Computer science is foundational—and changing every industry on the planet. The basics of computer science help nurture creativity and problem-solving skills, preparing students for any future career.

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.

NAA's Virtual Convention runs November 6 – 20, 2016. It's free for NAA Executive members and just $49 for Ambassador members. Here's a sneak peek at four of the awesome workshops you'll experience when you participate!

The National AfterSchool Association (NAA) received the Alliance for a Healthier Generation's Healthy Out-of-School Time Hero Award. The award recognizes an integral community organization that contributes to the healthy development of its youth by focusing on healthy eating and physical activity.

A strong afterschool workforce is key to program quality and positive youth outcomes. Can competency-based recognition in the form of micro-credentials and digital badges help develop the skills, confidence, and careers of afterschool professionals? We think so! This cool infographic helps explain how.

As Director of Staff Development at the Leadership Program, I spend a lot of time both preparing and implementing training or coaching others on effective facilitation. There is no recipe or shortcut that instantaneously makes you an expert facilitator.

In my role at the National AfterSchool Association, one of my key responsibilities is to plan professional development. So I think about professional development A LOT, which is why a recent EdSurge article, "Why Good Professional Development Is Crucially Linked to an Educator's Attitude," by Glenda I. Lozada Negron, caught my attention.

Is Program Quality Enough?

Year after year, we're amazed by those who think outside the box to enrich kids' lives. Notions of what camp can be—or how an instructor can teach—keep expanding, thanks to the creative leadership and outstanding programs launched by these passionate, caring individuals.

The Partnership for Afterschool Education (PASE), recognizes the crucial role afterschool programs play in fostering young people's intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual growth. The organization works toward improving the quality of afterschool programs for children and teens living in poverty.

The afterschool space is more than just a safe place for students to wait for caregivers to pick them up. It's where you can challenge students and help them learn skills in multiple areas. As you work on improving and growing your program, consider the following areas as a framework for organizing your space and your curriculum to bring out the best in your afterschool students.