SPREAD THE NEWS

To share news or training opportunities related to afterschool programs contact: Jeff Cole jcole@nebraskachildren.org 

Click here to revisit past issues of Community Learning Centers Network News.

Shine in the Summer Sun 

Research shows that quality summer programs provide youth, especially those from high need communities, with the extra support they need to maintain academic progress. June 21st has been officially recognized as 'Summer Learning Day'. Take advantage of this national advocacy day to showcase your program and to spread the word about the importance of summer learning.  

Programs are encouraged to highlight how they work to maintain and advance participants' academic and developmental growth; support working families; keep children safe and healthy; and send young people back to school ready to learn.  

Join communities across Nebraska and the country in celebrating the importance of summer learning. Visit the National Summer Learning Association website for tools you can use to plan your event. If your schedule doesn't allow for an activity on June 21st, you can host an event during that week or anytime during the summer. Contact Jeff Cole for more information.

As a Columbus based non-profit, Communities Together Can! provides 450 youth with a safe and secure afterschool environment where they can grow intellectually, culturally, physically, socially and emotionally.

Program activities are intentionally linked back to the school day and include a core program of homework support, a healthy snack and exercise. At the elementary level "Theme Totes" provide staff with a structured set of activities and suggestions of community partners they can work with to connect the school day with hands-on afterschool activities. The Middle School level is more of a club model, an experience that program administrators hope to expand into the Elementary program. 

Built on a partnership between Columbus Public Schools, University of Nebraska - Lincoln Extension, and the 21st Century grant program, Communities Together Can! is a true collaboration. This community-wide administrative hub facilitates partnerships between diverse community groups and local businesses that provide important afterschool services in a school-based setting. Contact Lisa Kaslon for more information.