Breakfast Club Blog
The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is a curated space where bloggers from around the world contribute content on a continual basis about a variety of topics relevant to in and out-of-school time. The BOOST Breakfast Club blog is at the heart of an ongoing dialogue where expanded learning and education professionals share their personal thoughts and stories from the in and out-of-school time field. They also tell us what they ate for breakfast!
The BOOST Breakfast Club Blog is Brain Food for In and Out-of-School Time Leaders!
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Project THRIVE: The Necessity of LGBTQ+ Inclusion
The CDC’s 2023 YRBS data spotlighted the crisis facing LGBTQ+ youth today where 41% of LGBTQ+ youth seriously considered suicide at least once in the past year compared to just 13% of their heterosexual cisgender peers. HRC’s Project THRIVE is a multi-year national campaign of over 30 organizations that pledge to work towards the thriving of LGBTQ+ youth. Join HRC and Project THRIVE partners from NEA and FIRST to hear more about the necessity of LGBTQ+ supportive programs for youth. Read More
Engaging Teens Through School-Based Peer-to-Peer Wellness Programming
HealthCorps’ interactive workshop equips participants with the skills & knowledge to facilitate peer-to-peer learning, empowering middle & high school students to become changemakers. We focus on developing youth-led health-promoting initiatives that emphasize peer-leadership, community involvement & critical thinking. The hands-on workshop guides participants through creating and presenting health promoting & leadership events, tailored to the specific needs of their school envi... Read More
Coaching with Empathy
This research-based, highly interactive workshop provides coaches and after-school providers with the tools to build meaningful, understanding relationships with an amongst their teams. Attendees will learn about the impact of stress on young people, how their own experiences impact their relationships with their students/athletes, and the role of empathetic coaches, teachers, and caregivers. Read More
Strength and Restore
The strand blends Restorative Practices with the Clifton StrengthsFinder for a unique approach to building healthy relationships, resolving conflict, and repairing harm. The Clifton StrengthsFinder helps individuals understand their natural talents, while Restorative Practices focus on community and relationship-building. Together, these tools offer a powerful way to align personal strengths with the goals of restorative practices, enhancing engagement and meeting the needs of your organization. Read More
Expanded Learning, Students with Disabilities, the Law, and the Opportunity
Join us for “Expanded Learning, Students with Disabilities, the Law, and the Opportunity,” a workshop designed to empower educators and stakeholders with essential knowledge about legal obligations and inclusive practices for students with disabilities. Explore the intersection of expanded learning funding and special education law, and discover strategies to enhance learning opportunities for all students. Read More
Empathy in Education: Lessons from Life and Loss
In Empathy in Education, I reflect on my journey through loss and resilience and how it transformed my approach to teaching and mentoring. Grief taught me that education goes beyond knowledge; it’s about nurturing the whole person—heart, mind, and soul. Together, we’ll explore how empathy, active listening, and compassionate support can create positive ripple effects, inspiring educators to build communities where everyone feels valued and empowered. Read More
Inventing Tomorrow
INVENTING TOMORROW follows young scientists from Indonesia, Hawaii, India, and Mexico as they tackle some of the most complex environmental issues facing humanity today – right in their own backyards. Each student is preparing original scientific research that he or she will defend at ISEF, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Framed against the backdrop of the severe environmental threats we now face, we immerse the audience in a global view of the planetary crisis, through the... Read More
Amplifying Employee Engagement: People-Centered Approaches to Boost Retention and Performance
Retention in out-of-school time is a prevalent challenge for many. In this landscape how we amplify employee engagement is critical to retention, job satisfaction, and performance. Learn how to take a people-centered approach to improve your employee’s experience and create a culture where employees thrive. In this session, we will look at how to assess employee engagement, craft strategies for improvement, and help you create an action plan to boost your employee’s experience for retention. Read More
BOOSTing Belonging: Empowering Inclusive School Environments for LGBTQ+ Youth
We will examine data on LGBTQ student wellness and belonging, focusing on five key tenets of inclusive schools: psychological safety and authenticity, trusted relationships, staff training, data tracking, and inclusive curriculum. This session uses appreciative inquiry and storytelling to build empathy, belonging, and student-centered spaces. Participants will explore success stories from diverse schools and learn strategies to support student identity, connection, and well-being. Read More
An Introduction to Neurodiversity and Universal Design for Learning
In California’s Expanded Learning Programs, students with disabilities (SWD) represent a critical group that should be considered in the design and provision of programs. This session will explore how we can leverage this unique opportunity to actively create inclusive environments that foster belonging and success for all students. Read More
Lights on Afterschool 101
Launched in October 2000, Lights On Afterschool (LOA) is the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. The effort has become a hallmark of the afterschool movement and generates media coverage nationwide each year. This interactive workshop provides insights into how to plan a successful Lights On Afterschool event showcasing your program. Read More
Sourcing and Partnership for Retention
Engaged, reliable employees are vital to OST program success. Identifying and hiring such candidates is challenging in a competitive market, and ensuring their job satisfaction early on is crucial for retention. This session reviews the candidate lifecycle, offering strategies for sourcing and screening that enhance retention. We’ll also discuss post offer actions to ensure new hires are aware of resources, partners, and feedback platforms. Read More