By Wendy Wilson, STEM Education and Communication Coordinator
We Need to Talk About the Kids
Research shows that what kids do after school is just as important to their futures as what they do in school. In Idaho, tens of thousands of kids attended afterschool and summer youth programs this year in large part because of the talents and dedication of afterschool-based educators in libraries, youth clubs, YMCA’s and more.
That is why former KTVB Channel 7 anchorman Mark Johnson and 250 other youth advocates attended the Idaho Out-of-School Network (ION) Power Up Summit for out-of-school time (OST) professionals at JUMP in Boise last week.
“I am involved in Inspire Excellence Idaho Teens to Trades, which offers scholarships for young people who won’t be going to a four-year institution but still need a job and career,” said Johnson. “Kids need a path, and afterschool programs run the gamut from STEM to dancing, painting, working with your hands and working with your minds.”
Idaho’s kids in OST programs benefit socially and academically. In the last three years, these programs experienced a growth spurt provided by federal relief funding. ION distributed $5.5 million dollars and school districts still have some available, but these one-time programs sunset in September 2024.
Growing and sustaining afterschool and summer youth programs should be a top priority along with funding public schools. We know that for every kid already in such a program there are 3 more looking for a chance to attend.
Mark Johnson thinks there is a way to start that discussion: “Engage our legislators,” said Johnson. “Lawmakers need to hear that school is awesome, but equally important is learning how to become the person you want to become. Afterschool programs build confidence and help kids become goal minded. For that to happen, it takes money and buy-in from legislators.”
Afterschool Workforce Challenges
Many passionate presenters and attendees at ION’s 10th Power Up Summit highlighted how much OST program staff love their work and how they struggle to make a difference in kids’ lives. Even though programs are vulnerable to funding cuts, thousands of Idaho educators do this work because they love kids.
One STEM expo exhibitor came all the way from New York City to attend. For her, the best part was the opening youth panel featuring six young women in high school. “I’m here doing STEM because I want to pay it forward to the next generation of kids,” said Joyce Han. “The youth who spoke on the panel today were so well spoken and inspirational. For me, knowing that this work pays off is what keeps me going.”
After school educators agree they often see some tough situations. Attendees at a workshop on dating violence mentioned how hard it is to be there for kids facing difficult problems like sexual assault or drug use. No educators can stay quiet about potential child abuse, but protecting youth confidentiality is also important.
To round out the conference, ION’s keynote speaker, an elementary school educator for over 20 years, and NEA Foundation’s 2017 Teacher of the Year Dr. Sonia Galaviz offered words of encouragement for educators facing challenges.
“I’m so grateful for the work of the out-of-school time providers here today – the educators and librarians – and for the opportunity to network, brainstorm and be creative about how to help our kids.”
It’s powerful when all OST professionals can collaborate, discuss challenges, and celebrate wins and inspiration.
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This story made it in the news! See more at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKi79grVNYk
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