The Georgia Afterschool & Youth Development Standards is a collaborative project funded and endorsed by several state agencies and offered to all youth development programs across the state as an opportunity to increase program quality. The Standards are grounded in research and best practices and include an easy-to-use self-assessment tool. This session will give participants insight into the Standards and how they could be used to evaluate and increase program quality. Participants will:

• Understand the ASYD Quality Standards program improvement process;
• Learn how to use the ASYD Quality Standards Assessment Tool;
• Practice observing program practices; and
• Apply ratings to program practices.

Unlock the power of the Science of Reading in this engaging, hands-on session designed for educators who want to blend research-based best practices with playful, effective learning. Participants will explore the core components of reading development—phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—and discover why systematic, explicit instruction works best for students. You’ll leave with a toolkit of evidence-based activities and games that make skill-building fun, foster student confidence, and accelerate reading progress. Perfect for teachers, interventionists, and support staff looking to bring the science of reading to life—without sacrificing joy in learning.

Facilitator:

Elizabeth Hogan, Literacy Leader, Reading is Essential for All People

This session will invite OST educators to see their programs through a fresh lens. They will have the opportunity to explore the math that quietly lives in the rhythms of each day. With guidance, participants will engage with an interactive brainstorming process and work together in small groups to map out rituals, routines, and activities that already carry “hidden math”. They will work together to explore naming math competencies out loud for students, weave math talk into daily interactions, and amplify opportunities for meaningful math engagement without sacrificing the fun or flow of OST programming. A share-out will give participants a chance to exchange ideas and leave everyone with a toolkit of math enriched practices they can apply.

Facilitators:

Ebony Minter, Program Director - CEISMC at Georgia Tech

Eric Koonce, Program Director - CEISMC at Georgia Tech

Adolescents aren’t broken or disobedient — they’re under construction. The more we understand the new science of adolescent development, the better we can design programs that support growth, connection, and emotional health. This session blends the latest developmental research with Dr. Donna Hicks’ dignity framework to help youth professionals build spaces where young people feel seen, respected, and ready to thrive. We’ll explore how adolescent brains are wired for meaning, identity, and social belonging — and how a dignity-based approach gives youth workers the language, strategies, and mindset to meet them there.

Facilitator: Megan Saxelby, Wild Feelings

To ensure that our youth are being developed in all areas of their lives, it’s important to have a solid partnership with the parents. Getting and keeping parents involved is also imperative to the success of any youth development program. Come learn ways to motivate and engage parents that will keep them involved for years to come.

Facilitator: Dr. Nicole Steele, Diamond in the Rough Youth Development Program, Inc.

We get it. Many adults find it challenging to know how to talk with young people about consent, relationships, bodies, or even love in a youth development context. It can feel overwhelming, and maybe even intimidating.  Our goal is to provide facts and serve as a reliable, helpful adult, without promoting fear or shame. We might worry about sharing too much, or sharing information that may be too personal. We don’t want to say culturally inappropriate things. Striking the right balance in a way that is most helpful and respectful for the young person is a skill we can all improve on. This workshop will provide you with specific approaches and strategies for talking about and responding to questions related to sexuality from youth in your organization.

Facilitator: Lauren Barineau, Talk More