Jump Start 2026

Designed for program staff working directly with youth, this interactive session utilizes facilitator-led modeling to demonstrate high-impact program delivery. Upon entering the room, participants will experience the session from the youth perspective as the facilitator actively models best practices in real time. Through this live demonstration, you will observe firsthand how to seamlessly integrate youth leadership opportunities, scaffold skill-building support, and facilitate intentional conversations before, during, and after activities. Come ready to engage in this dynamic, role-play-driven professional development experience.

Success rarely follows a straight path. This session is designed for young adults (ages 18–22), educators, mentors, and leaders who want to help the next generation develop resilience in the face of setbacks. Participants will explore why many young adults are quick to quit when challenges arise and learn practical strategies to shift from a fixed mindset to one of adaptability, perseverance, and growth. Through real-world examples and actionable tools, attendees will leave equipped to navigate obstacles with confidence, embrace failure as part of the learning process, and build the resilience needed to thrive in school, work, and life.

Afterschool professionals can have a lasting impact on teens' relationship with reading—without becoming reading teachers. This interactive session explores how to distinguish between skill-based and motivation-based reading struggles, create welcoming reading environments, and foster literacy through relationships, choice, and authentic engagement. Participants will leave with practical, research-informed strategies for building a positive reading culture, supporting struggling readers within their role, and helping young people see themselves as lifelong readers.

Unlock the hidden math in every melody! This hands-on workshop equips afterschool educators with dynamic, "stealth math" strategies to teach foundational math concepts through high-energy music activities. Instead of worksheets, you will learn to use rhythm, song, instruments, and dance to reinforce learning naturally. Participants will actively jump, drum, and sing their way through interactive lessons. By the end of this session, you will have a ready-to-use toolkit of active musical experiences that make math feel like play.