Chautaqua County Area: Trauma-Informed Practices in Afterschool
2020-05-18 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York) | Zoom
Join the Network for Youth Success’ Timothy Fowler for a no-cost training on trauma-informed practices. Discover the role that afterschool programs play in helping children survive and thrive after traumatic experiences. Using trauma informed care research, Timothy will explore how afterschool programs can be safe places for all children. Emphasis will be on practices in afterschool, including interactions with children and program development. This workshop is for all afterschool, summer, and expanded learning staff who want to integrate trauma-informed practices into their program.

This will be held in the Zoom platform and will cover OCFS areas 1 & 3, CBK areas 1 & 4.

Click here to sign up.

Thank you to The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund, and the Office of Children and Family Services for making this virtual training possible.

Southern Tier: Trauma-Informed Practice in Afterschool
2020-05-19 09:30 - 23:30 | Zoom

Broome & Tioga: Trauma-Informed Practice in Afterschool
2020-05-20 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom

Supplemental: Trauma-Informed Practice in Afterschool
2020-06-01 14:30 - 16:30 | Zoom
Join the Network for Youth Success’ Timothy Fowler for a no-cost training on trauma-informed practices. Discover the role that afterschool programs play in helping children survive and thrive after traumatic experiences. Using trauma informed care research, Timothy will explore how afterschool programs can be safe places for all children. Emphasis will be on practices in afterschool, including interactions with children and program development. This workshop is for all afterschool, summer, and expanded learning staff who want to integrate trauma-informed practices into their program.

This will be held in the Zoom platform and will cover OCFS areas 1 & 3, CBK areas 1 & 4.

Click here to register.

Thank you to The Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund, and the Office of Children and Family Services for making this virtual training possible.

North Country: Trauma-Informed Practice in Afterschool
2020-06-02 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom

Mid-Hudson: Trauma-Informed Practice in Afterschool
2020-06-04 09:30 - 11:30 | Zoom

Making Changes Stick: Getting Everyone Into Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
2020-07-27 18:30 - 20:30, 2020-07-30 13:00 - 15:00, 2020-08-03 10:00 - 12:00 | Virtual
Join the Network for Youth Success for a FREE TRAINING for program leaders to help identify strategies to fully embed Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards into your afterschool programming. This opportunity will allow participants to address challenges towards HEPA implementation and provide on-the-ground, practical solutions. This training will go beyond the HEPA standards to cover change management, guiding children’s behaviors, and working with your staff as models for children to better help integrate HEPA throughout all youth programming. This workshop is primarily for site leaders, program directors, and other supervisors who are implementing curriculum.

2 Hour Virtual Workshop OCFS 2, 3 CBK 5, 6

To register, click here

A special thank you to the Mother Cabrini Foundation, Office of Child and Family Services, and the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund for making this training possible.

2020-07-28 15:30 - 17:30 | Virtual
Join the Network for Youth Success for a FREE TRAINING for program leaders to help identify strategies to fully embed Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) Standards into your afterschool programming. This opportunity will allow participants to address challenges towards HEPA implementation and provide on-the-ground, practical solutions. This training will go beyond the HEPA standards to cover change management, guiding children’s behaviors, and working with your staff as models for children to better help integrate HEPA throughout all youth programming. This workshop is primarily for site leaders, program directors, and other supervisors who are implementing curriculum.

2 Hour Virtual Workshop OCFS 2, 3 CBK 5, 6

To register, click here

A special thank you to the Mother Cabrini Foundation, Office of Child and Family Services, and the WNY COVID-19 Community Response Fund for making this training possible.

Making Changes Stick: Getting Everyone Into Healthy Eating & Physical Activity
2020-08-04 18:30 - 20:30, 2020-08-05 17:00 - 19:00, 2020-08-06 10:00 - 12:00, 2020-08-13 15:30 - 17:30 | Zoom

Virtual Health and Safety (FULL)
2020-08-18 08:00 - 2020-09-26 08:00 | Virtual
Directors are responsible for hiring, training, and maintaining staff who provide a healthy
and safe environment for children. This course will help directors look at policies and
procedures that reinforce high-quality health and safety practices. Directors will get the
most out of this training if they bring a copy of the policies and procedures from their
program.
Next Courses:
August 2020
Tuesday, August 18 – 8:00-11:30
Wednesday, August 19 – 8:00-11:30
Thursday, August 20 – 8:00-11:30
Tuesday, August 25 – 8:00-11:30
Wednesday, August 26 – 8:00-11:30
This is a five day course. You must attend all sessions.
Cost: $225.00

For more information or to register, click here.

Asking Purposeful Questions
2022-05-25 10:00 - 11:30
Learn how good and timely questions can make fun STEAM experiences effective learning for youth. Join trainer Natalie Scavone to learn how and when questions can be used by to enhance an experience. This session will engage learners in the practice, so come ready to interact!
Click here to register. This workshop is offered at no cost thanks to the Million Girls Moonshot initiative to engage more young people in STEAM learning.
OCFS 3, CBK 4

Preparing for STEAM Learning Opportunities
2022-06-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
What does science and engineering look like in an informal learning environment? How do we do STEAM activities in afterschool? Learn the elements of quality STEAM learning and set yourself and your children up for success! Join TTAP-credentialed trainer Natalie Scavone for this engaging no-cost session. This workshop will explore the keys to authentic STEAM learning opportunities that incorporate positive youth development practices.
This session will count for OCFS training hours (OCFS 3, CBK 4, SAC 7 & 10).
Click here to register. This session is provided at no cost thanks to the Million Girls Moonshot.

Health and Safety for SAC Directors
2023-01-04 18:30 - 21:30
Health and Safety for SAC Directors
Directors are responsible for hiring, training, and maintaining staff who provide a healthy
and safe environment for children. This course will help directors look at policies and
procedures that reinforce high-quality health and safety practices. Directors will get the
most out of this training if they bring a copy of the policies and procedures from their
program.
January 2023
Wednesday, January 4
Thursday, January 5
Wednesday, January 11
Thursday, January 12
Wednesday, January 18
Thursday, January 19
Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm
This is a six day course. You must attend all sessions.
Instructor: Diane Shirley
Cost $300.00
Location: This is a Virtual Event

Supervision of Children and Youth in Afterschool Programs
2023-10-17 10:00 - 12:00
Come learn about how to keep the children and youth in your program safe by implementing different supervision tips and tricks. Learn more about your role as a teacher and also how to create a safe environment that allows for safe and successful supervision.

Presenter: Alysha Branch
OCFS Area(s): 3, 4
Location: Virtual-Live, via Zoom

Encouraging Positive Behavior
2023-11-16 18:30 - 20:30
Part of working with children also includes managing behaviors. This training will help participants identify common misbehaviors in after school programs and how the environment plays a role. Learn techniques to guide positive behaviors and turn misbehaviors into teachable moments for youth.

Presenter: Alysha Branch
OCFS Area(s): 1, 3
Location: Virtual-Live, via Zoom

Supervision of Children and Youth in Afterschool Programs
2024-01-25 10:00 - 12:00
Come learn about how to keep the children and youth in your program safe by implementing different supervision tips and tricks. Learn more about your role as a teacher and also how to create a safe environment that allows for safe and successful supervision.

Presenter: Sara Rickan
OCFS Area(s): 3, 4
Location: Virtual-Live, via Zoom

Educators Guide to Design Thinking
2025-02-19 12:00 - 13:00
Using Design Thinking in your classroom equips students with the problem solving skills to tackle real world challenges and foster creativity and collaboration.
Outcomes:
– Educators will learn the step-by-step process to implement design thinking in their classrooms
About the Presenter:
Liz Gallo is an educator, innovator, and visionary leader dedicated to shaping dynamic educational experiences for teachers and their students. As founder and CEO, she is on a mission to design the future of education, where teachers act as learning engineers, equipping their students to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. WhyMaker With a passion for bringing relevant, real-world learning to classrooms, she dedicates her career to empowering teachers to excel in their craft. Driven by a deep-seated commitment to education, Liz inspires educators to embrace creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning. Liz has taught technology and engineering education for over a decade in all types of schools around the world. Now as the leader of WhyMaker, she strives to help teachers teach students in meaningful and authentic ways. Under her leadership, WhyMaker made a tangible impact on over 15,000 educators worldwide, inspiring a new generation of innovators and problem-solvers. Through strategic partnerships, collaborations, and outreach efforts, WhyMaker extended its reach to underserved communities, fostering equity and access to education. WhyMaker also partners with leading companies in the sustainability sector to develop immersive learning experiences for teachers and students to engage with cutting-edge technologies, explore career pathways in clean energy, and contribute to solutions for global sustainability challenges.
Social:
X, IG, TikTok @ Whymaker

Building STEM Skills through Projects Afterschool
2025-03-12 12:00 - 13:00
Join us for a session about ways to build STEM skills using project-based learning as a part of your afterschool program. Project-based learning is fun and it can support academic growth – especially STEM skills – without feeling like school. We will explore ways that kids can go deep in areas of interest using project-based learning as a frame for exploration of STEM skills and concepts. We’ll explore strategies that both veteran and novice educators can use to efficiently plan and implement. Participants will also get free access to Rock by Rock’s project-based learning library to support planning for the rest of the school year and a simple project-implementation toolkit.
Outcomes:
-Identify the components of a strong project-based learning structure.
-Identify ways to structure a project-based experience that builds core STEM skills.
-Explore low lift strategies to integrate STEM project-based learning into your program.
About the Presenter:
Jeffrey Imrich is the CEO and Cofounder of Rock by Rock, a K-5 project-based learning platform that provides educators and students in any context (afterschool, school, home) equitable access to a library of fully planned project-based learning experiences that increase engagement, build science, literacy and SEL skills, and empower kids to solve real-world problems. Projects blend online and offline instruction and are easy to implement by novice educators. Prior to founding Rock by Rock, Jeff has been a leader in education for 20 years. He started as a Teach For America educator in Atlanta Public Schools and a Fulbright scholar in Taiwan. He launched a new Teaching and Learning wing with the TFA New York City region and led teacher training design for TFA’s national design team as Managing Director, Design. Jeff also supported the strategy and design of early-stage education non-profits providing afterschool and non-traditional learning support for students in K-12. Most recently, Jeff was VP of Innovation for the Achievement First Greenfield project, leading the complete redesign and launch of 5 new charter schools in 3 states.
Social:
Linkedin @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-imrich-63b12a5/

Asking Purposeful Questions
2025-03-13 10:30 - 12:30
Questions are the beginning of a path towards discovery, imagination, and STEM exploration. How can we help youth expand and clarify their thinking and develop their reasoning through the questions we ask them? This module is designed for educators who would like to grow in their practice within a supportive group of other educators. The cohort is limited to 12 participants to support significant engagement by everyone.

Registration deadline is March 11 so save your spot now!

New York participants are eligible for 6 hours of OCFS credit and all participants can earn a STEM Digital Badge.

The session runs March 13th, 20th, and 27th, 10:30am – 12:30pm ET

Meet the Coach – Sara KobilkaSara has worked in out-of-school programs for more than 25 years in 5 states including community education, summer camps, university outreach, and science museums. She comes to ACRES (Afterschool Coaching for Reflective Educators in STEM) through the New York State Network for Youth Success where she is on the leadership team for the New York Girls STEAM Collaborative. She is passionate about building community and operates with a multi-/trans-disciplinary mindset. Her extensive experience in virtual training facilitation and technical support makes her both a skilled and empathic ACRES coach.

But you don’t have to take my word for it! Check out what past attendees have said!

Well organized, seamless and effective
Sara is a great trainer, she is engaging, knowledgeable and passionate. I look forward to learning more in her other cohorts.

Ready. Set. Innovate!
2025-04-02 12:00 - 13:00
Register Here
This exclusive virtual professional development workshop, developed by the National Inventors Hall of Fame, offers the opportunity to participate in a hands-on experience using teaching and learning strategies to incorporate STEM and invention education into the classroom.
Participants will receive their own materials kit to use during the workshop.
Outcomes:
– Uncover dynamic teaching techniques that elevate students’ critical thinking and creative problem solving skills
– Dive into the I Can Invent® Mindset, which inspires some of the world’s greatest inventors and also hundreds of thousands of students across the country each year.
About the Presenter:
Polly Jones is a Regional Program Manager working with school districts across New York State. Polly is a former educator who loved promoting creativity and discovery in her classroom. What better place to work after 30 years in education than the National Inventors Hall of Fame (NIHF)! She received her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Duke University as well as a BS and MLIS from Kent State University.
Social:
Linkedin, Facebook @ Polly Jones

Youth Design A Better World: Coding, AI, and OST
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00
Register Here
Join Technovation to explore how to collaborate to promote student leadership, agency, and civic engagement. Grab free resources to facilitate a “Tech for Social Good” experience with youth this spring or summer as they identify challenges, research potential solutions, and generate the start of a tech-based solution. Dive into a hands-on activity that helps you explore their free next day resources. Collaborate with Technovation before the end of summer to help youth become tech entrepreneurs and leaders!
Objectives:
– Foundations of Tech Project Based Learning and the technical and entrepreneurial competencies gained with AI and coding.
– Resources to Maximize Impact including Technovation’s free curiosity driven curriculum and best practices for equipping youth with cutting-edge skills.
– Youth Generated Solutions from around the world using tech to tackle issues like recycling, mental health, cyber bullying, etc.
Presenter:
Luella brings over 17 years of nonprofit experience to her role US Partnership Specialist with Technovation. Prior to joining the team, Luella has held roles with local and national organizations dedicated to education equity, social emotional learning, food access, and disaster response. She holds a Masters of Science in Social Development & Health from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Social:
X, IG, TikTok @technovationglobal

Building Simple Circuits using Common or Accessible Materials
2025-05-16 12:00 - 13:00
We will building circuits and create reusable circuit components from common or easily purchased materials such as paper, copper tape, paper clips, aluminum foil, etc.
Outcomes:
– Explore simple circuit theory
– Build reusable circuit components that students can bring home
– Identify online resources for similar ideas
About the Presenter:
Walt received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and his master’s degree in computer science from Union College. For almost 25 years, he’s been involved in submarine development; originally working at Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. and then at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, where he currently works as an Engineering Manager. Previously, Walt also served in the US Navy and Navy Reserve before being honorably discharged. Walt currently lives on a small farm in Delanson.
Social:
Facebook/Instagram @ SmistNy
X @ SmistNy

From Idea to Impact: How to Start a STEM Club That Engages & Inspires!
2025-05-21 12:00 - 13:30
Register Here
Want to start a STEM club, but not sure where to begin? Maybe you have limited time, resources, or STEM experience—but you know how important it is to create hands-on, engaging STEM opportunities for students. This interactive, practical session will walk you through everything you need to confidently launch a fun, sustainable STEM club—whether you’re working in a classroom, after-school program, or another learning space.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Quick-Start STEM Club Planning – How to launch with minimal stress & maximum impact.
🔹 Engaging STEM Themes & Activities – Plug-and-play ideas to fit any grade level.
🔹 Meeting Structures That Work – Keep students engaged while making STEM fun & accessible.
🔹 Finding Support & Resources – How to connect with partners, role models, and funding opportunities.
🔹 Avoiding Common Pitfalls – What works (and what doesn’t) when running a STEM club.
By the end, you’ll have a clear plan, ready-to-use ideas, and action steps to start your STEM club right away! Who Should Attend? Educators working with grades 3-8, whether in a school, after-school program, library, museum, or other learning environment. Join us and get ready to ignite curiosity, creativity, and discovery in the next generation of STEM leaders!
Presenter:
Nancy Scales-Coddington | Owner, SciComm Solutions | STEM Consultant | Founder, STEM Socialite Nancy Scales Coddington is a STEM education consultant with over 24 years of experience in designing and leading STEM clubs, programs, and educator trainings. A former public media producer, she specializes in making STEM engaging, accessible, and sustainable for both in-school and out-of-school learning spaces. Nancy serves as an advisor for PBS KIDS educational content and is a board member of the Science Teachers Association of New York State. She has trained educators nationwide on creating impactful STEM experiences and is passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and inclusion in STEM education.

Social:
X, IG, Blusky @NancyCoddington
X, IG, TikTok @STEMSocialite

Cancelled - Chip Kids: Exploring the World of Microchips
2025-06-11 12:00 - 13:00
Description:
Chip Kids is a series of short videos that explore STEM concepts related to microchips. Microchips are found in electronic devices all around us, from computers to rocket ships, but what do they actually look like, how are they made, and what makes them work. Explore these concepts for middle school students through a series of short videos and animations accompanied with hands-on learning activities.
Objectives:
Sample some of the Chip Kids videos and see the how to do some of the simple hands-on activities with the middle school students you work with so that they have a better understanding of microchips that run their everyday devices.
Presenter:
Marion French is the Vice President, Education & Interactive Services at WXXI Public Media (PBS/NPR station in Rochester, NY) Marion has worked with teachers, and students from PreK-12 and higher education to learn how to use media to enhance their learning and curiosity. Marion has worked at WXXI, at RIT in Distance Learning, Web Development and Educational Media, in a Teacher Center, a Internet Education & Research Center and Teaching Middle School Students.

Social: @wxxieducation

Cancelled - Buffalo Advancing Career Placement: Northland Workforce Training Center
2025-06-13 12:00 - 13:00
Northland Workforce Training Center was strategically built in 2018 in Buffalo NY to serve as a pipeline to great careers in advanced manufacturing. We currently have 3,000 open jobs to fill. With a 62% graduation rate (almost 3x the National Average for Community Colleges with the same programs) and an 83% Job Placement rate. This will be an overview of all of the careers that we offer as well as the benefits of being a student in our programs.
Outcomes:

Making sure people can make an informed decision when deciding if NWTC is the place for you.
Overview of programs and services that NWTC currently offers.

Presenter:
Vanessa Hall graduated High School in 2005. She is a member of the inaugural graduating class of SUNY Erie’s 2019 Mechatronics program at Northland Workforce Training Center (NWTC). Building a foundation at NWTC has led to multiple unique opportunities which allowed her to work for Harmac Medical Products Inc. as a Mechanical Set-Up Technician, making a great salary and interning at the NFTA as a Mechanic. In September 2021, she returned to NWTC as an inaugural member of a brand-new program, SUNY Erie’s Mechanical Engineering AAS degree graduating in 2023. In addition to returning as a student, she was offered a position as a Mechatronics instructor for the Northland Summer Youth Academy and have been for the past 3 years. Vanessa devised an extremely exciting curriculum for the students, and it has been a tremendous success. Her skillset and impressive performance led her to becoming an Executive Associate at the Buffalo Niagara Manufacturing Alliance (BNMA) working directly under the President, Peter Ahrens. Along with working for the BNMA, she was hired as an Instructor/Outreach Specialist for NWTC. Aside from all of that… Vanessa am a Mom FIRST, Mechanic after that. Her favorite saying to her peers and students is “Be Great on Purpose!”
Social: Facebook @ NorthlandWTC
