Know a program that excels in improving its students' reading, writing and critical thinking skills? For the third year in a row, the Afterschool Alliance and the Dollar General Literacy Foundation seek nominations for the $10,000 Dollar General Afterschool Literacy Award.

Many of us are aware that daily reading and literacy activity can enhance vocabulary, increase comprehension and develop an understanding about story structure, among other skills.

The Three Little Pigs: A classic fairy tale, or a fun way to introduce structural engineering? The Very Hungry Caterpillar: A cute story about caterpillar obesity, or a platform to launch a topic on moving, growing insects and life cycles? Incorporating literacy into STEM activities or vice versa is a great way to promote abstract and creative thinking. Literacy can provide motivation for young people who are not immediately drawn to STEM subjects, and it can provide easy pathways to STEM for staff who might be intimidated by math and science.

"No more classrooms, no more books, no more ..." Waaaait a minute. No more books? As children, reading was one of our favorite summer activities—but we know that's not the case for many kids, especially when they are outside of school.

If you missed the fifteen-minute Webinar series, Engaging Youth in Language & Literacy, that's OK. We've organized all of the content here for you!

In the same time it takes to check your e-mail, you can boost your professional expertise in the areas of language and literacy for your afterschool program! Join the National AfterSchool Association in partnership with the Youth Today Out-of-School Time Hub for a unique webinar series consisting of four 15-minute webinars on engaging youth in language and literacy during out-of school time (OST).