as was I. It was great to see how we were both continuing to do youth development work in our own ways. As the conference continued I attended sessions where I learned more about programs and initiatives happening across the state. Being from NYC, I was most familiar with that region so it was insightful to hear from others in different counties. I met people who offered services that could benefit my team and the schools that we support and as a resource specialist I was keeping an eye open for resources I could bring back to my communities. Overall the conference was a great opportunity to connect with others interested in supporting youth and to learn more about the different forms that work can take.

I just loved meeting all the vendors and received an unbelievable number of resources to use in our ASP [Afterschool Program]. I enjoyed chatting with our grant program leads and meeting networking with other ASP folks sharing ideas. The food was amazing as well.

This was my first year attending this conference and it was such an amazing experience. I loved being surrounded by like minded people who share the same goals in making our schools, a more unified, equitable and connected environment. The, hands on workshops were fun and informative and I left with some great ideas of things to integrate into our community schools strategy.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each person who contributed to making this conference impactful and meaningful. Although it was a requirement to attend as a 21st CCLC SEA team member and one to present, it was a wonderful way to connect with others, attend workshops that encourage us to remember the why of our work and the lives we choose to enrich. The NYSNYS team went above and beyond with all the details, providing support for many months leading up to the conference, not to mention showing appreciation for their presenters. I love my swag. I was able to attend three workshops that allowed me to reflect on practice, mindfulness, gratitude and purpose. For me, the day ended with the honor of presenting with a panel of 21st CCLC champions and their collective learning expeditions. Thank you for bringing such a large community of professionals, expert and dedicated staff together. Together we can help others be the change we want to see.

I loved participating in the Hands On Theater Games. I was thrilled that approximately 60 people attended my presentation. Cara’s communication was explicit and informative.

Attending the New York State Network for Youth Success Empower Youth Success 2026 was a very valuable learning experience that gave me a deeper understanding of youth development strategies that are in real times. The workshops were engaging and relevant, and the presenters were very, very knowledgeable in their areas of expertise. I appreciated the opportunity to engage and learn from my peers, which gave me a deeper connection to the realities of the work that we do. I call this concept Boots on the Ground, where we are working diligently to ensure our students and communities are thriving.

This was my first time attending this event. It was a great experience and very informative. Some of the takeaways was networking with other program directors all over the state and sharing program ideas. I really enjoyed the session Adults Play Too. Good team building icebreakers activities for staff and youths.

I enjoyed the Empower Youth Success Conference very much. The tabling resources had pertinent information on programs and services for the students at our school, Oneida MS. I also received some great ideas to incorporate at the afterschool program. The workshops were very informative. Thank you.

Attending my first conference and having the opportunity to connect with others pushed me far outside my comfort zone in the best way. It made me feel important, empowered, and more confident in the value I bring to this work. Hearing the students [from Wednesday’s panel] share their testimonies and future goals reminded me exactly why I have stayed in this field for the past 10 years. For those smiles, that passion, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in their lives.

I want to thank you for all the work and programs you provide to our kids. These programs not only helps the kids, but also the parents. Taking them away from all these technologies for a few hours helps immensely. It gives them the ability to use their brains for more positive things, which will guide them to a better path. Attending these programs with my granddaughter, Aimee, gives us time that we will cherish forever. I want her on the right path to succeed. Being nominated and receiving an award was such an honor. I told Aimee that you never know who’s watching when you do good things. All this was incredibly a big surprise. Celebrating my birthday that day with people I didn’t know was amazing because they celebrated with me with congratulations and shout out. We had an incredible, memorable day. Thank you to Christine for noticing us at these programs.

There were a few things that stood out to me that made this conference exceptional. One was the dynamic content and great presenters, and the other was the care and consideration taken for attendees. The NYSNYS team was really intentional in creating a welcoming and thoughtful conference space that made me feel like my cup was filled up, not drained. After attending something as simple as having really tasty food is such a great way of saying to attendees, we appreciate the work you do.