Welcome to ACT Now's Lights On Afterschool Celebration! Join us on October 23rd to celebrate afterschool and Out-of-School Time programs in Illinois. ACT Now will celebrate programs, advocacy leaders, and youth, as well as release our updated State of Afterschool in Illinois brief. This event is a great opportunity to connect with our community and show...
This fall, ACT Now invites youth development professionals to join us for our Fall Regional Gathering: Afterschool, Community Schools, and Beyond, a new professional development opportunity designed to meet youth development professionals where they are. Where is it: 1900 South First Street Champaign, IL 61820 Why Attend? Youth development practitioners in Illinois operate in diverse contexts...
This fall, ACT Now invites youth development professionals to join us for our Fall Regional Gathering: Afterschool, Community Schools, and Beyond, a new professional development opportunity designed to meet youth development professionals where they are. Why Attend? Youth development practitioners in Illinois operate in diverse contexts with unique resources, challenges, and needs. This gathering ensures that...
*Note: This training is designed for IL FSCS Leaders (superintendents, school admin, directors, etc) Join our 3rd Community of Practice on Advancing School Community Integration for Whole-Child Success. This session invites district leaders, community partners, and school administrators to explore how intentional school–community integration can transform a school into the heartbeat of its neighborhood, where education,...
Join ACT Now staff for a deep dive on building (and rebuilding) positive work culture in OST. Themes include Empowerment, Collaboration, Flexibility and Boundaries, Celebration beyond acknowledgements, holding difficult conversations, trust and transparency, and Values-driven Leadership.
Whether you're advocating for policy change or seeking funding to sustain your programs, how you communicate your mission matters. Messaging and Storytelling is an interactive course designed to help you craft clear, persuasive messages that inspire action and support. Participants will explore the intersection of strategic storytelling, advocacy, and fundraising, learning how to elevate the...
Join us for the ACT Now Membership Exchange, a quarterly virtual networking event designed specifically for afterschool and community school program providers, managers, and administrators across Illinois! Each session features a unique topic relevant to the afterschool field, offering a space for peer-sharing, meaningful discussion, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether you're looking to gain new ideas, troubleshoot...
21st CCLC Town Hall meetings are an opportunity for ACT Now to share information and policy updates with the entire 21st CCLC provider membership. These meetings are also an opportunity for ACT Now to lift up programs and elevate providers’ experiences in programming. These meetings occur virtually on a bi-monthly basis.
Join ACT Now for a dynamic 90-minute virtual panel focused on strengthening Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) practices in youth ages 5 - 12 at afterschool program spaces. Whether you're a frontline provider, program manager, or administrator, this conversation will offer timely strategies and real-world insight into fostering environments where youth—and staff—can thrive. Learn more and register here.
21st CCLC Town Hall meetings are an opportunity for ACT Now to share information and policy updates with the entire 21st CCLC provider membership. These meetings are also an opportunity for ACT Now to lift up programs and elevate providers’ experiences in programming. These meetings occur virtually on a bi-monthly basis.
21st CCLC Town Hall meetings are an opportunity for ACT Now to share information and policy updates with the entire 21st CCLC provider membership. These meetings are also an opportunity for ACT Now to lift up programs and elevate providers’ experiences in programming. These meetings occur virtually on a bi-monthly basis.
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The first and most extensive statewide database for out-of-school time programs.
