📊 Did you know? In Missouri afterschool programs, girls in grades 6–12 are MORE likely to maintain or increase their science grades than boys — 75% vs. 68%.
Afterschool programs aren't just keeping kids busy. They're actively closing the gender gap in STEM — and creating pathways to careers that are growing 10× faster than the rest of the workforce.
Join us July 28–29 at Missouri S&T for a FREE, hands-on professional development experience designed for educators like you.
#moafterschool #afterschoolworks #STEM
At the Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN), we believe the hours beyond the school day are some of the most powerful in a young person’s life. It’s where confidence grows, skills sharpen, dreams take shape, and a stronger Missouri is built.
Since 2002, MASN has built partnerships and systems across the state that improve, support, and sustain high quality afterschool programs. We’ve been a bridge between policy and practice, opportunity and achievement, and today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce.
The need for afterschool and summer learning is surging, families are working harder than ever, and communities are calling for lasting solutions that create real impact.
#moafterschool #afterschoolworks
This week, we celebrate YOU—the dedicated professionals who inspire, educate, and support young people beyond the school day. 🌟
Every day, you create safe spaces, spark curiosity, and build relationships that help children and families thrive. And the numbers show it: In an Afterschool Alliance poll of registered voters, nearly 9 in 10 of parents (89%) said afterschool programs support young people’s social and emotional well-being.
April 20–24 is Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week, and the Missouri AfterSchool Network is grateful for everything you do. Thank you for enriching young lives, every single day. 💙
#AfterschoolWorks #MoAfterschool #HeartOfAfterschool
Every young person deserves a high-quality afterschool program — and behind every great program is a dedicated professional making it happen. 💛
This week, we're celebrating the mentors, educators, and champions right here in Missouri who show up every single day for our kids.
The numbers speak for themselves:
✅ 96% of Missouri parents are satisfied with their child's afterschool program
✅ 82% say afterschool builds real teamwork, critical thinking & leadership skills
✅ Students who attend regularly see grade improvements — including 79% of D-level and 75% of C-level students
That kind of impact starts with people. MASN is proud to stand behind every afterschool professional in Missouri who makes it possible. 🙌
Tag an afterschool hero in the comments — they deserve to be seen this week! 👇
#HeartOfAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks #MoAfterschool #MissouriKids
📣 School-Age/Afterschool Program Grant Opportunity
Two competitive grants for school-age afterschool programs are now open through the Office of Childhood's Afterschool Program:
🔹 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Grant
🔹 School Age Community (SAC) Grant
Grant applications and guidelines are available on the Afterschool Programs Grants page of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) website, and school administrators and afterschool program directors are encouraged to review them.
https://dese.mo.gov/.../quali.../afterschool-programs/grants
📅 Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 by 1:00 p.m. for both applications.
Please note that funding availability is subject to awards. For questions, reach out to the Afterschool Programs team at [email protected].
Two amazing PD opportunities are coming up for Missouri's out-of-school time community! 📅
🔬 Midwest STEM Conference | July 28–29 | Missouri S&T, Rolla
Hands-on workshops, peer collaboration, and fresh STEM ideas — and it's FREE! Registration closes July 15.
👉 moafterschool.org/stem26
🎉 Missouri School Age Conference (MOSAC) | November 20–22
Missouri's only statewide afterschool conference — keynote speakers, peer learning, and community that celebrates YOUR work. Registration is open now!
👉 mosac.org
There's a seat at the table for you. We hope to see you there! 🙌
#AfterschoolWorks #OutOfSchoolTime #MoAfterschool #MidwestSTEM #STEMEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment
The 2026 MOSAC Minis are bringing professional development to afterschool pros across Missouri! 🌟
A.L.I. (Active Learning Institute) | April 25 & this fall | St. Louis
PD designed specifically for local afterschool staff, with topics selected by a community planning committee to address the most timely needs.
Southwest Afterschool Professionals (SWAP) Conference | This Fall | Southwest Missouri
Built by a regional committee to meet the PD needs of direct service staff — relevant, practical, and close to home.
Gathering Afterschool Professionals (GAP) Conference | This Fall | Kansas City Area
Site-level staff come together for an inspiring keynote, interactive workshops, and meaningful networking.
Find details in the Afterschool Pipeline Newsletter! 👇
/sign-up-for-our-newsletter/
#Afterschool #MOSACMinis #OutOfSchoolTime #MissouriAfterSchool #ProfessionalDevelopment #AfterSchoolMatters
📢 Registration is OPEN for the 2026 Midwest STEM Conference — and it's FREE! 🎉
80% of students in afterschool STEM programs gained increased career knowledge. 73% developed a stronger STEM identity.
Behind every one of those outcomes is an educator who showed up prepared. This conference is for them. 💡
Join us July 28–29 at Missouri S&T in Rolla and walk away with:
✅ Fresh insights into STEM trends in Missouri
✅ Activities ready to use in your program
✅ Strategies for engaging youth, families & staff
✅ Connections with educators across the state
🗓 July 28–29, 2026
📍 Havener Center, Missouri S&T | Rolla, MO
💲 Free! Registration closes July 15
Want to present? The RFP is open through June 1! 🙌
🔗 Link in bio to register and submit your proposal!
#AfterschoolWorks #STEMEducation #MidwestSTEM #OutOfSchoolTime #MissouriEducation #STEMConference #YouthDevelopment #AfterSchoolSTEM #EducatorPD #Missouri #MoAfterschool
💛 Big news from our Missouri afterschool family!
Dakota Schlechter of the @raypecschooldistrict and Michaela Flores of the Moving Ahead Program have been named 2026 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders honorees by the @nationalafterschoolassociation — selected from over 140 nominations across the country.
We couldn't be more proud. These are the people who show up every single day for kids, families, and communities — and now the whole nation is taking notice. 🌟
Read their stories at the link in bio.
#AfterschoolWorks #MoAfterschool #NextGenLeaders #MissouriProud
Missouri represented at the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Conference in Washington, D.C. — and we couldn't be more proud! 🌟
The Show-Me State did what we do best: showed up for youth, working families, and communities.
Our afterschool leaders connected, learned, and made sure Missouri's voice was heard on the national stage.
@nationalafterschoolassociation@wesleybell4mo
#naa #DreamDareDo #MoAfterschool #AfterschoolWorks
📣 School-Age Afterschool Program Grant Opportunity
Two competitive grants are NOW OPEN — are you ready to apply? 👇
🔹 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Grant
🔹 School Age Community (SAC) Grant
If you're an afterschool program director or school administrator, this one's for you! Review the applications and guidelines on the DESE Afterschool Programs Grants page.
🔗 https://dese.mo.gov/.../quali.../afterschool-programs/grants
📅 Deadline: Friday, April 24, 2026 by 1:00 p.m.
Awards are subject to funding availability.
📧 Questions? Email the Afterschool Programs team at [email protected]
#Missouri #DESE #21stCCLC #SACGrant #MissouriEducation
Workforce development doesn't start at graduation — it starts in afterschool programs. 🎓
MASN's Entrepreneurship Grants are helping Missouri afterschool programs build the career-connected learning experiences that prepare students for the future. Round 7 is open NOW.
💰 Up to $2,000 for K–12 afterschool & summer programs
📚 Nationally recognized curriculum + professional coaching included
🤝 Peer learning community and statewide support
📅 Application deadline: April 30, 2026
#AfterschoolWorks #MoAfterschool #Entrepreneurship #WorkforceDevelopment #YouthDevelopment #MissouriYouth #FutureLeaders #WorkforceReady #STEMEducation #CommunityImpact
