Jump Start 2026

Many of today's children can struggle with the social and emotional skills necessary to create and maintain relationships. While many Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs exist in schools, they are often not adapted to the unique needs of the gifted population. This presentation will also demonstrate some techniques on how to teach and model SEL skills for today's children through the gamification of the lessons, both through the demonstration of games designed for this population and instruction on how to adapt games.

This interactive, heart-centered training equips educators and leaders with four practical, research-informed strategies to engage any audience (students, families, staff, or stakeholders). Grounded in emotional intelligence, the session helps participants create inclusive spaces, build strong relationships, and spark lasting engagement across ages and roles. Participants will reflect and connect while gaining tools they can use immediately to increase participation, strengthen communication, and lead with intention no matter who’s in the room.

About two-thirds of teenagers who are in an abusive relationship do not tell anyone. This means that many of the teens in your afterschool programs may be going through one of the hardest times of their lives and no one knows. This session is for afterschool professionals who play a unique role where they may be able to intervene and get a teen the help that they need. We'll talk about all the reasons teens don't ask for help and how you can recognize the signs so you can begin the conversation. Participants will walk away with a better knowledge of the barriers teens face and how healthy intervention can keep teens safe.

What happens when we stop asking, “What’s wrong?” and start asking, “What’s possible?” Explore the power of Positive Youth Development (PYD) and discover practical ways to help young people build confidence, belonging, relationships, and a sense of purpose. Through engaging activities and real-world examples, you’ll leave with simple strategies you can put into practice right away to create programs where every young person has opportunities to thrive.

Discover how confidence, self-esteem, self-care, and connection can impact learning, resilience, relationships, and a child’s ability to thrive. This engaging session will give after-school professionals practical strategies for creating environments where children feel valued, capable, and connected. We’ll also explore the importance of caring for ourselves while caring for others, because you can’t pour from an empty cup. No magic wand required, just compassion, connection, and understanding that one caring adult can make a lasting difference in a child’s learning by improving confidence and self-esteem.

90% of brain development happens before age 5. The remaining 10% is mostly what we see developing in the kids we work with. This session will cover specific strategies for supporting that remaining growth in an intentional, fun, and meaningful way. Participants will walk away with new considerations as they build lesson plans of their own and can incorporate brain based strategies for learning.