Key strategies identified by experts to expand and improve enrichment learning  opportunities:

• A data system,   
• Citywide quality-improvement standards, and;   
• A "coordinating entity" to help the many players in the afterschool arena work together

A recent study finds, "Historically, the afterschool field has been decentralized, with programs, schools, city leaders, and funders operating separately from each other," says Ivan Charner of FHI 360. "Yet we found that many positive steps have been taken to coordinate afterschool programs in large cities across the country. If this trend continues and afterschool coordination truly goes nationwide, we believe that more children will have access to and participate in high-quality afterschool programs."

One striking finding is that support from mayors and city managers is crucial to this effort. Cities describing their mayors as "highly committed" to afterschool coordination were far more likely to see afterschool funding remain stable (46 percent of respondents) or increase (21 percent of respondents) over the past five years.  

The study, Is Citywide Afterschool Coordination Going Nationwide? An Exploratory Study in Large Cities, was conducted by FHI 360, a global nonprofit that conducts research into education and a host of other issues. The study was commissioned by The Wallace Foundation, which has supported local efforts to formally knit together the municipal agencies, schools, nonprofit youth programs and other institutions vital to providing afterschool services, with the goal of expanding access to afterschool programs to many more low-income children.

"Research tells us that more children and teens can get access to high-quality afterschool experiences when communities coordinate the work of the many different groups involved," said Nancy Devine, director of learning and enrichment at Wallace. "This new study indicates an emerging national trend of large cities working to coordinate afterschool programs, but it also tells us that cities can do more to build an effective system."

Earn 50 Set Two credits for $250!

We have kicked off our Quality Framework Series  and we're thrilled to offer our this training at half  off, to anyone who qualifies for the Betty Gray Scholarship program! This 5-part series will take you through the entire Quality Framework.

Register Now!

These 10-hr Training modules can also be taken individually without the scholarship at $125/module. PSU credit will be available in 1 credit increments per module (each module equals one credit).

Module 1: Framework for Quality - Begin Now!

What is a quality program? What are the components that are included? What are best practices for the field of afterschool? Join us as we examine the research, resources and tools available to define quality afterschool programming and how to measure quality.

10 hours Set Two CKC: PM

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Module 2: Program Organization - Begin Now!

10 hours Set Two CKC: PM

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Module 3: Academic Practices and Youth Outcomes - Feb. 20 - Mar. 21, 2014

10 hours Set Two CKC: LEC

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Module 4: Positive Relationships and Youth Engagement - Mar. 31 - May 4, 2014

10 hours Set Two CKC: FCS & HGD

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Module 5: Measuring Program Success - May 5 - June 8, 2014

10 hours Set Two CKC: PM

 

Want to talk with someone about how the Quality Modules fit into your professional development plan? We would love to talk with you - call us at 503-689-1656.

Click here for descriptions and to register!! 

Sixteen students gathered around laptops and prepared for the day's adventure: creating video games with SNAP, a visual programming software.

Gresham area students brought games to life during the inaugural Rockwood Library Game Camp held Dec. 30-Jan 4.

The camp was a part of Game Education PDX, an initiative led by Pixel Arts Game Education that strives to connect Portland youths from underprivileged areas with hands-on game education.

"This was a good entry point for learning about the gaming environment," said Megan Pixley, a senior at Reynolds High School who loves video games and aspires to become a video arts story writer.

For more information about Game Education, click here.

Global Game Jam

At the Global Game Jam, friends and community members come together to make their own games in a span of 48 hours.

Join the Portland Indie Game Squad from 5-7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, in Room 263 of the Art Institute of Portland to see the final steps of a 48-hour game-making challenge.

As games become completed, play them side-by-side with their developers. The event is free and open to all ages, with snacks provided.

For more information about the Global Game Jam, including registration, visit the official event posting: pigsquad.com/.

How does your organization screen and select safe volunteers to work with kids?

If you rely on a background check, join Oregon Mentors staff to learn why  volunteer screening goes way beyond the background check.
During this six-hour training based on SAFE: Screening Applicants for Effectiveness, we'll review your organization's current screening practices and provide an in-depth dive on 21 tools you can use to screen out child predators.

Friday, April 11th - La Grande   

RSVP at: https://oregonmentors.wufoo.com/forms/safe-training-rsvp/. For questions or comments, please contact Meghan Perry at meghan@oregonmentors.org or 503-517-8990 x 201.