Imagine the potential of empowering the 10.2 million children in afterschool programs with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) skills, while providing them with opportunities to eat healthy and stay active.

Earlier this month, NAA led a delegation of 22 afterschool leaders to Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia to explore child and youth development systems and meet with youth policy experts in these two countries.

Did you know that The National Afterschool Association is a great resource for professional development supporting healthy eating and physical activity (HEPA) in afterschool? A recent survey of the Afterschool Today magazine readers listed NAA as a place to get valuable resources and information to improve HEPA offerings and teaching practices.

Did you know that The National Afterschool Association is a great resource for STEM professional development? In a recent survey of the afterschool community, 98% of respondents listed NAA as a place to get valuable resources and information to improve STEM offerings and teaching practices.

People too often associate leadership with a status to be earned, or a title that bestows power. Certainly, under some circumstances, those definitions are accurate. But I like to think of leadership differently.

Out-of-school time providers are in a unique position to support or hinder healthy eating and physical activity for youth.

Do you know someone under the age of 30 who is doing great things in the field of afterschool? Please nominate him or her for Afterschool's Next Generation 2017 Award sponsored by S&S Worldwide!

Social workers use the phrase, "Be where the client is." It's meant to teach how to initially engage the client by meeting them where they are, versus telling them how and where to be.

Fill in the blank. I would rather _________ than do a math problem.

1. Eat worms
2. Clean a bathroom
3. Write an essay
4. Give a speech
5. Not eat for a day
6. Dump ice on my head

10 Tips for Stepping Into Your Leadership:

The role of a leader is one of great responsibility. These tips can help us fully step in with intention, dedication and courage.