New York State Network for Youth Success

NYS SAC Endorser Training
2026-03-11 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Become a SAC Credential Endorser!
The Network for Youth Success is seeking qualified professionals to join our SAC Credential Endorser pool. Endorsers conduct virtual observations of SAC Credential Candidates across New York State, providing valuable feedback and support to advance quality in afterschool programs. Training will be held Wednesday, March 11, from 9:00 AM–3:00 PM. Endorsers receive a stipend for each visit. Applicants should apply with the link below by February 11th, to be accepted into this training. Questions? Email Erin@NetworkForYouthSuccess.org.
📅 Apply Here: networkforyouthsuccess.org/sacc-advisor-endorser-instructor

Site Leader Institute
2026-02-26 10:00 - 2026-04-02 13:00 | Zoom
Are you looking to improve your managerial and supervisory skills? Join us at the Spring 2026 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, 10 AM to 1 PM, over six weeks. Join our Project 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, February 26th, 2025 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, March 5th, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, March 12th, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, March 19th, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, March 26th, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM
Thursday, April 2nd, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM

Registration closes two weeks before the start, so register no later than Thursday, February 12th to secure your spot!

Building Confidence in Real-World Math in School-Age Programs
2026-02-11 12:30 - 14:30
Register Here
Engaging students in Real World Math can feel intimidating, and finding high-quality, practical resources can be a challenge. This interactive workshop will use hands-on activities and guided resource sharing to help educators explore real-world math concepts. Participants will walk away with practical strategies and ready-to-use ideas they can easily integrate into their existing programs.
Objectives:

Identify at least ONE hands-on real-world math activity participants can utilize in program
Review math resources and discuss one way to adapt a resource to your age setting.

Goal: Build your confidence with Real World Math concepts in school-age settings
Credit: N/A

Nature-Based Learning in STEM: Foundations and Hands-On Practice
2026-02-09 16:00 - 18:00
Register Here
Learn the basics of Nature-Based Learning and explore how it can be integrated into STEM education. This interactive workshop introduces participants to the principles and benefits of Nature-Based Learning through real-world examples and discussion. Participants will also get their hands dirty by engaging in a nature-based art activity and leave with practical activities and resources they can use to enhance STEM learning.
Objectives:
– Participate in a hands-on nature-based art activity.
– Identify at least four activities and resources that enhance STEM learning through Nature-Based Learning.
Goal: Equip participants with practical tools and ideas to implement nature-based STEM activities in their programs.
Credit: N/A

Nature-Based Learning in STEM: Foundations and Hands-On Practice
2026-02-06 12:30 - 14:00
Register Here
Learn the basics of Nature-Based Learning and explore how it can be integrated into STEM education. This interactive workshop introduces participants to the principles and benefits of Nature-Based Learning through real-world examples and discussion. Participants will also get their hands dirty by engaging in a nature-based art activity and leave with practical activities and resources they can use to enhance STEM learning.
Objectives:

Participate in a hands-on nature-based art activity.
Identify at least four activities and resources that enhance STEM learning through Nature-Based Learning.

Goal: Equip participants with practical tools and ideas to implement nature-based STEM activities in their programs.
Credit: N/A

Virtual Health and Safety for Directors
2026-01-21 18:30 - 2026-02-05 21:30 | Zoom
January/February 2026 @ 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
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.

Wednesday, January 21
Thursday, January 22
Wednesday, January 28
Thursday, January 29
Wednesday, February 4
Thursday, February 5

Time: 6:30-9:30PM
This is a six day course. You must attend all sessions.
Instructor: Diane Shirley
How to register:
1. Begin your registration here
2. To make your payment, click here

Mott Million Dollar Pitch Competition
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00
Join this workshop to learn more about this once in a lifetime opportunity for your students!
Register Here
Scott Mann of VentureLab will facilitate a conversation about how students in the OST space are already thinking and acting like entrepreneurs and provide specific guidance on how to prepare students for this competition.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
-Tips for increasing engagement and encouraging youth voice
-Practical ways to guide youth as they create and refine their ideas
-Steps in the challenge timeline and what youth need to prepare
-How youth can enter and navigate the Pitch Challenge
-Opportunities to connect with others supporting youth entrepreneurship
Learn about the challenge here: mottmillion.org

Virtual SAC Credential Prep Course (Part 2) - Fall 2025
2025-09-18 09:00 - 2025-12-18 12:00
Begins September 18
9:00am -12:00pm
(September 18-December 18, 2025)

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.
Thursdays, 9:00am-12:00pm
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

Health and Safety
2025-09-17 18:30 - 2025-10-02 21:30 | Virtual
Program directors play a vital role in hiring, training, and supporting staff to ensure a safe and healthy environment for children. This course will guide directors in reviewing and strengthening their program’s health and safety policies and procedures to align with high-quality standards.
Participants will benefit most by bringing a copy of their current policies and procedures to each session.
📌 Workshop Schedule:
Wednesday, September 17
Thursday, September 18
Wednesday, September 24
Thursday, September 25
Wednesday, October 1
Thursday, October 2
Please note: This is a six-day course. Attendance at all sessions is required.
Instructor: Diane Shirley
Cost: $350.00
To enroll in any health and safety course, participants must make payment (using the link policies link) AND register (using the registration link for the appropriate date). Registration is not complete until both parts have been completed.
Begin Registration Here
Complete Registration for Fall Course 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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!

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.

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/

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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/

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!

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

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:

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

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
