2025 50 State Afterschool Network Leaders Meeting

STEM Next deploys Fellows in high-impact placements with Federal agencies to advance STEM and OST learning by establishing channels of communication between local communities and the federal government and disseminating funding opportunities to networks and programs. Join this session for the latest policy updates.

Access resources from this session HERE.

How are state afterschool networks supporting local afterschool and summer programs through the policy process? Hear from six networks about how they are using particular policy strategies to increase access to quality afterschool and summer programs in their states including through engaging youth in the policymaking process; developing and executing policy agendas and frameworks; and partnering with state agencies and allied organizations. Sharing and discussion will allow all states to lift up successes and challenges to their state policy work.

Afterschool networks looking to advance afterschool policy in their states face a myriad of potential challenges to that important work. Relying on strong bipartisan support for afterschool and key allies, a number of state networks have overcome challenging political climates and divisive rhetoric to make policy gains that help more young people access quality afterschool and summer opportunities. This session will include state sharing, state policy experts, and plenty of time for discussion.