Below, learn more about the nominees for ACT Now’s Out-of-School Time (OST) Advocate Award, which recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to champion the importance and impact of out-of-school time programs. Whether through leadership, innovation, or unwavering support, these advocates play a vital role in advocating for OST programs, which enrich the lives of…
High-quality afterschool programs don’t happen by chance. They are built intentionally through strong relationships, thoughtful practices, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. In the previous blog of our series exploring the Illinois Statewide Afterschool Quality Standards, we focused on Climate and the importance of creating spaces where young people feel safe, welcomed, respected, and…
Yesterday marked a landmark victory for protecting the wellbeing of youth, and created a possible source of revenue for afterschool programs in Illinois that are in dire need. Illinois joined a $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms Inc., one of the largest state consumer protection settlements in history. Under the agreement, which remains subject…
High-quality afterschool programs don’t happen by chance. They are built intentionally through strong relationships, thoughtful practices, and a commitment to continuous quality improvement. This blog launches a four-part series exploring the Illinois Statewide Afterschool Quality Standards, a research-based framework designed to help programs create safe, engaging, equitable, and high-quality experiences for young people. The Standards…
By Emma Giamberdino Background Beginning this school year, many Illinois students will experience a new routine as schools implement SB2427, legislation that requires all school districts to adopt policies limiting student use of personal wireless devices during the instructional day. There are exceptions to support students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), Section 504 plans, health needs, emergencies, teacher-directed instructional use, and English Learners. Importantly,…
Afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) programs play a critical role in supporting young people, families, schools, and communities across Illinois. As the needs of youth and programs continue to evolve, so must the tools and frameworks that support quality programming. That is why ACT Now led the revision of the Illinois Statewide Afterschool Quality Standards™. …
In a devastating blow to nearly 19,000 students and their families across 32 schools in Illinois, on Friday, June 26th, a federal court denied ACT Now Illinois and Metropolitan Family Services’ motion for preliminary injunction and partially granted a motion to dismiss on six of the eight claims filed in the lawsuit. The ruling allows…
ACT Now Illinois and Metropolitan Family Services argued in support of a motion for preliminary injunction today in federal court seeking to block the U.S. Department of Education’s unlawful non-continuation of two Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) grants totaling $18.5 million annually. This hearing marks the next critical step in the coalition’s ongoing legal fight to…
On May 31st, 2026, the Illinois General Assembly passed the FY27 State Budget. Out-of-school time programs matter in Illinois, and this budget reflects that in a meaningful way. For too many families, the hours after the school day ends and the summer months are the hardest times to manage. This budget helps ensure that those hours don’t…
April 12th to 18th is Youth Voice Week, and we’re celebrating with a statewide Week of Action. This week is a powerful opportunity to uplift youth voices and advocate for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs. Our goal is bold: engage 1,000 students across Illinois in advocacy in just one week. To kick off our Week of…
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