Professional Development Resources
Resources, information and events to help you and your organization identify and meet professional development needs across the entire workforce continuum.
Popular Professional Development Links
Afterschool Program Fundamentals
Get started, build a strong program, improve financial operations and seek credentialing with all the resources you need to help you provide high-quality programming to youth.
The ACT Now Center for Afterschool Learning (ANCAL) System
In August 2022, ACT Now officially introduced our brand-new ACT Now Center for Afterschool Learning (ANCAL) system to our membership. ANCAL is an online learning and training platform that is FREE for all Illinois afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) professionals.
Safety, Health & Nutrition
Create and implement programming that includes awareness around what young people need to feel safe, seen and supported with our toolkits, guides and resources around essential issues.
Family & Community
Learn why afterschool programs need to be informed by and in service of the families and communities of participants to be most impactful. Explore effective ways to build partnership and connection.
Funding & Capacity Building
Access capacity building resources through one-on-one consultation and our online tool. Our webinar series dedicated to grant writing explores what leads to a successful application.
Curriculum Resources
Explore resources related to out-of-school curriculum development, including opportunities to create robust and engaging summer programming for young people.
STEM
Find tools to fund, build and maintain your STEM program and become a STEM advocate – even if you do not have a STEM background or lab access.
By bringing together other youth serving organizations throughout the state that strive for quality after school programming, ACT Now strengthens our advocacy efforts, raises program quality, and increases our opportunities for collaboration.”
—Christy Filby—Executive Director, Illinois State Alliance of YMCAs
