Jump Start 2026

Kids learn best when they do not even realize they are studying. This hands-on session provides a pattern to help afterschool educators weave critical math and literacy skills directly into the activities children naturally choose. You will learn to turn everyday play, crafts, and games into high-impact learning moments. Participants will roll up their sleeves and experience these joyful, "stealth-learning" activities firsthand. You will leave with a practical toolkit of activities that spark curiosity, preserve child autonomy, and seamlessly boost academic confidence, motivation and understanding.

Data collection can feel like one more thing on an already full plate, but what if it could actually make your job easier? If collecting attendance, registration, or reporting information feels overwhelming or inconsistent, this session is for you. Join fellow afterschool professionals for an interactive discussion about what's working, what's not, and how small changes can make a big difference. You'll leave with practical ideas to improve data quality, simplify processes, and spend less time fixing problems and more time supporting youth.

Explore digital design to cultivate student agency and self-expression. In this interactive session, we'll examine what creativity looks like in an AI-driven era through active digital content production.

Participants will gain hands-on experience using professional platforms like Adobe Express, learning to guide students in defining target audiences, building brand identities, and mastering graphic design fundamentals. By bridging the gap between students' digital passions and professional aspirations, this workshop provides practical insights into the creator economy, equipping educators to confidently guide students toward relevant 21st-century career pathways.