Jump Start 2026

Afterschool directors, site coordinators, and youth development professionals play a vital role in helping Utah's children and working families thrive. As Utah faces a shortage of affordable child care, before-school, afterschool, and summer programs have become an essential part of the solution. In this interactive session, participants will explore Utah's child care landscape, discover how out-of-school time programs strengthen families and the workforce, and practice simple storytelling strategies that build community support. Attendees will leave with practical tools to communicate their program's impact, strengthen partnerships, and confidently advocate for the resources children and youth need to succeed.