New York State Network for Youth Success

Inspiring A Passion for Science and Nature with "eBird Explorers: Youth Action for Birds"
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
Discover the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s newest leader guide, “eBird Explorers: Youth Action for Birds.” Designed for out-of-school settings in collaboration with New York State 4-H and the New York State Network for Youth Success, these 11 hour-long lessons use birds and the eBird participatory-science project as the spark to get youth excited about nature and inspire them to view themselves as scientists.
Through hands-on activities, youth explore what it means to be a scientist, learn to identify birds, contribute to real scientific projects, and design an action project to help birds in their own communities. Join us as we explore these activities and the powerful tools that create exciting growth opportunities for youth and make teaching bird ID and engaging in participatory science easy for leaders.
Objectives:
• Become familiar with the leader guide, lessons, and activities
• Discover powerful tools that make teaching bird ID and participating in eBird easy for leaders
• Explore how these lessons create exciting growth opportunities for youth
Presenter Bio:
Kelly Schaeffer graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in Wildlife Conservation and Entomology. While at UD, she discovered the world of avian research and fell in love with chasing birds around the woods. She spent a few years traveling and working as a field research technician which inspired her to pursue a career in Environmental Education. She went back to school and obtained her MS from the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point in Environmental Education.
In her work with the K-12 Education team at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, she helps educators across North America connect their students to nature while building science skills and fostering a lifelong passion for birds. Through fun, hands-on curricula, and online and in-person professional development, she supports educators in bringing the power of participatory science and inquiry into their classrooms and programs. Birds are everywhere and everyone has the power to help us understand and protect them. Kids are essential to this understanding, now and in the future.
Social Media:
Facebook; @K12Lab
Instagram; @k12_cornellbirds

Building Students’ Innovative Mindsets
2024-11-07 12:00 - 13:00
Join The Henry Ford’s Learning & Engagement team to learn how you can help your students build and practice their innovative mindsets through inHub, a learning community just for educators. inHub is home to hundreds of free digital resources and experiences that educators can access on-demand to inspire innovation, foster invention and nurture creativity. All resources are aimed at narrowing the innovation opportunity gap and helping to shape a better future for all students.
The Henry Ford’s inHub offers:
• A transdisciplinary, social-emotional learning framework called Model i that’s designed to inspire learners to unleash their innovative, creative and inventive potential.
• A curriculum resource library full of turn-key lesson plans, resource guides and other digital learning media that educators can use in their classroom.
• Online self-paced, hybrid and in-person professional development and certification opportunities that support educators looking to integrate innovative learning practices like culturally responsive teaching, place-based learning, invention education and more in their classrooms.
• An invention education program called Invention Convention Worldwide, a global K-12 program that activates STEM, invention and entrepreneurship to instill problem identification, problem solving and creativity skills for life.
Objectives:
1. Attendees will learn how to access and use The Henry Ford’s Model i framework, artifacts and resources found on The Henry Ford’s inHub in the classroom.
2. Attendees will learn about the Invention Convention program and how to get involved as after-school educators.
3. Attendee will broaden their knowledge base through access to fee professional development modules.
Presenters Bio:
Olivia Marsh is the Manager, Educator Engagement & Professional Development at The Henry Ford. She is responsible for creating and facilitating in-person, online, and hybrid engagements for educators and loves helping teachers learn how to use museum objects and stories to create relevant instruction and inclusive, student-centered classrooms.
Melissa Frey is the Senior Account Manager, Network Development with Invention Convention Worldwide. She is responsible for growing the Invention Convention Worldwide program though outreach and partnership with state, national and global educational organizations. She is a former middle school teacher with the NYC Board of Education and advocate for both school-based and out of school time STEM programming. She is a lifelong NYS resident currently residing the Hudson Valley.
Social Media:
Facebook and LinkedIn: @InventionConventionWorldwide
X and Instagram: @InventItForward
#THFinHub on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn

* Postponed Building Simple Circuits Using Common or Accessible Materials
2024-10-24 18:30 - 19:30
*Postponed
We will be building circuits and creating reusable circuit components from common or easily purchased materials such as paper, copper tape, paper clips, aluminum foil, etc.
Objectives:
– Explore simple circuit theory
– Build reusable circuit components that students can bring home
– Identify online resources for similar ideas
Presenter Bio
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 Media
Facebook/Instagram – SmistNy; X-SmistNy

Guiding Positive Behaviors
2024-10-21 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Working with children includes managing behaviors. Encouraging Positive Behaviors examines the things that create misbehaviors in children and identifies strategies for changing them. 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. This session focuses on what the direct care staff do that helps everyone to be successful in programs.
This virtual session will be led by our own Sara Rickan, Credential Director. Learn more about Sara and the rest of our team here.
Encouraging Positive Behaviors
Monday October 21st from 10 AM to Noon (2 hours)
$38.00 for members, $57.00 for nonmembers
Link to register: https://newyorkstatenetworkforyouthsucces.my.salesforce-sites.com/forms/apex/b3f__Form?id=a1Ma7000001g3RXEAY

Health and Safety for Directors
2024-09-11 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.

Next Courses:

September 2024
Wednesday, September 11
Thursday, September 12
Wednesday, September 18
Thursday, September 19
Wednesday, September 25
Thursday, September 26
Time: 6:30pm-9:30pm
This is a six day course. You must attend all sessions.
Instructor: Diane Shirley
Cost $325.00

To register for this course follow the two part registration.
Two Part Registration
1. Begin Your Registration Here
2. Make Your Payment Here
*You must be accepted to take the course and make your payment to enroll in the course. Registration is on a first come, first served basis.

Fall 2024 (Part 1) DL Semester Begins!
2024-08-26 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual
Seeking a path to fulfill the educational prerequisites for a site director role in a school-age program?

Interested in expanding your skill set and preparing for leadership opportunities?

Explore our SAC Credential Courses—a perfect fit for your goals!

The Network for Youth Success provides two course options:

Virtual Course, featuring live virtual instruction. Incorporates lectures, cooperative learning, group discussions, activities, observations, and multimedia materials.
Asynchronous distance learning course, hosted on the Google Classroom platform. Allows for self-paced online learning with activities and assignments to be completed within two-week timeframes.

Virtual (Live Instructor) SAC Credential Classes

Dates
Fall 24 (Part 2) 9/20/24-12/20/24
*Classes (Parts 1 and 2) can be taken in either order, and in a variety of formats.

Time: Fridays, 9:30 am-12:30 pm
Instructor: Sara Rickan

Cost: $1,250 per semester. Individuals must take both semesters (Part 1 and Part 2)

Course Policies, Syllabus, and Full Calendar

Asking Purposeful Questions: An Overview Preguntando con Propósito:
2024-08-15 12:30 - 14:30 | Zoom
What are Purposeful Questions? Click2Science defines purposeful questions as well-placed questions that drive STEM experiences and design questions while helping learners understand what they should focus on, and where they should go next.

Qué son Preguntas con Propósito? Click2Science define preguntas con Propósito aquellas preguntas que facilitan experiencias en STEM y diseñan preguntas mientras se ayuda a los estudiantes a entender el propósito (o lo que se está focalizando en entender, o lo que se deberían prepararse para pensar o focalizarse en el próximo paso)

Join Dr. Lorena Harris to learn how to ask good questions with youth. This session will include two follow-up meetings to help you implement what you learn with coaching and feedback. The session will be conducted in Spanish.

Aprenden a hacer buenas preguntas para jóvenes con la Dra.Lorena Harris. Esta sesión incluirá dos clases (una seguida de la otra) para ayudarte a implementar lo aprendido, como educador y aconsejador a tus educadores. La sesión será implementada en Espanol.

The session will not count for OCFS training credit.

Esta sesión no cuenta como crédito para las horas / créditos de OCFS.

First, enroll in ACRES. This is no-cost to you.

Primero, registrate en ACRES. Gratis para ti.

Once you are logged in, sign up for this opportunity using the code NY373 PQ.

Una vez registrado, registrate en esta oportunidad usando el código NY373PQ

Register by Wednesday, August 7th to ensure your spot!

El periodo para registro está abierto hasta el Miércoles, Augusto 7th para asegurar tu cupo en el curso.

When: August 15th, August 22nd, and August 29th, 12:30 PM.

Cuándo: Augusto 15, Augusto 22 y Augusto 29 a las 12:30 PM.

Register by signing up for ACRES here, and then enrolling in this course using the code NY373PQ.

Registrate en ACRES acá, y luego anotate en este curso usando el código Cohort_ID NY373PQ

So You Want to Start a STEM Club Session 2
2024-06-06 16:00 - 17:00
Are you passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in young minds? Join us for a comprehensive workshop designed for educators eager to launch their own (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) STEM club! Over two engaging one-hour sessions, we’ll explore everything you need to know to kickstart your club successfully.
Session 2: Unleashing Creativity: Crafting Curricula and Themes for STEM Adventures
Building on the groundwork laid in Session 1, this session will focus on designing the heart of your STEM club: the curriculum and themes. We’ll explore STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) integration, brainstorm exciting project ideas, and select themes that resonate with club members. Whether it’s robotics, environmental science, coding, or beyond, we’ll help you tailor your club’s offerings to spark curiosity and foster learning. Additionally, we’ll share tips and strategies for executing club meetings and events seamlessly, ensuring a rewarding experience for both educators and club members alike.
By the end of this workshop series, you’ll leave with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to confidently launch and lead your very own STEM club, igniting a passion for inquiry, discovery, and innovation in the next generation of STEM enthusiasts!
Objectives:
– Develop STEAM curriculum and themes suitable for club activities.
– Explore hands-on activities, projects, and challenges to engage club members.
– Learn how and when to infuse role models into your club.
– Discuss strategies for executing club meetings and events effectively.
Presenter: Nancy Scales-Coddington, STEM Consultant, Founder STEM Socialite
Nancy Scales Coddington is a seasoned STEM consultant with over 24 years of experience in leading, creating, and advising STEM clubs, events, and classes. With a background in public media spanning 15 years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her work. Nancy’s dedication to education extends to her role as an advisor for PBS KIDS programs, where she contributes her expertise to shape educational content. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Science Teachers Association of New York State, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing STEM education. As a SciGirls trainer focused on gender equity in STEM and a national presenter for STEM-related topics, Nancy is passionate about empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity in the field. She lives in the Finger Lakes of New York, where she enjoys hiking with her dog, paddleboarding, and skiing.
Social:
X, IG @ NancyCoddington
X, IG, TikTok @ STEMSocialite

Expanded Learning Time: A Key Practice of Community Schools
2024-06-06 10:00 - 11:30
On June 6 at 10:00 am, join us to discuss the intersection of the community schools strategy and expanded learning time (ELT). Participants can expect to learn about:

The connection between community schools and ELT programs.
How needs assessments are foundational to the community schools strategy and can enhance ELT programs.
The Network Quality Self-Assessment Tool.

The webinar is hosted by the Central/Western New York State Community Schools Technical Assistance Centers in partnership with the New York State Education Department. The Network’s Alli Lidie and Timothy Fowler will be featured speakers.

So You Want to Start a STEM Club Session 1
2024-05-16 16:00 - 17:00
Are you passionate about fostering curiosity, creativity, and collaboration in young minds? Join us for a comprehensive workshop designed for educators eager to launch their own (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) STEM club! Over two engaging one-hour sessions, we’ll explore everything you need to know to kickstart your club successfully.
Session 1: Building Your STEM Club Foundation
In this session, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of launching a STEM club. From defining your club’s mission and goals to securing resources and setting up logistics, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to ensure a strong foundation. Additionally, we’ll discuss the importance of partnerships, role models, and collaborations with local organizations, businesses, and educational institutions to enrich your club’s offerings and opportunities.
Objectives:
– Understand the key components of a successful STEM club.
– Identify considerations and logistics when starting a club.
– Explore potential partners, role models, and collaborators for club activities.
Presenter: Nancy Scales-Coddington, STEM Consultant, Founder STEM Socialite
Nancy Scales-Coddington is a seasoned STEM consultant with over 24 years of experience in leading, creating, and advising STEM clubs, events, and classes. With a background in public media spanning 15 years, she brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to her work. Nancy’s dedication to education extends to her role as an advisor for PBS KIDS programs, where she contributes her expertise to shape educational content. Additionally, she serves on the board of the Science Teachers Association of New York State, further demonstrating her commitment to advancing STEM education. As a SciGirls trainer focused on gender equity in STEM and a national presenter for STEM-related topics, Nancy is passionate about empowering individuals and promoting inclusivity in the field. She lives in the Finger Lakes of New York, where she enjoys hiking with her dog, paddleboarding, and skiing.
Social:
X, IG @ NancyCoddington
X, IG, TikTok @ STEMSocialite

Spring/Summer (Part 2) Semester Begins!
2024-04-26 09:30 - 12:30 | Virtual

Spark with STEAM: Creative Computing with Electronics
2024-04-25 12:00 - 13:00
Join Thimble.io for an electrifying knowledge series experience titled “Spark with STEAM: Creative Computing with Electronics.” Whether you’re an educator, an after-school instructor, or simply passionate about STEAM education, this session is crafted to immerse you in the dynamic world of creative computing and electronics integration. Sign up and join us to discover how to ignite curiosity through creative computing and electronics!
Sign up with the website link below

Registration is open! Empower Youth Success Conference 2024
2024-04-17 - 2024-04-20
Empower Youth Success 2024
featuring:

The NYS Community Schools Resilience & Equity Conference (April 17 & 18)
21st Century Community Learning Centers Conference (April 19)
School’s Out, Make it Count (April 19 & 20)

We are excited to introduce the conference partners for this year’s Empower Youth Success Conference: SED, Finger Lakes Community Schools, Binghamton University, NYC Technical Assistance Resource Center (NYC TARC), and Change Impact.

Giving Youth Control with Project Based Learning
2024-03-26 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Description: Youth should direct their own fun and learning, when it is developmentally appropriate. Learn techniques for engaging youth in decision making, developing projects, and leading their own development in this active workshop. Join PD Director Timothy Fowler in understanding how project-based learning can engage youth as partners in youth development practice. This workshop is especially designed for professionals who work with upper elementary (3rd-5th grade), middle school, and high school youth. We will use STEM examples, but the practices can be applied in other curricular areas.
Goal: To engage with the components of project-based learning to learn ways to support giving youth control
Objectives:

Identify the process of project-based learning in afterschool and summer program curricula
Practice steps in project-based learning
Plan to bring project-based learning into participants’ youth programs

OCFS area(s) 3
CBK area(s) 4

"It Takes the Village!": Exploring the Role of Expanded Learning Opportunities in Improving Early Literacy Outcomes
2024-03-14 13:00 - 14:00
On January 30th, The Education Trust–New York launched The New York Campaign for Early Literacy — a statewide movement to improve student reading outcomes, from birth to age 8. The Campaign is a continuum of their work to ensure New York State and local school districts prioritize early literacy and the science of reading. Schools and families should not, in isolation, address the literacy challenge in New York. Afterschool, summer, and other expanded learning programs are positioned to serve as partners providing high-quality, early literacy support.
Join the New York State Network for Youth Success for the release of our new policy brief to learn more about how high-quality expanded learning opportunities foster early literacy education. We will also spotlight how several afterschool and community-based organizations are promoting early literacy through innovative initiatives and partnerships.
Panelists

Tarja Parssinen, Founder/Director, WNY Education Alliance
June Muto, Lead, Wayne MOST (Maximizing-Out-of-School Time)
Samuel L. Radford III, Director of Masten Resource Center, Community Action Organization of WNY

Buffalo Area Job Fair
2024-03-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, 54 Riverdale Avenue, Buffalo, NY, 14270, United States
The Afterschool Network of Western New York (ASNWNY) will host a job fair for people interested in working with youth on Wednesday, March 13th, 2024. This event will connect prospective employees to jobs and internships with afterschool organizations in Western New York. Lunch will be included!
Please register in advance for the ASNWNY Job Fair.
The event will be held from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns, 54 Riverdale Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14207.
Please contact Grace Myers-Belote if you have any questions by emailing Grace.Lattanzio at gmail.com.

Applying Strategies to Document STEM
2024-03-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Description: Apply strategies used to support documentation of STEM concepts in multiple formats, particularly symbols, drawings, models, diagrams, charts, tables, text or non-verbal means. This workshop is designed to help participants engage youth in documentation, which is an important communication and planning tool in STEM learning. Join PD Director Timothy Fowler in this active workshop to experience methods you can use to get youth to capture and document their thinking processes and visualize information.
Goal: To learn and apply different methods of documentation of STEM activities
Objectives:

Apply multiple methods of documentation in STEM learning
Examine different methods of documentation youth can use
Plan to engage youth in using those methods of documentation after the training event

OCFS area(s) 3
CBK area(s) 4

Site Leader Institute for Spring 2024
2024-03-12 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Learn the skills and attitudes managers need for success! The Site Leader Institute is for new and experienced managers who want to sharpen their skills in working with staff and managing programs. This virtual Institute includes sessions on accountability, time management, and coaching staff to reach their potential.
The Institute emphasizes skills and practical application in youth-serving organizations. It is ideal for site directors, program directors, or other new site-level leaders in afterschool, summer, expanded learning, or grant-funded programs.
The Site Leader Institute meets in the morning starting Tuesday, March 12th and continues every Tuesday and Thursday through March 28th. This event is a total of 15 training hours in CBK areas 4, 6, and 7 and OCFS training areas 3 and 5. Participants must attend all six sessions in order to receive OCFS training credit.
To learn more, and to register, visit our Site Leader Institute page. Note that registration closes on Tuesday, February 27th.

Solar Eclipse Resources for NYS
2024-03-09 10:00 - 11:00
NYS is lucky to be in the path of totality for the 2024 Solar Eclipse happening April 8th! Join Abigael Rice, our STEAM Coordinator for an hour long virtual session about the Solar Eclipse. Abbi will share general information about the Solar Eclipse, events and viewing parties in NYS, and activities for students and families to partake in before and during the Eclipse. We hope you leave this session inspired and excited to experience a once in a lifetime view here in NY!

Play, Connect, Create with Learning, Experienced (LXP)
2024-03-07 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Play, Connect, Create with Learning, Experienced (LXP)
March 7, 2024, 1:00 pm EST
In a dynamic and interactive session, we will discover the importance of Play, Connect, and Create and how to incorporate this into out-of-school programming. Participants will dive into the LXP model to discover actionable strategies for their programs. We will create an immersive learning experience that enhances student collaboration and collective problem-solving.
This session will not count for OCFS training credit.
Learn More: https://www.prosolve.com/lxpwebinar
Register: https://prosolve.webinargeek.com/lxpwebinar
Presenters:
Dr. Michelle Ament – Chief Academic Officer
Michelle has served as an educator and district administrator for over 25 years. As the Chief Academic Officer, she supports ProSolve’s commitment to being a thought leader in the educational space as they reimagine a more student-centered ecosystem in which learners engage in immersive experiences to build academic skills and transfer social and emotional learning throughout the school environment and workforce. Michelle holds a doctorate in degree in Educational Leadership.
Jessica Marucci – Director of Experiential Professional Development
Jessica is committed to providing authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for both students and adults with 8+ years of experience in experiential education. As the Director of Experiential PD at ProSolve, she is dedicated to empowering and supporting educators in providing engaging learning experiences that target and cultivate Human Intelligence. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Education.
Tiffany Sawyer – Educational Designer
Tiffany is a former educator with 15 years of experience creating and leading meaningful educational opportunities for adults and children, focusing on experiential education. She is driven to create authentic and engaging educational experiences that help build and strengthen career readiness and professional growth. Tiffany holds a master’s degree in Education.

Asking Purposeful Questions
2024-03-01 10:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Asking the right question at the right time can unlock new possibilities in a child’s thinking. Learn how to craft questions that promote deeper learning in young people. Focusing on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) activity, this workshop will explore the creation and use of timely questions to maximize hands-on learning. Emphasis will be placed on creation and timing of open-ended and other types of questions. ACRES is a virtual learning option for professional development which works with small groups of practitioners. Participants will receive training and two follow-up sessions to support implementation of new skills.
This six-hour session will give you tools and follow-up support in implementing practices related to using questions to support youth development and informal STEAM learning.
Participants must register for Cohort 302PQ (Coach Sara K) when registering with this link.
This workshop session meets three separate times:
Session 03/01/2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 03/15/2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Session 03/22/2024, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
About the presenter: Sara Kobilka 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 through the New York State Network for Youth Success where she is on the Leadership Team for the New York STEAM Girls 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.
Sara is a TTAP credentialed trainer. This session will count for six (6) hours of training in OCFS area 3 and CBK area 6.
Asking Purposeful Questions is provided at no cost to participants through funding from the National Science Foundation through the Maine Math and Science Alliance’s ACRES project. Participation in Asking Purposeful Questions is a prerequisite to other ACRES topics and sessions.

Level Up with Learning, Experienced (LXP)
2024-02-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Level Up with Learning, Experienced (LXP)
February 29th, 2024, 1:00 pm EST
Join us for this highly engaging session on “Leveling Up” programming using the LXP model. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to design simple experiential learning experiences by working collaboratively to “Level Up” a tried and true out-of-school time activity to increase student engagement and enrich learning.
This session will not count for OCFS training credit.
Learn More: https://www.prosolve.com/lxpwebinar
Register: https://prosolve.webinargeek.com/lxpwebinar

Leveling Up: Designing Experiences Beyond the Ordinary
Join ProSolve for our Leveling Up: Designing Experiences Beyond the Ordinary, a FREE Virtual Webinar Series bringing experiential learning to extended learning programming.
This three-part series is designed to provide facilitators, site leaders, and program directors with the tools they need to increase engagement, build skills for the whole child, and raise attendance rates through innovative out-of-school time programming. Attendees are encouraged to join one or all sessions.
Part three of this series will be held on March 7th.
Presenters:
Dr. Michelle Ament – Chief Academic Officer
Michelle has served as an educator and district administrator for over 25 years. As the Chief Academic Officer, she supports ProSolve’s commitment to being a thought leader in the educational space as they reimagine a more student-centered ecosystem in which learners engage in immersive experiences to build academic skills and transfer social and emotional learning throughout the school environment and workforce. Michelle holds a doctorate in degree in Educational Leadership.
Jessica Marucci – Director of Experiential Professional Development
Jessica is committed to providing authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for both students and adults with 8+ years of experience in experiential education. As the Director of Experiential PD at ProSolve, she is dedicated to empowering and supporting educators in providing engaging learning experiences that target and cultivate Human Intelligence. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Education.
Tiffany Sawyer – Educational Designer
Tiffany is a former educator with 15 years of experience creating and leading meaningful educational opportunities for adults and children, focusing on experiential education. She is driven to create authentic and engaging educational experiences that help build and strengthen career readiness and professional growth. Tiffany holds a master’s degree in Education.

Reflecting and Processing STEM Experiences
2024-02-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Description: Too often, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) activities happen with little to no time for youth to think about what they did, what they learned, and why it matters. The ability to reflect and process not only improves the STEM experience, but builds the socioemotional learning (SEL) skill of listening and understanding other people’s viewpoints. In this training, participants will practice leading an engineering activity in a way that incorporates reflection for STEM learning.
Goal: Participants will practice facilitating the Paper Structures activity to incorporate reflection for STEM learning in order to understand how they can use the reflective process in their STEM activity facilitation.
Objectives:

Participants will examine their STEM facilitation practices particularly focused on reflection and processing during STEM learning
Participants will practice asking reflective questions throughout a STEM activity
Participants will discuss the reflective process
Participants will develop strategies to help youth process their learning.

OCFS area(s) 3
CBK area(s) 4

“It Takes the Village!”: Exploring the Role Of Expanded Learning Opportunities in Improving Early Literacy Outcomes
2024-02-27 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
On January 30th, The Education Trust–New York launched The New York Campaign for Early Literacy — a statewide movement to improve student reading outcomes, from birth to age 8. The Campaign is a continuum of their work to ensure New York State and local school districts prioritize early literacy and the science of reading. Schools and families should not, in isolation, address the literacy challenge in New York. Afterschool, summer, and other expanded learning programs are positioned to serve as partners providing high-quality, early literacy support.
Join the New York State Network for Youth Success for the release of our new policy brief to learn more about how high-quality expanded learning opportunities foster early literacy education. We will also spotlight how several afterschool and community-based organizations are promoting early literacy through innovative initiatives and partnerships.

Learning, Experienced (LXP) in Out-of-School Time
2024-02-22 13:00 - 14:00 | Virtual
Learning, Experienced (LXP) in Out-of-School Time
February 22, 2024, 1:00 pm EST
Join us for this interactive session to learn more about the Learning, Experienced (LXP) model; we’ll explore how to bring immersive experiences with collaborative discovery into extended learning programming and discuss the impact this has on students. You’ll leave with 5 hands-on experiential learning activities that can be used in your program the next day.
This session will not count for OCFS training credit.
Learn More: https://www.prosolve.com/lxpwebinar
Register: https://prosolve.webinargeek.com/lxpwebinar

Leveling Up: Designing Experiences Beyond the Ordinary
Join ProSolve for our Leveling Up: Designing Experiences Beyond the Ordinary, a FREE Virtual Webinar Series bringing experiential learning to extended learning programming.
This three-part series is designed to provide facilitators, site leaders, and program directors with the tools they need to increase engagement, build skills for the whole child, and raise attendance rates through innovative out-of-school time programming. Attendees are encouraged to join one or all sessions.
The dates for parts two and three in this series will be: February 29th and March 7th
Presenters:
Dr. Michelle Ament – Chief Academic Officer
Michelle has served as an educator and district administrator for over 25 years. As the Chief Academic Officer, she supports ProSolve’s commitment to being a thought leader in the educational space as they reimagine a more student-centered ecosystem in which learners engage in immersive experiences to build academic skills and transfer social and emotional learning throughout the school environment and workforce. Michelle holds a doctorate in degree in Educational Leadership.
Jessica Marucci – Director of Experiential Professional Development
Jessica is committed to providing authentic and meaningful learning opportunities for both students and adults with 8+ years of experience in experiential education. As the Director of Experiential PD at ProSolve, she is dedicated to empowering and supporting educators in providing engaging learning experiences that target and cultivate Human Intelligence. Jessica holds a master’s degree in Education.
Tiffany Sawyer – Educational Designer
Tiffany is a former educator with 15 years of experience creating and leading meaningful educational opportunities for adults and children, focusing on experiential education. She is driven to create authentic and engaging educational experiences that help build and strengthen career readiness and professional growth. Tiffany holds a master’s degree in Education.

Exploring a STEM Identity
2024-02-13 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Description: Learn techniques to help youth ‘try on’ roles in order to develop a STEM identity. STEM identity is critical for youth in developing interests and skills in STEM: youth who see themselves as scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and technologists are likely to persist in learning. Join PD Director Timothy Fowler in understanding STEM identity and learning practical ways to develop STEM identity in youth programs.
Goal: To learn how STEM identity helps youth understand themselves and develop skills
Objectives:

Define STEM identity
Apply techniques in an activity to promote STEM identity development in youth

OCFS area(s) 3
CBK area(s) 4

Beyond Borders: Confronting Xenophobia Together
2024-02-09 11:00 - 12:30 | Zoom
Embark on a transformative journey with Tibisay Hernandez in “Beyond Borders,” a workshop designed to dismantle stereotypes and build bridges of understanding. Engage in meaningful conversations and actionable strategies to tackle xenophobia head-on. This empowering experience fosters inclusivity, empathy, and open dialogue. Through interactive activities, insightful discussions, and shared stories, participants will gain valuable insights into the roots of xenophobia and explore practical ways to promote unity in our diverse world. Let’s come together, challenge biases, and embrace the strength that lies in our differences. It’s time to build a world where compassion triumphs over fear.

Facilitating an Inclusive Learning Environment for STEAM
2024-01-31 18:30 - 20:00 | Zoom
Involving all youth in STEAM activity, and overcoming any potential barriers to participating, is a critical component of good youth development work. In this workshop learn practices and approaches to creating inclusion in a typical STEAM activity. This session will allow participant to experience the practice and identify how to bring it back to their programs. This workshop is for participants who work with school-age children in a group setting. Join Timothy Fowler for this highly interactive session, which will count for OCFS training hours (OCFS 3, CBK 4).

Understanding the history of Antisemitism to be an ally in the present
2024-01-25 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Since the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) has tracked 3,283 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. This is a 360% increase over the same period the previous year. On Thursday, January 25 at 12 p.m. EST, please join the Network for a fireside chat with Scott Richman, ADL New York/New Jersey Regional Director and host of ADL’s “From the Frontlines” podcast. Together we will explore the history of antisemitism and how we can combat this dangerous hate. Learn how to recognize and interrupt the common forms of bias: misinformation, scapegoating, stereotypes, exclusion, dehumanization, and oversimplification. New York is home to more Jews than any other city in the country. JEDI often relies on the Jewish community to be an ally. Now it’s our turn to be theirs.

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
