Professional Development

Partnerships between schools and out-of-school time (OST) programs are an integral facet to supporting youth development, especially due to the high potential to accelerate children's social and emotional development.

One of the main tenets of youth development is meeting young people where they are—in their development, interests, experiences and spaces. With the ubiquitous use of the internet, cellphones and social media among young people, adults need to consider translating traditional programs to digital technology, to meet youth where they are.

If you've been on a journey to create a more inclusive and diverse programs, you likely already know that equity must be made a priority in all facets of an organization. Difficult conversations, more transparency throughout the organization, and ensuring you're hiring leaders who understand equity and inclusion are critical. But how do you know if your organization truly fosters equity appropriately, if at all? The answers partly lie in conducting an equity audit.

In NAA's Reopening Afterschool Facebook group, members have been asked questions covering a variety of relevant and helpful topics with the goal of offering an exchange of tips between leaders and professionals in the field.