ACT Now Newsletter
Sign up for our newsletter to get resources and updates every Tuesday morning!
November 2024:
- November 19, 2024: Support ACT Now This Giving Tuesday, STEM Contests, Resources, and Reports & Grants!
- November 12, 2024: Election Result Resources, Indigenous Peoples Heritage Month & Engage Every Student Nominations
- November 5, 2024: National STEAM Day & Resources, Afterschool Survey & Youth Awards!
October 2024:
- October 29, 2024: More Actions to Keep the Lights On, STEM Halloween Activites & Grants!
- October 22, 2024: Keep the Lights On Rally, Resources for Students’ Digital Literacy & Grant!
- October 15, 2024: NEW ACT Now Webinars, ISBE Budget Hearing Update & 3 Youth Contests!
- October 8, 2024: Lights On Afterschool Toolkit, STEM Surveys & Loan Repayment for Human Service Professionals!
- October 1, 2024: ISBE Budget Hearing Resources, Grants for Artists & SEL Lessons!
September 2024:
- September 24, 2024: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Federal Budget Update & Hispanic Heritage Month!
- September 17, 2024: Afterschool Advocacy, Usher and Lights On Afterschool & IL-QPSA!
- September 10, 2024: 21st CCLC Non-Regulatory Guidance, Grant Opportunities & Digital Equity Survey!
- No newsletter on September 3, 2024 as ACT Now’s offices are closed on September 2, 2024, for the Labor Day Holiday
August 2024:
- August 27, 2024: FY25 ISBE After School Programs NOFO & STEM Career Resources!
- August 20, 2024: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Membership Exchange & Back-to-School Resources!
- August 13, 2024: Outdoor Education Brief, ACT Now Job Posting & STEM Resources!
- August 6, 2024: 21st CCLC Town Hall, CS Conveninings, and Virtual Field Trips!
July 2024:
- July 30, 2024: New ACT Now Blog, 21st CCLC Town Hall, Back-to-School Events!
- July 23, 2024: 21st CCLC Town Hall, Sports Funding Opportunity, Loan Repayment Program!
- July 9, 2024: RPSA NOFO, STEAM Resources, and Youth Events!
- July 2, 2024: 21st CCLC RFP, Summer Learning Toolkit, and FY25 IL-QPSA!
June 2024:
- June 18, 2024: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Juneteenth Resources, and Teen Summer Jam!
- June 12, 2024: After School Program ISBE Board Meeting Update, STEM Coding Club, and Student Advisory Council!
- June 4, 2024: $50M for OST Webinar, STEM Club Application, and RPSA Blog!
May 2024:
- May 28, 2024: 21st CCLC Update, Summer Meals Finder, and Workforce Grants!
- May 21, 2024: Summer EBT, SEL in OST, and New ACT Now Team Member!
- May 14, 2024: 21st CCLC Advocacy, Summer Planning, and AAPI Heritage Month!
- May 7, 2024: OST After ESSER Webinar, New RPSA Blog, Youth Opportunities!
April 2024
- April 23, 2024: Advocacy Day Recap, Summer EBT, and Afterschool Professionals Week!
- April 16, 2024: Youth Summer Opportunities, 21st CCLC Town Hall, New ACT Now Team Member!
- April 9, 2024: Advocacy Toolkit, Math Hoops Training, New ACT Now Team Member!
- April 2, 2024: March ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Engage Every Student Recognition Program, and Job Expo!
March 2024
- March 26, 2024: Youth Voice Week, Teen REACH NOFO, and Job Posting!
- March 19, 2024: Community Schools Event, Youth Employment Opportunity, and Free eBooks!
- March 12, 2024: President Biden’s FY25 Budget Priorities, Funding Opportunities, and FREE SEL Resources!
- March 5, 2024: R3 NOFO, New RPSA Blog, Women in STEM Report!
February 2024
- February 27, 2024: Governor’s Budget Address, Job Postings, Field Museum Volunteer Opportunity!
- February 21, 2024: Virtual STEM Conference, ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Community Schools Coaching RFP!
- February 6, 2024: RPSA Blog, SEL Webinar, and Migrant Brief!
- February 13, 2024: Black History Month Resources, CLX Meet Up, and Migrant Brief!
January 2024
- January 30, 2024: Summer Meals Update, OST Meetup, and Paid Youth Opportunities!
- January 23: Federal Funding Update, OST Convention, and Scholarship Opportunity!
- January 17, 2024: FY24 Funding Update, Summer Planning Bootcamp, and Scholarships Opportunities!
- January 9, 2024: New RPSA Blog, ACT Now is Hiring, and Community Schools Convening!
December 2023
- December 19, 2023: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Paid Youth Opportunity, and CLX Meetup!
- December 12, 2023: Self-Care for Educators, Funding for Workforce Initiatives, and Employment Opportunity!
- December 5, 2023: $94M for Community Schools, ACT Now Internship, and Computer Science Week!
November 2023
- November 28, 2023: RPSA Blog, Winter Kickbacks, and SNAP Update!
- November 21, 2023: Government Shutdown Averted, ISBE Board Meeting Recap & CPS Survey
- November 14, 2023: State of OST, STEM Opportunities, and Gender and Sexuality in OST 101!
- November 7, 2023: Culturally Responsive Framework PD, Youth Afterschool Ambassadors, & OST Meals Report!
October 2023
- October 31, 2023: Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, 21st CCLC Townhall, & National STEM Challenge
- October 24, 2023: Lights On Afterschool, Our New Website, and CPL Teen Internship!
- October 17, 2023: Flight Crew Application, STEM Activities for Families, and Healing IL NOFO!
- October 10, 2023: Urgent 21st CCLC Request for Action, RPSA Blog, and Coding Activities!
- October 3, 2023: Government Shutdown Averted, 21st CCLC Advocacy, and SEL Toolkit!
September 2023
- September 26, 2023: Federal Funding Updates, Lights on Afterschool Toolkit, OST After ESSER Webinar!
- September 19, 2023: 21st CCLC Advocacy, After School Peace Circles, and Fall Afterschool Programming!
- September 12, 2923: ISBE Budget Hearing Requests, Challenges in OST, and Field Museum Opportunities!
- September 5, 2023: Updated After School Grant, ACT Now Afterschool Advocates, and Back-to-School for OST Professionals!
August 2023
- August 22, 2023: SEL with Older Youth, OST Blog, and Back-to-School Resources!
- August 15, 2023: After School Programs Grant, Community Schools Blog, and Mental Health Resources for Youth!
- August 8, 2023: ACT Now Map and Database, ACT Now Internship, and Sports Grant!
- August 1, 2023: ACT Now is Hiring, Afterschool Ambassadors, and RPSA Blog!
July 2023
- July 25, 2023: FSCS Sign-On Letter, Self-Care Resources, and Youth Budget Round Table!
- July 18, 2023: July RPSA Blog, ACT Now 21st CCLC Townhall, and Updated CTE Funding Proposal
- July 11, 2023: National Summer Learning Week, NASA Opportunities, & OST Mentor Award!
June 2023
- June 27, 2023: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Free Summer Meals, Youth Career Fair!
- June 20, 2023: 21st CCLC Funding Update, LGBTQ+ Resources, & Grant Writing Series!
- June 13, 2023: Summer Learning Toolkit, State Budget Update, and New ACT Intern!
- June 6, 2023: Debt Limit Deal, CPS Work Group, Girls in Government!
May 2023
- May 31, 2023: Illinois Budget, Civic Engagement, & Mayor’s Youth Council!
- May 23, 2023: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, ISBE Youth Opportunity, and Grant Opportunity!
- May 16, 2023: STEM Clubs Application, Mental Health Month, Planning for Summer!
- May 9, 2023: New RPSA Blog, Grant Opportunity, Learning Recovery Toolkit!
April 2023
- April 25, 2023: 21st CCLC Update, ISBE Board Meeting Recap and Equity in OST!
- April 18, 2023: 21st CCLC Funding Update, Afterschool Partnerships Toolkit, and Grant Opportunity!
- April 11, 2023: ACT Now Resource Survey, Stem Webinar, and Youth Workforce Grant!
- April 4, 2023: Summer Youth Opportunities, New RPSA Blog, and Summer Meals in Rural Areas!
March 2023
- March 28, 2023: RPSA Grant Opportunities, Summer Youth Employment, and Education Conference!
- March 21, 2023: March ISBE Board Meeting Recap, STEM Kits & Jobs!
- March 14, 2023: New RPSA Blog, Teen Opportunities, and the President’s FY24 Budget Proposal!
- March 6, 2023: DNA Day Resource, LGBTQIA+ in OST Professional Development, and SEL Resources!
February 2023
- February 28, 2023: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Nonprofit Capacity Building, and Women’s History Month!
- February 21, 2023: FY24 Budget Recap, SEL Resources, and Black History Resources!
- February 14, 2023: STEM Conference, Internship Opportunity, and Engineering Games!
- February 7, 2023: New Illinois Superintendent, ACT Now Instagram, and New Newsletter!
January 2023
- January 31, 2023: New RPSA Blog Post, SNAP Toolkit, and Scholarship Opportunity!
- January 24, 2023: January ISBE Board Meeting Recap, How to Recognize OST Providers, and Girls STEAM Success Club Opportunity!
- January 18, 2023: New Legislation, Chicago Scholars Application, and Virtual Field Trip Resources!
- January 10, 2023: Mentoring Resources, Federal SNAP Benefits Update, and Competitions for Youth!
December 2022
- December 20, 2022: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Congress Avoids Government Shutdown, and Free At-Home COVID Tests!
- December 13, 2022: STEM Opportunities, 2022 World Cup in the Classroom, and Spring 2023 Youth Opportunities!
- December 6, 2022: New RPSA Blog, November ISBE Board Meeting Recap, and Opportunity for Teens
November 2022
- November 22, 2022: Internship Opportunity, Declining Attendance in Schools, and ACT Now December Membership Exchange!
- November 15, 2022: Inclusive Programming, STEM Resources, and Job Opportunites!
- November 8, 2022: Native American Heritage Month, NEW ACT Now Trainings, and COVID-19 Survey!
- November 1, 2022: Virtual NASA Field Trip, SEL Resources, and Election Day Resources!
October 2022
- October 25, 2022: ISBE October Board Meeting Recap, Halloween Resources, and Election Season Resources!
- October 18, 2022: Lights On Afterschool, STEM Resources, After School Grant Opportunity
- October 11, 2022: Connecting to Community Partners Webinar, Federal Funding Updates, Free Financial Aid Assistance
- October 4, 2022: Updated In-Person Learning Guidance, Lights On Afterschool, and Youth Mentorship RFP!
September 2022
- September 27, 2022: ISBE Retreat & Board Meeting Recap, Mental Health Resources & New STEM Guidebook
- September 20, 2022: Afterschool Advocates, COVID-19 Updates, Latinx Heritage Month & New ACT Now Intern!
- September 13, 2022: CPS Partners Meeting, COVID-19 Boosters, STEM Resources & ACT Now Team Member! Member
August 2022
- August 30, 2022: ISBE Restores 21st CCLC Funding, NEW ACT Now Team Members & SEL Resources!
- August 23, 2022: August ISBE Board Meeting Recap and Resources for Supporting Students’ Well-Being & Identities!
- August 16, 2022: Updated COVID-19 Guidance for School Settings, STEM Resources, and New Webinar!
- August 9, 2022: Federal Support of Afterschool STEM, ANCAL, and Reports on the Afterschool Workforce Crisis
- August 2, 2022: Federal Budget Proposal, STEM Resources & Mental Health Materials!
July 2022
- July 26, 2022: Federal Government Extends Meal Waivers, STEM Events Providers, and Funding for Youth Initiatives!
- July 19, 2022: Updated COVID-19 Guidance from Governor, Peace Circle Training, and Summer Events!
- July 12, 2022: Community Schools RFP, SUMMER LEARNING WEEK, and STEM Resources for July!
June 2022
- June 28, 2022: Federal FY23 Budget Update, R3 Grantees Announced, and STEAM Summer Events for Youth!
- June 21, 2022: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children Under 5, ISBE June Board Meeting Recap & ACT Now Job Openings!
- June 14, 2022: 21st CCLC Town Hall, Juneteenth Resources, and New ACT Now Staff!
May 2022
- May 24, 2022: COVID-19 Booster for Children Update, May ISBE Board Meeting Recap & Funding for Youth Initiatives!
- May 17, 2022: IL-QPSA Clarification, ACT Now 21st Century Town Hall, and SEL Resources for Adult Well-Being!
- May 10, 2022: STEM Opportunities for Youth & Providers, Final Call for RESOURCE SURVEY & OST Pass!
- May 3, 2022: New Funding for Afterschool, May STEM Activities, AAPI Heritage & Mental Health Month Resources
April 2022
- April 26, 2022: Happy Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, ISBE Board Meeting Recap & More!
- April 19, 2022: Spring 2022 Resource Survey, Community Partnerships Grantee Webinar & Resources on Supporting Youth!
- April 12, 2022: FY23 State Budget Finalized, Youth Employment Opportunity & Summer Grant!
- April 5, 2022: Afterschool Funding Proposed, STEM Resources, & Spring Break Events!
March 2022
- March 29, 2022: Biden’s FY23 Budget, Afterschool Workforce Event & Mental Health Resources!
- March 22, 2022: March ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Freedom School-OST Grant & STEM Opportunities!
- March 15, 2022: 21st CCLC RFP is OPEN, Million Girls Moonshot Announcement & Federal FY22 Budget Update!
- March 8, 2022: Mask Mandate Update for Child Care Providers, Student Mental Health Webinars & STEM Resources for March!
- March 1, 2022: School Mask Mandate Update, ISBE After School Programs Grant is LIVE, and Advocacy 2022 Toolkit
February 2022
- February 22, 2022: ISBE February Board Meeting Recap & RPSA Youth Development Funding Is Application LIVE!
- February 15, 2022: Continuing Resolution, ACT Now Events on Funding, and Coding Opportunities for Youth!
- February 8, 2022: Governor Pritzker’s FY23 Budget, Violence Prevention Funding Opportunity & ACT Now Focus Group!
- February 1, 2022: Afterschool Workforce Survey, COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Proposed & February STEM Resources
January 2022
December 2021
- December 14, 2021: Human Rights Month Resources, Upcoming Events, and OST Mentor Nomination Opportunity!
- December 7, 2021: Continuing Resolution for Federal Funding, CPS Forum on FY23 Budget, and More Funding Opportunities!
November 2021
- November 30, 2021: How to Talk About Race and Civil Disobedience, Winter Activities for Youth & December STEM Resources!
- November 23, 2021: ISBE November Board Meeting Recap, New Resource for Virtual Field Trips, and MORE!
- November 16, 2021: Quality Standards Training 102, Grant to Support Students Facing Housing Insecurity & SEL Resources!
- November 9, 2021: Grants & Grant Writing Workshop, Scholarship for Youth & COVID-19 Survey to Support Programs!
- November 2, 2021: Historic Funding for Afterschool Violence Prevention Programming, Child COVID-19 Vaccine & STEM Resources!
October 2021
- October 26, 2021: Day Care Provider Vaccine Mandate, ISBE Budget Hearing & Board Meeting & Youth Scholarships!
- October 19, 2021: COVID-19 School Outbreak Guidance, Grant for Equity Initiatives & Free STEM Program!
- October 12, 2021: Violence Prevention Funding and STEM Halloween Activities!
- October 5, 2021: Community School Grant Writing Webinar, October STEM Resources, & Youth Design Contest!
September 2021
- September 29, 2021: Funding for Afterschool & Community Schools, Lights On Afterschool 2021, & NASA Programming!
- September 21, 2021: Potential Federal Funding for Afterschool, ISBE Retreat & Board Meeting Recap & Advocacy PD!
- September 14, 2021: COVID-19 Vaccination Mandate Updates, ISBE Guidance, and SEL Webinar for Staff!
- September 8, 2021: Governor Pritzker Extends Educator Vaccine Deadline, Staffing Toolkit & CPS OST Opportunity!
August 2021
- August 31, 2021: Monthly STEM Resources, Governor’s Vaccination Mandate for Educators & Youth Council!
- August 24, 2021: Afterschool Funding in the Federal Budget Update, ACT Now Internship & SEL Resources!
- August 17, 2021: CPS Personnel Vaccination Mandate, ISBE COVID-19 Guidance, and Job Opportunities!
- August 3, 2021: Teen REACH Announcement, CDC Mask Update, and PD Opportunities!
July 2021
- July 27, 2021: New Member Meetings, CPS Calls for Masks, & Mental Health & Learning Roundtable
- July 14, 2021: Updated CDC Guidance for Schools, Parent Mentor RFP, and Youth Development Grant!
- July 7, 2021: Governor Pritzker Expands CCAP, Broadband Webinar, and Grants for Vaccination Education!
June 2021
- June 29, 2021: New ACT Now Project Coordinator, STEM Resources, and Youth Summer Opportunities!
- June 24, 2021: ISBE Board Update & Opportunity, CPS Strategic Plan Released, and Our Summer Toolkit!
- June 15, 2021: IPDH Guidance, Resources for Learning about Juneteenth & Summer Youth Contests!
- June 8, 2021: Illinois Moves to Phase 5, Free Summer PD & We’re Hiring!
- June 2, 2021: President Biden’s FY22 Discretionary Budget, LGBTQ Pride Month Resources & Mini-Grant
May 2021
- May 25, 2021: Update on COVID Funding for Afterschool in Illinois and Host a Vaccine Clinic for Youth!
- May 18, 2021: Youth Eligible for COVID Vaccine, Emergency Broadband Program & Summer and STEM Grants!
- May 11, 2021: Summer Program Grant Opportunities from R3 Funding and Youth Vaccine Resources
- May 4, 2021: ACT Now Sign On Letter, American Families Plan & CDC Guidance for Summer 2021!
April 2021
- April 27, 2021: ACT Now Statement to Our Members, ISBE Board Meeting Recap, and Spring 2021 Resource Survey!
- April 20, 2021: Federal Child Care Dollars Released, New ACT Now Trainings, and 21st Century RFP Announced!
- April 13, 2021: President Biden’s FY22 Discretionary Budget, New ACT Now Trainings, and Youth Opportunities!
- April 6, 2021: ESSER III Funding Update, ACT Now’s 21st Century Town Halls & FY22 Teen REACH NOFO Released
March 2021
- March 30, 2021: ACT Now’s April Advocacy 2021 Toolkit & Opportunities for Providers and Youth!
- March 23, 2021: ACT Now Statement on Recent Events, COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility Expanded & Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week
- March 16, 2021: Federal Aid for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs, ACT Now Job Opportunity & Funding!
- March 9, 2021: Child Care Restoration Grants, New ACT Now Brief on R3 Program, and Summer Learning Panel!
- March 2, 2021: Federal Waiver on Accountability, COVID-19 Vaccine Eligibility Expanded & STEM Resources!
February 2021
- February 23, 2021: ACT Now Sign On Letter, Governor’s FY22 Budget Released & Funding Opportunities!
- February 16, 2021: FY21 House Bill Supports Afterschool, ACT Now Sign On Letter & New ACT Now Opportunities
- February 9, 2021: Public Charge Executive Order Passed and New ACT Now Resources, Opportunities & Town Halls!
- February 2, 2021: P-20 Council Meeting Recap, We <3 Afterschool Day, and Fellowship and Grant Opportunities!
January 2021
- January 26, 2021: New 21st Century RFP, R3 Grantees Announced, and ACT Now FY22 Budget Advocacy Initiative
- January 19, 2021: R3 Grant and Policy Updates, New Webinars, and Funding Opportunity!
- January 11, 2021: ACT Now Statement on Recent Events, Child Care Protection Improvement Law, and New Resources!
- January 5, 2021: Reduced CCAP Family Co-Pay Announced, CPS Reopening Issues, Webinars & New Resources!
December 2020
- December 29, 2020: FY2021 Omnibus Bill and COVID-19 Relief Package Passed, Winter Break Activities, and Funding Opportunities!
- December 21, 2020: Potential Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Legislation, Major Policy Updates, and Youth Opportunities!
- December 15, 2020: Rural STEM Education Act Introduced in Senate, Community Schools Training Updates, & New Webinars/Opportunities!
- December 8, 2020: IDPH’s Preliminary COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Released, Community Schools Training Update & More!
- December 1, 2020: ISBE’s FY21 After School Programs NOFO Released, Upcoming Webinars, and Funding Opportunity!
November 2020
- November 24, 2020: Federal and State Policy Updates, ISBE’s 21st Century Waiver Application Approved, & New Resources & Opportunities!
- November 17, 2020: U.S. Senate Appropriations Bills Released, Cook County Stay-at-Home Advisory, and New Webinars & Trainings!
- November 10, 2020: Major Federal Policy Updates, P-20 Council Summary, Resources for Providers & Youth Opportunities!
- November 3, 2020: ACT Now’s 21st Century Public Comment Update, Mental Wellness Resources Relating to Elections, and Funding Opportunity!
October 2020
- October 27, 2020: ACT Now Blog Post on Elections, R3 & ISBE October Board Meeting Recaps, and Youth Opportunities!
- October 20, 2020: CPS Reopening Update for Second Quarter, ACT Now Webinars, and Youth and Funding Opportunities!
- October 13, 2020: 21st CCLC Waiver Update Clarification, Lights On Afterschool 2020 Week of Events, and Mentor Award Opportunity!
- October 6, 2020: ISBE’s Upcoming Budget Hearings, 21st CCLC Waiver Update, and ACT Now Internship Opportunity!
September 2020
- September 29, 2020: Call for Phenomenal Afterschool Staff, 21st CCLC Waiver Update, Remote Learning Supervision List, and RFPs!
- September 22, 2020: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, P-20 Council Summary, Upcoming Trainings, and Community Schools Coordinators Appreciation Week!
- September 16, 2020: New Webinars and Upcoming Trainings, and ACT Now’s Lights On Afterschool 2020 Toolkit!
- September 12, 2020: US Department of Education’s 21st Century Waiver, US House Legislation on 21st Century Flexibility Proposed, and New Science Olympiad Program!
- September 1, 2020: USDA Extends Summer Meal Waivers, New ACT Now Webinars, Upcoming Community Schools Events, and a PD Round Table!
August 2020
- August 25, 2020: CPS Final Reopening Plan, DCFS Guidance for License Exempt Care Providers, Chicago Board of Education RFI, & Job Opportunity!
- August 18, 2020: U.S. Public Charge Rule In Effect in Illinois, ISBE’s Reopening Dashboard, and ACT Now/MSI STEM Opportunity for OST Providers!
- August 11, 2020: ISBE Guidance Issued for 21st Century Providers, P-20 Council Meeting Update, and IDHS Guidance on CCAP Released
- August 4, 2020: House Child Care Bills Pass, Senate COVID-19 Relief Bill Proposed, and ACT Now/ICOY Trauma Informed Remote Work Trainings!
July 2020
- July 28,2020: ACT Now’s Sign On Letter for CPS Reopening Plan, ISBE’s Fall 2020 Learning Recommendations, and NOFO for COVID-19 Tracing
- July 21, 2020: ACT Now Blog on Self Care, Governor Pritzker Announces $108 Million for Education, and CPS Reopening Framework Released!
- July 14, 2020: New ACT Now Blog Post, ACT Now Webinar on Reopening & Afterschool, and Summer Activity Guide Unit 4 Live
- July 7, 2020: Chicago Lobbying Ordinance Delayed, Personal Protection Equipment Available, and Funding Opportunities!
June 2020
- June 30, 2020: Governor Pritzker Announces Transition to Phase IV, 21st CCLC Grant Symposium, and Summer Activity Guide Unit 3 Released!
- June 23, 2020: Governor Pritzker’s New Guidelines for Reopening, ISBE Board Meeting Recap, and STEM Opportunities!
- June 16, 2020: Governor Pritzker’s Child Care Restoration Grant Program, Summer Activity Guide Unit 2 Released, and Summer Meals Grant
- June 9, 2020: Talking to Youth about Race, ISBE and IDPH Guidance for Summer Activities, and Employment Opportunities
- June 2, 2020: ACT Now’s Statement on Racial Violence, Virtual Engagement Webinar, and the Summer Activity Guide Out Now!
May 2020
- May 27, 2020: Illinois FY21 Budget Approved, Governor Pritzker’s New Childcare Plan, and Summer Activity Guide
- May 19, 2020: ISBE’s Recommendations for Transitioning to In-Person Programs, CPS New Vendor Information for Remote Learners, and Free STEM Resources
- May 12, 2020: Governor Pritzker’s New Restore Illinois Plan, Webinars and Youth Award Opportunity, and Virtual Immersion Program for Youth
- May 5, 2020: Our Webinar Series on Afterschool During COVID-19 Starts Today, and Resources for English Learners
April 2020
- April 28, 2020: ACT Now’s Letter to the Governor, New Webinar Series on Afterschool During COVID-19, and PD Opportunities
- April 21, 2020: COVID-19 Updates and Resources, Upcoming ACT Now Meetings and Trainings, and Volunteer Opportunities
- April 14, 2020: COVID-19 Mental Health Resources, Upcoming ACT Now Meetings and Trainings, and Family Focus Employment Opportunity
- April 7, 2020: Small Business Administration Loan Programs, ACT Now’s April Advocacy Campaign, and Upcoming ACT Now Meetings and Trainings
March 2020
- March 31, 2020: Federal CARES Act Passed, ACT Now’s Town Halls and Family Engagement Trainings, and Grant Opportunity
- March 25, 2020: Updated Federal and State Policies in Response to COVID-19, ACT Now’s COVID-19 Resource Page, and Technical Assistance Workshops
- March 17, 2020: Federal and State Actions in Response to COVID-19, Resources for Families and Providers, and Youth Coordinator Position
- March 10, 2020: Relationships and Partnerships Webinar, Trauma Informed Workplace Webinar, and a Family Engagement Guide
- March 3, 2020: ACT Now Community Schools Virtual Training, ISBE FY21 21st Century Grant Readers, and Family Focus Employment Opportunity
February 2020
- February 25, 2020: Public Charge Rule in Illinois, Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address for FY21, and ACT Now SEL Webinar
- February 11, 2020: President Trump’s Proposed FY21 Budget Eliminates 21st CCLC Funding, ACT Now’s Trivia Night in Bloomington, and Girls Who Code Webinar
- February 2, 2020: Effective Date for Public Charge Rule, IAN Spring Conference, and Summer Learning Webinars
January 2020
- January 28, 2020: Perkins V State Plan Listening & Feedback Sessions, ACT Now Family Engagement Training, and ACT for Youth SEL Toolkit
- January 21, 2020: ISBE Budget Update, City of Chicago RFP, and Fermilab Upcoming Events
- January 14, 2020: 21st CCLC RFP, Funding from Cannabis Legalization, and ISBE Strategic Plan
- January 7, 2020: 21st CCLC Funding Update, ISBE Board Meeting Recap, and ISBE Afterschool Funding Opportunity
December 2019
- December 17, 2019: Adolescent Development Explained: Social Connections
- December 10, 2019: Building STEAM Confidence and Creativity in Middle School
- December 3, 2019: Upcoming Community School Training and Networking Events
November 2019
- November 19, 2019: Community Schools Networking and Training Events, 2020 Summer Learning Awards, & Libraries Ready to Code
- November 12, 2019: STEM Plan Update, Rise Up for Equity, & New Illinois Report Card
October 2019
- October 29, 2019: Perkins V Webinar, SEL Webinar Series, & Tech + Society Challenge
- October 22, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, ITSACC Institute, & eCYBERMISSION Competition
- October 15, 2019: Public Charge Rule Blocked, Evanston Community Schools Meeting, & 2019 Afterschool Development Conference
- October 8, 2019: Youth Workforce Readiness Act & Future Fund Grant
- October 1, 2019: Stopgap Funding Update, Presidential Candidate Tracker, & New Funding Opportunities
September 2019
- September 25, 2019: FY20 Appropriations Update & STEM Equity + Identity Webinar
- September 17, 2019: Census Preparation, Perkins CTE Listening Tour, & New Grant Opportunities
- September 10, 2019: 2019-2020 IL-QPSA Cohorts, LOA Webinar & Happy Hour!
August 2019
- August 27, 2019: ISBE Meeting Recap, STEM & Violence Prevention Grants
- August 20, 2019: IL-QPSA Sneak Peek, Quality Standards Trainings, & FAFSA Symposium
- August 13, 2019: Final Public Charge Rule, IL Apprenticeship Commitment, & New Funding Opportunities
- August 6, 2019: FY20 Appropriations Update & ecoTech Grants
July 2019
- July 20: Will Cannabis Legalization in Illinois Benefit Youth Development Programs?
- July 23, 2019: URGENT: New ESSA Survey & Federal Policy Updates
- July 16, 2019: NASA Contest & History of Afterschool Documentary
- July 9, 2019: IL Career Guide & LEGO Block City
- July 2, 2019: Great START Wage Supplement & Summer Youth Opportunities
June 2019
- June 25, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Update & National Summer Learning Week
- June 18, 2019: P-20 Council & Public Charge Update
- June 11, 2019: 2019 College Changes Everything Conference & Learn About Empatico
- June 4, 2019: Illinois Budget Update & Peace Basketball Tournament and Resource Fair
May 2019
- May 29, 2019: Summer Meals Act & Federal Policy Webinar
- May 21, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap & School Discipline Policy Update
- May 7, 2019: 21st CCLC Update & ESSA Listening Tour
April 2019
- April 30, 2019: Fair Tax Update & CTE Grant
- April 23, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap & IL Science Education Week
- April 16, 2019: Rethinking Safety Campaign & CTE Partner Toolkit
- April 9, 2019: Mayoral Priorities Survey & Afterschool Educator Certification
- April 2, 2019: Proposed STEM Tuition Waiver and ACT Now Trivia Night
March 2019
- March 26, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap & Chicago Mayoral Forum Recap
- March 19, 2019: Pritzker’s Fair Tax Proposal & Memo to the Mayor
- March 12, 2019: President Says Eliminate Afterschool & Community School Impact Survey
- March 5, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Teen REACH Continuing Application, & Full-Service Community Schools NOFO
February 2019
- February 26, 2019: Every Kid in a Park Policy, SEL Climates Training, & Environment Stewardship Grant
- February 19, 2019: Summer Meals Amendment, IL Minimum Wage, & SEL Grant
- February 12, 2019: Rebuild America’s Schools Act, SEPI Teacher Pathway Grant, & Community Transformation Grant
- February 5, 2019: 116th Congress Key Issues, STEM Education Bill, and Quality Standards Trainings
January 2019
- January 29, 2019: Government Shutdown Update, STEM Grant Archive, & CTE Signing Day
- January 22, 2019: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Membership Meetings, Community Schools Meetings, & Social Impact Grant
- January 15, 2019: Summer Apprenticeships, State of Afterschool in Illinois, 60 by 25 Conference, & Funding Opportunities Archive
- January 8, 2019: STEM & SEL Webinars, STEM & Literacy Grants, and National Mentoring Month Toolkit
- January 2, 2019: Government Shutdown, JJDPA, Farm Bill Update, and Automotive Repair Grants
December 2018
- December 18, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: ISBE Board Meeting, 21st CCLC RFP Update, and Healthy Communities Investment Grant
- December 11, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Farm Bill Update, OST Computer Science RFP, and Middle School OST RFP
- December 4, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Public Charge Comments, BUILD Winter Program, and 31 Days of STEM
November 2018
- November 27, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: CLX 2019 RFP, Study Aroad Scholarships, & Reading Resources
- November 20, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: ISBE Budget Hearing, Computer Science Grants, and CLX 2019 RFP
- November 13, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Midterm Results and Welcome to ACT Now Webinar/E-Meeting
- November 6, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Election Day Voter Guide and Public Charge in Afterschool
October 2018
- October 31, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: STEM Webinar, Community Change Grant Program, and Lights On Afterschool Spotlight
- October 24, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: ISBE Board Meeting, Behavioral Managment Webinar, and Afterschool Public Value Report
- October 16, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Regional Convenings and Public Charge 101
- October 9, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Regional Convenings, Voter Guide, & Staff Update
- October 2, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: ESSA Webinar & Resources for Talking about Sexual Assault
September 2018
- September 25, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Change in Immigration Rule and The State of Afterschool in Illinois 2018
- September 19, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: 21st CCLC Funding Increase, Quality Standards Training, and Additional Funding Opportunities
- September 11, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Children’s Cabinet Update, Proposed Immigration Changes and Resources, and Community Schools Best Practices
- September 4, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: IL-QPSA Roll-Out & STEM Webinar Series
August 2018
- August 28, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: 21st Century Spending Update & East Side Aligned Event
- August 21, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: New Afterschool Bills & Grant Writing Workshop
- August 14, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: ISBE Board Meeting and Teen REACH Grant
- August 7, 2018: ACT Now Newsletter: Trump Signs Perkins Bill and Enlace Job Opportunity
July 2018
- July 31, 2018: CTE Policy Update & 2Gen Funding
- July 24, 2018: STEM Resources, SEL Resources, and Summer Meal Spotlight
- July 17, 2018: 21st CCLC Funding Update, STEM Workshops, and SEL Webinar
- July 9, 2018: 21st CCLC Funding Update, CCDF Resources, and Summer Learning Webinars
June 2018
- June 27, 2018: 21st CCLC Funding Update, Weeklong Aviation Camp, and Community Schools Grant
- June 18, 2018: ISBE Board Recap, Afterschool Webinars, and New 21st CCLC Grantees Announced
- June 11, 2018: State Budget Signed, National Summer Learning Day, and Youth Summer Camps
- June 4, 2018: State and Federal Budget Updates, CTE Workshops, and Summer Meals
May 2018
- May 29, 2018: Child Care Funding Update, SEL Webinar, and Summer Slide Prevention Resources
- May 21, 2018: ISBE Board Recap, Illinois Report Card, and SEL Supports
- May 14, 2018: Free MSI STEM Training in Bloomington, Federal STEM Funding Action, and Afterschool and SEL Brief
- May 7, 2018: Investing in Afterschool Report, STEM Resources, and Summer Learning Supports
April 2018
- April 30, 2018: ACT Now Website/STEM Survey, Funding Opportunities, and Summer Meals
- April 23, 2018: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, SEL Resources, and STEM Summer Camp
- April 16, 2018: Day of Action, Employment Opportunities, and More
- April 9, 2018: Afterschool Funding Webinar, Summer Meal Resources, and Arts Program Grant
- April 2, 2018: Quality Standards Trainings, Youth Summer Programs, and ESSA Resources
March 2018
- March 26, 2018: Federal Funding Update, Free Quality Standards Trainings, and STEM Resources
- March 19, 2018: ISBE Board Meeting Recap, Summer Learning Resources, and New Social Media Guide
- March 12, 2018: Afterschool Advocacy Initiative, Governor’s Children’s Cabinet Update, and STEM Resources
- March 5, 2018: Federal STEM Funding, Trauma-Informed Resources, and Quality Standards in Action
February 2018
- February 26, 2018: Workforce Webinar, STEM Resources, and Spotlight on IL 4-H
- February 20, 2018: Federal and State Afterschool Funding Updates, After-School Meals Summit, and Funding Opportunities
- February 12, 2018: Federal Budget Update, Youth Summer Opportunities, and Advocacy Training
- February 5, 2018: State of the Union Recap, Afterschool Valentine’s Campaign, and ACT Now Summer Internship
January 2018
- January 29, 2018: Federal Budget Update, ESSA Indicators, and Staff Investment
- January 22, 2018: ISBE Recommends $20 Million in New Afterschool Funding, School Age Licensure Exemption, and Afterschool Map
- January 16, 2018: Advocacy Webinar, CCAP Training, and State Reading Initiative
- January 8, 2018: Teen REACH Funding, SEL Resources, and Tips for Afterschool Leaders
December 2017
- December 18, 2017: 21st CCLC RFP Released, Opioid Survey, and Spotlight on Afterschool in Glendale Heights
- December 11, 2017: Federal Budget Update, Leveraging ESSA Opportunities, and SEL Resources
- December 4, 2017: Afterschool and Digital Learning, Free Movie Screening, and Youth Microgrants
November 2017
- November 27, 2017: ISBE Budget Hearing Update, College & Career Pathway Competencies Survey, and the Latest Afterschool Journal
- November 20, 2017: STEAM Training, Youth Development Award Nominations, and Arts Integration and ESSA
- November 13, 2017: Prompt Payment Act Veto Override, OST Reports, and Funding Opportunities
- November 6, 2017: Teen REACH Funding Actions, ISBE Budget Hearing, and the Illinois Report Card
October 2017
- October 30, 2017: Budget Cuts, Prompt Payment Act Revitalized, and Lights On Afterschool Recap
- October 23, 2017: 21st CCLC RFP Update, Lights On Afterschool Day, and Grow Afterschool Webinar
- October 16, 2017: Lights On Challenge, IL Kids Count Report, and Library and Afterschool Partnerships
- October 9, 2017: CCDBG Report, Fundraising Workshop, and LOA Giveaway
- October 2, 2017: Child Care License Exemption Update, Funding Opportunities, and Lights On Afterschool
September 2017
- September 25, 2017: Teen REACH Update, Youth Investments Fiscal Scan, and Day of Sharing
- September 18, 2017: 21st CCLC Update, Quality Standards Trainings, and DACA Resources
- September 11, 2017: 21st CCLC Funding Update, Youth Development Training, and National Youth Science Day
- September 5, 2017: ESSA State Plan Approved, Computer Science Guide, and Youth Resources
August 2017
- August 28, 2017: Legislative Updates, Lights On Webinar, and Wellness Resources
- August 21, 2017: Afterschool Quality Standards Trainings, Anti-Bias Resources, and Preparing Older Youth for Success
- August 14, 2017: ESSA Webinar, STEM Resources, and Funding Opportunities
- August 7, 2017: ISBE Back to School Campaign, STEM Trainers Needed, and Feedback on the ESSA State Plan
July 2017
- July 31, 2017: CTE and SEL Resources, and Scoring Hamilton Tickets
- July 24, 2017: 21st CCLC Cuts, Lights On Afterschool, and Student Apprenticeships
- July 17, 2017: 21st Century Proposed Funding, Summer Coding, and Tech Instructors Wanted
- July 10, 2017: Illinois Budget & Teen REACH Funding Update, 21st CCLC RFP, and Summer Learning Day
June 2017
- June 26, 2017: CTE Bill Passes U.S. House, Summer Meals, and Innovation Grant
- June 19, 2017: State Budget Update, Free Summer Science Tools, and New SEL Guide
- June 12, 2017: Federal Budget Tele-Town Hall, Afterschool for All Challenge Update, and School Improvement Strategy Brief
May 2017
- May 30, 2017: Federal Budget Update, Bills Sent to the Governor, an New Literacy Practice Guide
- May 22, 2017: Illinois Budget Update, STEM Workshops, and Provider Opportunities
- May 15, 2017: National Summer Learning Day, Afterschool Meals Summit, and Teaching Policy Fellowship
- May 8, 2017: 21st CCLC Funding Update, Summer STEM Trainings, and Youth Opportunities
- May 1, 2017: 21st CCLC Funding Update, Standards Implementation Webinar, and Organizing Site Visits
April 2017
- April 24 2017: Celebrating Afterschool Professionals, Quality Standards Training, and Youth Summer Experiences
- April 17, 2017: Afterschool Advocacy, Summer STEM Training, and OST Fellowship
- April 10, 2017: Teen REACH Funding Update, Technology Grants, and New Trauma-Informed Legislation
- April 3, 2017: April Advocacy Initiative, New Afterschool Database, and Summer Jobs
March 2017
- March 27, 2017: Celebrating Afterschool Professionals, Youth Employment, and Nonprofit Giving
- March 20, 2017: Afterschool Funding Updates, Youth Opportunities, and Sports-Based Resources
- March 13, 2017: SEL Resources, Advocacy Training, and Professionalizing the Afterschool Workforce
- March 6, 2017: Grammy Winner Champions Afterschool, STEM Resources, and Public Hearings
February 2017
- February 27, 2017: New Legislative Bills, FY18 Congressional Appropriations, and Quality Standards Resources
- February 20, 2017: ESSA Updates, Quality Standards Training, and Funding Opportunities
- February 13, 2017: Funding Opportunities, Youth Programs, and STEM Resources
- February 6, 2017: Valentine’s Afterschool Campaign, STEM Resources, and Professional Development Opportunities
January 2017
- January 30, 2017: ESSA Webinars, Provider Recognition, and Youth Competitions
- January 23, 2017: Youth Development Trainings, Provider Recognition Awards, and ESSA Insights
- January 17, 2017: Summer Meals Info Sessions, Youth STEM Competitions, and Advocacy Opportunities
- January 10, 2017: Quality Standards Trainings, Capacity Building Opportunities for Providers, and SEL Insights
December 2016
- December 12, 2016: New ESSA and Equity Report, Youth Opportunities, and Computer Science in Afterschool
- December 5, 2016: ESSA Listening Tour, New Impact of Afterschool STEM Report, and Opportunities for Providers
November 2016
- November 14, 2016: 21st CCLC RFP Recommendations, ISBE Budget Hearing, and Updated Quality Standards Provider Handbook
- November 7, 2016: Teen REACH Update, ESSA Listening Tour Dates, and STEM Resources
- November 1, 2016: Teen REACH Update, ACT Now at Rockford YMCA, and ESSA Toolkit
October 2016
- October 25, 2016: Professional Development Opportunities, After School Matters RFP, and Lights on Afterschool Recap
- October 18, 2106: TR Funding Updating, 21st CCLC Continuing Application Deadline Approaching, and Afterschool Meals Grant
- October 3, 2016: Teen REACH RFP Deadline Approaching, STEM Resources, and Quality Standards Trainings
Archived Newsletter Resources
Below, you will find the resources shared out in our weekly newsletter. Within the following pages there are descriptions of the resources and corresponding links!
