Breakfast Club Blog
5 Reasons Why You Should Attend the BOOST Conference in 2018
Join the largest, most recognized and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and out-of-school time professionals May 1-4, 2018! Here are 5 reasons why you should attend the Best of Out-of-School Time Conference next year: Reason #1 – It’s FUN and ENGAGING What if your conference experience felt like an after school program? You’ve got it! Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this annual, extraordinary event will rejuvenate your passion, boost your direction for quality...Read More
It’s Time to Reframe the Narrative around Black Youth — and Youth Work Has Some Tools to Do So
His name is Jordan Edwards. And Jayson Negron. And Darius Smith. He was fifteen years old. He was unarmed at the time of his untimely demise at the hands of law enforcement. He was a young man of color caught on the wrong side of the thin line between potential and death. He should be participating in a summer jobs program, playing hoops at the Y, or compiling an initial list of colleges. He – Jordan, Jayson, and Darius – should have turned sixteen. This past spring has brought a rash of extraju...Read More
#SupportAfterschool! Written by An Out of School Time OG
In support of the Afterschool Alliance’s advocacy work to help raise awareness for out of school time programs across the nation, we are re-posting a note written by Thierry Gonzalez from a Facebook post. Proceeds from every purchase will go to the Afterschool Alliance to support the defense of after-school funding in the face of devastating proposed cuts. Your fashion statement will help millions of kids across America! “A brief explanation of why I have started the website www.supp...Read More
Conversations After Dark at BOOST
Reflecting on some of the many strong and impactful events that happened at the BOOST Conference this year, there is one event I need to highlight – because this conversation, while it’s been one we have been having for decades, STILL needs more energy and intentional activity. We need to keep fighting for this topic to stay top of mind within school communities, in expanded learning communities, and where parents, community members, and local business need to become more involved and a pa...Read More
5 Ways to use BOOST Cafe for Professional Development
BOOST Collaborative, the creator of the BOOST Conference, is proud to announce the launch of BOOST Cafe. The Beta version was just released last week and we’ve seen hundreds of members engage over just a few days! So, what the heck is it and what’s in it for you and the out-of-school time world?! …….We’re so glad you asked. BOOST Cafe is a comprehensive online community for those in out-of-school time. Phase 1 features: An interactive forum to share promising pract...Read More
How to Prepare for the BOOST Conference
BOOSTERS are you ready for 2017? Last year we asked the BOOST Leadership Team to share their best tips to prepare for the conference. The content was so well received, we wanted to share again! BOOST Conference. This blog is full of their insight, tips, and inspiration! We can’t wait to see you at the #BOOSTConference! #REPOST I prepare for the conference by going on the website to review the workshops and their description to see which will help to inspire me or will meet a specific need ...Read More
My Moments at BOOST that Left Me Wanting More
We recently asked our BOOST Leadership and Blogging Teams to share their favorite memory and why they volunteer to be a team member of the BOOST Conference. Perhaps you will be a volunteer, Ambassador or Breakfast Club Blogger for BOOST in 2018. Enjoy! Definitely the very first time I attended the BOOST Conference. The energy was through the roof and everyone was so eager to work together. I’ve been back every year since. – Daniel W. Hatcher, MPH | Director, Community Partnerships, Allianc...Read More
Moveable Game Jams
This Breakfast Club blog post is a follow-up to Afterschool Game Jams! which I wrote last August 2016. In it, I described what game jams are, including the “Moveable Game Jam” initiative. Much has happened since then, and I am excited to share it all with the BOOST community! What Are Game Jams, Anyway? Game jams typically take place over a weekend, and involve a theme, or specific content area. For example, this spring, NOAA is hosting an Arctic Climate Game Jam, in which participan...Read More
Creating a More Connected World Through Local Agriculture: 9 Voices
Imagine if we, above all else, prioritized creating a more connected world. If we blend and integrate our passions, what innovations will we discover? What challenges would we overcome? To celebrate National Nutrition Month, this article explores how local agriculture can help foster social connectedness. To do this, I spoke with youth and adults representing urban and rural communities, non-profits, business and government and education agencies. Each brings a perspective that explores linkages...Read More
Fear and Deportation
What can after school programs do to support children who are experiencing fears related to the impacts of deportation? Many of our programs work with children and families who have deep fears about the changing immigration climate and increased deportations. Knowing what to do to support students and families on these issues can be hard for staff. They want to help but do not have expertise in this area. They also want to know what is ok to say and do in their role. Here are some actions that c...Read More
Barbara Boxer Keynote Announcement: BOOST Conference 2017
It is with great pleasure that we announce the 2017 BOOST Conference Keynote Speaker, Former Senator Barbara Boxer! BOOST Collaborative and Afterschool Alliance invite you to join us in honoring Senator Barbara Boxer at this year’s BOOST Conference in Palm Springs, CA. Jodi Grant, Executive Director, Afterschool Alliance, will be presenting Boxer with an OSTI (Out of-School Time Innovations) Award on Wednesday, April 19th followed by a keynote address, audience Q & A, and book signing...Read More
Designing Welcoming and Healthy Environments: 4 Activities
Designing welcoming environments for children and families has never been more important. Let’s look at some statistics and then talk action! Recent research shows that high school students report feeling “tired, stressed and bored” during the school day. 28% of U.S. students in grades 6–12 have experienced bullying and children with disabilities experience an increased risk. During the 2013-2014 school year, more than 1.3 million homeless children and youth were enrolled in pu...Read More