New York State Network for Youth Success

* Postponed Building Simple Circuits Using Common or Accessible Materials
2024-10-24 18:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York)
*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

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

Inspiring A Passion for Science and Nature with "eBird Explorers: Youth Action for Birds"
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:30
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

POSTPNED Guide Your Students In Creating Interactive Diagrams for Peer-Power Project-Based Learning
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:00
Peer-Powered Projects give students a means of applying and showing their learning in ANY academic subject through fun-first, hands-on art, coding, 3D design, and engineering projects. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll walk you through one of these projects that you can use with your students in class the next day! With a few simple steps, you’ll put the power of creativity, collaboration, and budding STEM skills into the hands of your students without you having to learn how to code or 3D design yourself!
We’ll provide guidance for non-coding expert teachers to introduce your students to templated projects that will allow your students to code an interactive, adaptable, and shareable Peer-Powered Project: a Scratch-coded interactive, animated diagram with motion, sound and customizable illustrations. Peer-Powered Projects are meant to be shared among students to super-power peer-to-peer learning in your classroom!
Objective:
Teachers will be able to guide their students in the creation of a Scratch-coded interactive diagram for applying and demonstrating their learning in any subject.
Presenter Bio:
Stephen Gilman is a STEAM, social-emotional, and game-based learning educator who has established over 100 makerspaces in schools nationwide (STEAM: science, tech, engineering, arts, math). He is a father, former NYC public school teacher and dean, and veteran. Stephen has led K-12 teacher training programs in coding and engineering design as a principal co-investigator of the National Science Foundation Maker Partnership and cohort trainer for NYC DOE’s “CS4all”. Stephen is a founding board member of the Urban Assembly Maker Academy, a founder of the Carnegie Learning Center, a founding teacher and dean of Bronx Collegiate, a public high school based in Outward Bound experiential learning, and a founding board member of the volunteer network, UlsterCorps. Stephen enjoys board game design, historical fiction writing, disc golf, hiking, biking, and creativity of all kinds, especially if it’s with his son Ben and his partner Michele. Learn more about Stephen’s work in student-centered, project-based SEL and STEAM learning with MakerState and Student Union at www.maker-state.com.
Social Media:
Facebook; @makerstate
Instagram; @makerstate
LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-gilman-25a2235/

Using Adult Learning Theory to Create Trainings for Your Staff
2024-12-02 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Looking to create high-quality trainings for your staff? In this multi-day training participants will learn how to design trainings using adult learning theory. Participants will walk through the steps of applying for their NYS T-TAP Credential linking their trainings to the CBK, OCFS topics, and the NAEYC Trainer Competencies. We will also discuss how to handle difficult particip2ndants, and what to do when faced with ethical dilemmas.
Join TTAP certified Professional Development Specialists Timothy Fowler and Alysha Branch to upgrade your training and development skills. Participants will be able to create high-quality staff training using adult learning theory, and use the Code of Ethics to handle ethical dilemmas that may occur during training. In the series, we will link staff training to the NAEYC and NAA trainer competencies, identify adult learning styles, link staff training to the CBK and NAA Core Competencies, and use the code of ethics to solve ethical dilemma scenarios.
What: Using Adult Learning Theory to Create Trainings for Your Staff
When: Mondays from 9:30 AM- 12:30 PM on December 2nd, December 9th, and December 16th. Participants must attend all three sessions in total to earn OCFS credit.
Cost: $400.00
Click here to register.

Teaching about the NYS Climate Act
2024-12-04 12:00 - 13:00
The first October installment of our STEAM Skills Webinar Series is taught by WhyMaker, who support teachers in providing students with meaningful STEM learning experiences, paying close attention to BIPOC students and girls.
Join WHYMAKER for an engaging session to learn how to teach about the NYS Climate Act and sustainability in your program. Whether you already incorporate clean energy topics in your teaching or are eager to start, this workshop is for you. Discover a variety of hands-on activities and resources designed to make learning about clean energy both informative and exciting. Empower your students to understand and contribute to a sustainable future with practical and impactful activities.
Objective:

Educators will know facts about the NYS Climate Act.
Educators will explore hands-on activities that they can implement with their students.

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 of WhyMaker, 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.
Social:
X, IG, TikTok @ Whymaker

Asking Purposeful Questions
2024-12-12 10:30 - 12:30
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. Join Sara Kobilka 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.

Meet the Coach – Sara Kobilka

Sara 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 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.
sara@renwomanconsulting.com

First, enroll in ACRES.
Once you are logged in, sign up for this opportunity using the code NY403PQ.
Cohort_ID: NY403PQ
Dates: Thursdays, Dec 12, Jan 9, and Jan 16.
Times: 10:30am-12:30pm
Participants are eligible for 6 hours of OCFS credit.

Power of 3:00 Afterschool Advocacy Webinar: State of Afterschool in New York
2024-12-17 13:00 - 14:00
In this session, we will explore the current state of afterschool and where New York stands and provide an overview of where things stand as we approach the state budget season in January. This session will share:

How the afterschool landscape has changed since the introduction of the Learning and Enrichment After-school Support Program (LEAPS).
What the Network is asking the state for in the 2025-26 state budget to support afterschool.
Available information about the election and how we expect it to impact the afterschool system.
Opportunities to become involved in budget advocacy in the new year.

Distance Learning (Asynchronous) SAC Credential
2025-01-06 08:00 - 17:00
Distance Learning (Asynchronous) SAC Credential- Part 2
Course Dates: January 6 – April 28
Instructor: Alysha Branch
Cost: $1125.00 per semester. (Includes a homework helper. Does not include advisement or endorsement.)
Looking to gain the knowledge and skills to effectively run a SAC program? The SAC Credential offers individuals the opportunity to reflect on their practice using the 14 skill areas (ex: professionalism, safety, child development, etc.) in the SAC Credential Tool. Asynchronous courses are hosted in Google Classroom and allow for self-paced online learning with activities and assignments to be completed within two-week timeframes. Individuals must take Part 1 and Part 2, which can be taken in either order, and in a variety of formats.
Click here for Virtual Course Policies, Syllabus, and Full Calendar

Virtual (Live Instructor) SAC Credential- Part 1
2025-01-09 09:00 - 12:00
Virtual (Live Instructor) SAC Credential- Part 1
Course Dates: January 9 – April 3
Time: Thursdays, 9:00am – 12:00pm
Instructor: Alysha Branch
Cost: $1250.00 per semester. (Includes a homework helper. Does not include advisement or endorsement.)
Looking to gain the knowledge and skills to effectively run a SAC program? The SAC Credential offers individuals the opportunity to reflect on their practice using the 14 skill areas (ex: professionalism, safety, child development, etc.) in the SAC Credential Tool. Virtual Courses feature live virtual instruction, incorporating lectures, cooperative learning, group discussions, activities, observations, and multimedia materials. Individuals must take Part 1 and Part 2, which can be taken in either order, and in a variety of formats.
Click here for Virtual Course Policies, Syllabus, and Full Calendar

Health and Safety for Directors (Virtual-Live)
2025-01-15 - 2025-01-30
January 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 (Must attend all days) – FULL – REGISTRATION CLOSED
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.
For more information:

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

Site Leader Institute
2025-03-06 09:30 - 12:30 | Zoom
Are you looking to improve your managerial and supervisory skills? Join us at the Spring 2025 Site Leader Institute! This training covers accountability, time management, and people management for those responsible for youth programs. Site managers, program directors, and other supervising staff can improve their ability to run a program.
The Site Leader Institute is a six-session series held on Thursdays over six weeks. Join our PD Director Timothy Fowler for a practical, engaging learning experience. More details, including how to register, can be found at https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/site-leader-institute/.
Session dates:
Thursday, March 6th, 2025 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, March 13th, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, March 20th, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, March 27th, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, April 3rd, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM
Thursday, April 10th, 9:30 AM–12:30 PM

Registration closes two weeks before the start, so register no later than Thursday, February 20th to secure your spot!

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.

Power of 3:00 Afterschool Day of Action
2025-03-25 | NYS Capitol/LOB Building, 198 State Street, Albany, 12210
Power of 3:00 Afterschool Day of Action (March 25, 2025)
Join supporters of afterschool, summer, and expanded learning programs to uplift the need to increase access to high-quality afterschool programs. Legislators will be at the State Capitol in Albany to negotiate which programs to fund in the state budget.
Last year’s budget included increased funding to help expand afterschool access; however, significant demand for afterschool in New York still remains. We need your voice to show them that afterschool cannot be an afterthought in the FY 2025-2026 budget.
The NYS Network for Youth Success’ Power of 3:00 Afterschool Day of Action is an opportunity for afterschool advocates, including afterschool professionals and families, to make the case for afterschool.
Power of 3:00 Afterschool Day of Action

When: March 25, 2025
Where: New York Legislative Office Building, The Well, 198 State St, Albany 12210
Who: Afterschool advocates, program staff, families, and youth
What to Expect: The Afterschool Day of Action is an opportunity for supporters of afterschool programs, including and especially youth, afterschool providers, and families, to come together to show the importance and impact of their afterschool program. The event will feature an afterschool spotlight, including demonstrations of the value of afterschool, and an afterschool expo for organizations to table and share information about their organizations with legislators. The second part of the day will be open-ended; we encourage programs to build a menu of activities for the youth in attendance to learn about and explore the State Capitol.

REGISTER HERE.

Using Adult Learning Theory to Create Trainings for Your Staff
2025-03-26 09:30 | Virtual
Thinking about Earning Your Training and Technical Assistance Professional Credential? We’re offering a training workshop that is your opportunity to stop considering and start achieving.
“Using Adult Learning Theory to Create Trainings for Your Staff” will outline how high quality training should be conducted, and how to become a T-TAP PDS yourself!
The NYAEYC Training and Technical Assistance Professional Credential (PD Specialist) formally recognizes the value and specialized knowledge necessary to provide professional development in New York State. This credential is perfect for individuals providing non-credit bearing in-person group professional development (such as the New York State School-Age Care Credential or Click2Science Trainings) on general early childhood and/or school-age content.
In this workshop, we will help you navigate the process of becoming a T-TAP PD Specialist.
Over the course of three days, you will learn how to:

Fill out your intent to apply form,
Link your training to the NAEYC and NAA trainer competencies, and
Design a training with adult learning theory in mind.

Training Dates (Wednesdays) March 26th, April 2nd, and April 9th.
Time: 9:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $400.00
This is a three-day training. Participants must attend all three days.
Click here to register now!
More Information on the T-TAP (Including Application Requirements)
https://nyaeyc.org/ttap-credential/
Scholarship funding to participate in this training may be available through the Educational Incentive Program (EIP). For more information or to apply for a scholarship, please visit https://www.ecetp.pdp.albany.edu/mytraining/EIPAPP/preapp.aspx . You may also contact EIP at eip@albany.edu or 800-295-9616.

SAC Credential Prep Course (Part 1) - Virtual
2025-04-01 18:30 - 2025-06-30 21:30 | Zoom
Course Description
The School Age Care Credential Course is an in-depth study of competency standards that reflect best practices in after-school programs. This course is specifically designed for individuals currently employed in school age child care programs, who serve children ages 5 to 13 years old. Competency standards demonstrating the ability to nurture children’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth will be explored. Major topics include maintaining a safe, healthy learning environment, child development, challenging behaviors, observing and recording, working with families, curriculum development, operational program management, communication, and professionalism. Current theories and trends of working with and educating school age children will be investigated by SACC Candidates. Part 1 covers skill areas 1-7, and Part 2 covers skill areas 8-14.
Cost
$1,250.00* per semester. (Two semesters are required)
*** Advisement, Assessment (Endorsement), books and required NYSNYS membership fees are not included.
Method of Instruction
Virtual – Live-Instructor. Class sessions will include lectures, cooperative learning opportunities, whole group discussions, group activities, observations, and use of audio-visual materials. Note: Google Classroom may be used to support learning. All candidates will need a Gmail account and Google Drive with storage to participate.
Tuesdays, 6:30–9:30 pm (some Mondays 6:30-9:30)
Link to Syllabus: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GiiDoDTXFGOvP0fdX2sKSiPthHYH1oDi/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=114873195781914342631&rtpof=true&sd=true
REGISTER HERE: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/NewYorkStateNetworkforYou/Virtual.html

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

2025 Empower Youth Success Conference
2025-04-30 08:00 - 2025-05-03 17:00 | Albany Hilton, 40 Lodge St, Albany, NY, 12207, United States
This is THE event for education professionals to push the boundaries and create high-quality expanded learning and development opportunities that support New York’s youth. Join in on an exciting four days of innovative learning, engagement, and fun with the New York State Network for Youth Success!
Registration is Now Open! https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/annual-conference/registration/
Visit our Conference Webpage: https://networkforyouthsuccess.org/annual-conference/

CANCELLED - True Colors© Keys to Personal Success
2025-05-13 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
True Colors© Keys to Personal Success will improve your workplace culture by training all levels of employees, from executives and managers to front line staff, to recognize their greatest strengths and create a more collaborative environment.
Join Elite Certified True Colors© Facilitator Timothy Fowler to learn about yourself, how others operate, and how to appreciate each others’ strengths to form effective teams.
True Colors has been used successfully for over forty years in non-profit organizations. True Colors programs foster positive, healthy, productive personal development that improves communication, teambuilding, leadership, morale, and conflict resolution skills both at work and at home.
True Colors© Keys to Personal Success is a three-hour virtual workshop for people in the NYSNYS network. In the session, participants will complete a personality assessment, review the results, and apply the learning to scenarios to understand how personalities affect our communication, teams, and conflict navigation.
As a result of participating in True Colors Programs, dramatic changes can occur through:

Recognizing the need for self-confidence, pride, dignity, respect, and sense of worthiness in all situations
Providing the language skills of effective communication
Improving the skills and attitudes as advisor, counselor, consultant, and trouble-shooter, to achieve a greater level of success

Deadline Extended! Register by May 6th, 2025 to participate. Please include your preferred mailing address, so we can send you the assessment booklet and cards.
Date: Tuesday, May 13th
Time: 10 AM – 1 PM
Place: Zoom
What others have said about True Colors© Keys to Personal Success:

The training was truly enjoyable.
Great balance of teaching and doing.
I really enjoy communicating with others and finding my true colors.
It was great to learn and not boring at all!!

What others have said about Elite Certified Trainer Timothy Fowler:

Timothy was very informative.
He is terrific. One of the best instructors I have seen.
He was great! Very engaging.

Supervision of Children and Youth in Afterschool Programs
2025-05-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
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.
This workshop will focus on OCFS regulations for School-Age Care. Join trainer Timothy Fowler to learn how the structure of regulations can create a positive and safe environment for children and youth!
This virtual session will count for two (2) hours of OCFS training credit (CBK 1,3,4; OCFS 3, 4).
Cost for NYSNYS Members: $25.00
Cost for Nonmembers: $30.00
Click here to register now!

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

Encouraging Positive Behaviors
2025-05-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Zoom
Many afterschool professionals have to handle challenging behaviors on a regular basis. In this workshop we will identify behavior challenges we may see in a school-age setting and we will unpack them to discover what is behind the behavior. Based on real-life scenarios, we will have discussions around proactive strategies to stop the unwanted behaviors before they start, and what to do once the behaviors have begun.
Join trainer Timothy Fowler in this engaging exploration of techniques to create positive social environments where children learn to manage their own behaviors.
This session will count for two (2) hours of OCFS training credit (CBK 1,4; OCFS 1,3). Emphasis will be on techniques that can be applied in school age care settings.
Cost for NYSNYS Members: $25.00
Cost for Nonmembers: $30.00
Click here to register now!

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

NYSNYS Webinar Recordings
2025-08-01 - 2030-08-01 | Virtual
The Network for Youth Success and its partners host webinars on valuable topics for those interested in afterschool, summer, and expanded learning opportunities. Recordings of select past webinars are available free, on demand here.

Fall Part 1 DL SAC Credential Course (Asynchronous)
2025-08-25 08:00 - 2025-12-20 17:00 | Virtual
PART 1 (Skill Areas 1-7)
August 25-December 25, 2025
Instructor: Carla Stough Huffman

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!

Cost
$1,125.00 per semester. Individuals must take both semesters (Part 1 and Part 2)

Course Policies, Syllabus, and Full Calendar

Register Here: https://app.etapestry.com/onlineforms/NewYorkStateNetworkforYou/DLRegistration.html
