ACT Now IL Blog
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October 29, 2024
Keeping the Lights On: S&C Electric Field Trip
By: Naomi Oster Happy Lights On Afterschool 2024! This year, on October 24, 2024, ACT Now’s celebration of the national day for afterschool included a field trip I convened for thirty-six middle schoolers to S&C Electric, on Chicago’s north side. When our amazing partners at the National Girls Collaborative Project and Wesco, reached out, interested…
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September 25, 2024
Students Lose Afterschool Programs, Staff Laid Off—Policymakers Must Take Action!
Press Release – September 24, 2024 Chicago, Illinois – 13,500 students across the state have lost afterschool programs and 1,000 staff roles have been eliminated. Organizations gathered today at Aspira Business and Finance High School for a rally to ask policymakers to take swift action to rectify this issue. You can watch the full rally…
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July 29, 2024
Refugees and Asylum-Seekers: How Community-Based Organizations Are Supporting Newcomers
Alishba Shah, Policy and Communications Intern Summer 2024 Finding work and going to school is hard enough as it is; imagine having to do that and so much more while not even understanding or speaking the language everyone else around you uses. That is how many migrants and refugees feel when they first come to…
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June 3, 2024
Exciting Opportunity: Apply Now for ACT Now’s FY25 STEM Club!
Are you passionate about fostering a love for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) in young minds? Are you struggling with where to start in implementing STEM activities into your program? If so, we have great news for you! ACT Now is excited to announce that applications for our FY25 STEM Club are now open!…
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May 6, 2024
May RPSA Blog!
As we approach the end of fiscal year 24′, this month’s RPSA blog aims to provide insights into eCornerstone, the future of RPSA funding, and additional funding resources available for potential grantees. Grantees have been requested by IDHS to backdate program information to July 1, 2023, and input data into eCornerstone. This includes vital details…
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April 23, 2024
Curriculum Reviews: CATCH, TinkRworks, and Afterschool Math Plus
This month we have reviewed another three curriculums, covering topics of STEM, Sports/Recreation and Math in afterschool. Kids Club (OST) By CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) TAGS: Physical Education, elementary, middle school, health and fitness, activities, games, healthy eating, The Kids Club from CATCH is a very accessible set of curricular resources for jumpstarting…
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March 25, 2024
Elevating Youth Voice!
March 25th to March 29th marks Youth Voice Week 2024! Creating spaces where young people can share their experiences and discuss issues that are important to them is crucial. Afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to provide these spaces for youth. Amplifying youth voice initiatives helps youth develop essential skills and instills the confidence necessary to…
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March 4, 2024
March RPSA Blog
Hello RPSA Grantees! Excitement is building as we gear up for the FY24 Q3 Quarterly Meeting for RPSA 2775 and 3007! Hosted in-person, this event promises to be an enriching experience for all attendees, and ACT Now is thrilled for you to join us. Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 21st, 2024, from 10:00 AM…
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February 20, 2024
RPSA February Blog: Black History Month Events and Activities
In 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodsen, known as the father of Black History Month, had an idea to organize a week that would be dedicated to celebrating the history of Black Americans and educating future generations. This month offers a variety of events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. Here are a few…
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January 31, 2024
RPSA February blog: Black History Month Events and Activities
In 1926, American historian Carter G. Woodsen, known as the father of Black History Month, had an idea to organize a week that would be dedicated to celebrating the history of Black Americans and educating future generations. This month offers a variety of events and activities to celebrate Black History Month. Here are a few…
