Hear from Tyler Kearns, Clayton Kid Zone program coordinator & MASN Quality/Professional Development Committee chair Are you passionate about teaching and making a difference in the afterschool program field? If so, presenting at the Missouri School Age Conference (MOSAC) might be perfect for you. Tyler Kearns, a seasoned presenter, shares his experience and a few reasons why you should consider submitting a Request for Proposal (RFP) to present in November at MOSAC. INSPIRED BY OTHERS For Tyler, the inspiration to present at MOSAC came from... Watching other presenters at the co ..read more

MASN invites students in afterschool programs and youth organizations to participate in the 2024 Missouri Youth Entrepreneurship Pitch Challenge.     Students benefit when immersed in micro-enterprise and entrepreneurial opportunities that connect them with peers to cultivate the entrepreneurial mindset.   NEW this year: Programs can earn up to $600 in prizes. Earn $200 each for having the grand prize winner in your program, having the most student participants, or having the best program leader pitch.   What is a Program Pitch? Program leaders can submit a ..read more

Rebecca Longenecker, Quality and PD Committee Co-Chair Rebecca Longenecker, assistant program coordinator for the Nixa XLT Program, and an 11-year program veteran, quickly fell in love with the afterschool community.   “I realized that afterschool was my forever career, but was never told that afterschool could be a forever career,” said Rebecca.   Providing quality care to students in the before- and afterschool space is central to Rebecca’s objective. “I want my experience in the afterschool setting to assist in creating, and strengthening, other quality programs across Misso ..read more

A message from Terri Foulkes, MASN executive director “The 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant is a vital funding source for afterschool programs across Missouri. The upcoming grant competition for the 2024-2029 award period presents a crucial opportunity to secure funding and continue , providing enriching afterschool opportunities for students. With the application deadline set for May 24th, I encourage programs to thoroughly review the guidelines and submit their proposals promptly.” More Details: Awards are subject to availability of funding. Be sure to regularly check the Freque ..read more

As we mark Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week, it’s time to turn our attention to the unsung heroes who are the driving force behind afterschool programs. While the Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN) has raised awareness of the week, the local celebrations taking place in communities across the state provide the direct recognition and appreciation to the afterschool staff.   MASN staff recently interviewed Leanne Cantu, administrator of the Parkway-Rockwood Adventure Club to learn how she is recognizing her staff this year.  Cantu’s journey in youth development began o ..read more

The Missouri state capitol rotunda echoed with the vibrant energy of 100 plus enthusiastic afterschool youth and professionals for Show Me Afterschool Day. The excitement weaved through the crowd of afterschool advocates ready to have valuable conversations with their local representatives. The Missouri AfterSchool Network’s policy committee connected legislators with thirty afterschool programs from all over the state. Natalie Hampton, associate director of policy, has promoted the afterschool capitol day because “afterschool voices need to be heard to promote policies that benefit Missour ..read more

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As a School Age Community (SAC) Grant recipient, the Care Day Afterschool Program in Warrenton, Missouri, can offer continual opportunities for students to engage in various STEM programming. Naturally, Care Day coordinator Dr. Janelle Stanek seized the chance to register for the Missouri AfterSchool Network’s STEM Mobile Lab; “When MASN came to me with the idea of the STEM Mobile Lab, I was so excited as it covers what our program is based on– STEM curriculum for our students.” Dr. Janelle Stanek and the Care Day staff recently experienced a week of STEM-focused programming led by MASN’s ST ..read more

Approximately 7.8 million people actively participate in Afterschool programs across the country, with 850,000 being employed as leaders and professionals within the wide range of programs. To recognize these individuals for the valuable work they provide students, each year the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession, selects 21 emerging leaders across the country who are dedicated to improving the afterschool environment and program for the students they serve. To be selected, these individuals have made contributions to afterschool programs that are ..read more

Providing care for hundreds of students outside of school hours has become central to Dr. Janelle Stanek’s mission and involvement with afterschool programming. As a recipient of the Building Business/Community Partnership for Afterschool Success Grants (aka Chamber Grant) in 2021 and the MASN Youth Entrepreneurship Micro Grant in 2022 and 2023, Stanek has worked to grow her Youth Entrepreneurship program. “Janelle is an example of a director seizing the opportunities provided by MASN; from additional funding, to curriculum and additional support through PLC’s”, said Mark Cowsert, MASN assoc ..read more