Professional Development Plan
Grantees should develop a professional development plan for afterschool teachers and provide the written plan to their Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) program officer for approval. 21st CCLC funds cannot be used for non-sanctioned and/or non-approved conference expenses. There is no approval for workshops not applicable to afterschool programs.
Cohort Training Requirements
If you are unable to send the required two staff members to any of the training, you must obtain PDE approval to make any substitutions with any other training.
- Grantees must send two representatives to the following each grant year.
- Extra Learning Opportunities conference.
- Pennsylvania grantee meeting.
- United States Department of Education (USDOE) sponsored Summer Institute (when offered).
- Regional training (when offered).
- Other webinars or meetings as required by PDE.
Upcoming Webinars
Practical Strategies to Support All Readers and Writers
Presented by: Dr. Monica Burns, Class Tech Tips
Date: November 18, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
In this session, Dr. Monica Burns shares practical, tech-friendly strategies to strengthen all four areas of literacy: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Vocabulary is at the heart of how students comprehend what they read and hear, and how they express what they want to say. The session will start with explicit vocabulary strategies that help students learn new words, use them with confidence, and connect them across subject areas. We’ll also explore simple literacy routines that build comprehension, encourage participation, and keep students engaged. Along the way, you’ll see how AI can help you create word lists, activities, visuals, scaffolds, and quick checks for understanding tailored to your students. You’ll leave with ready-to-use literacy ideas you can try next week, whatever subject or program you lead.
Register in advance for this session here.
Ready for What’s Next: Emerging Tech and AI Tools for Your Program
Presented by: Dr. Monica Burns, Class Tech Tips
Date: December 16, 2026
Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.
In this session, we’ll look at what’s new in EdTech and artificial intelligence, including AI-powered EdTech tools and the latest updates to major chatbots. We’ll explore a curated selection of innovative tools that can help you plan engaging activities, save time on everyday tasks, and support the different needs of your students. Most of these tools work across subject areas, and you’ll hear examples of how they can support reading, math, science, and social studies, from generating leveled texts and vocabulary supports to creating practice problems, visuals, and discussion prompts. You’ll also discover low-tech and no-tech activities for students (where facilitators are using technology to plan learning experiences), as well as high-value technology activities, that help students use new tools thoughtfully and responsibly. Whether you’re new to AI or looking for fresh ideas for your program, you’ll leave with actionable strategies to try today.
Register in advance for this session here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.
Check back soon for more webinars in the 2026-2027 program year webinar series!
View listing of our recorded webinars covering orientations, fiscal, reporting, protective factors, and more.
21st CCLC Regional Trainings
The 2026 21st CCLC Regional Trainings were held in October, 2026.
Check back for more information about the 2027 Regional Trainings.
Excellence in Leadership Certification
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Excellence in Leadership Certification was developed for program staff in a leadership role who are looking for strategies to effectively lead and motivate others, to create and maintain a positive workplace culture, to demonstrate emotional intelligence, and to overcome leadership challenges.
If you didn’t get the chance to apply, look for the 2028 application in late summer 2027.
For more information about the Excellence in Leadership Certification program, contact Excellence in Leadership.
2027 Excellence in Leadership Certification
Participants meet monthly for two sessions (an afternoon session followed by a morning session). All sessions are held in person.
Session
Date
Topic
Meet and Greet
December 15, 2026
Welcome and Course Overview (45 minutes, virtually)
Session 1
January 26, 2027
Authentic Communication
Session 2
January 27, 2027
Servant Leadership
Session 3
February 23, 2027
Leading with Care: Building a Culture of Well-Being in OST Programs
Session 4
February 24, 2027
Trauma Informed Leadership
Session 5
March 16, 2027
Leading Through Change
Session 6
March 17, 2027
Generational Workstyles
Session 7
April 6, 2027
Youth Voice
Session 8
April 7, 2027
Unlocking the Power of AI for Afterschool Program Leaders
Session 9
May 18, 2027
Teambuilding
Session 10
May 19, 2027
From Conflict to Collaboration
Session 11
June 9, 2027 (A.M.)
Graduation
Out-of-School Time Conferences
The conferences shared below offer professional development opportunities for educators working in out-of-school time.
Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grantees:
Pre-approval from your program officer is required to attend a non-21st CCLC conference. Please fill out and submit a Professional Development Request Form to your program officer at least four (4) weeks in advance.
NAA (National Afterschool Association) 2027 Annual Convention
March 14-17 | Denver, Coloardo
Join your peers at the NAA 2027 Convention, March 14–17, 2027, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Denver, Colorado. Together, we’ll celebrate the relationships, knowledge, and shared purpose that have built a strong foundation for our profession—and discover new ideas that prepare us to rise to tomorrow’s opportunities.
Save the Date: 2027 ELO and Empower Conference
Building Bridges Together: Advancing OST Through Promising Practices and Proven Strategies
April 21-23, 2027 | State College, Pennsylvania
We are excited to announce that the 2027 Extra Learning Opportunities Conference will be held in partnership with EMPOWER, PSAYDN’s out-of-school time conference, on April 21-23 in State College, Pennsylvania.
Mark your calendars, and together we will explore promising practices and proven strategies that strengthen programs, support professionals, and create meaningful opportunities for students and families.
Additional details, including registration and conference programming, will be announced soon.
2026 BOOST Conference
April 27 – 30, 2026 | Palm Springs, California
Join the largest, most recognized, and comprehensive global convening for after school, expanded learning, and in and out-of-school time professionals. Set in a retreat-like atmosphere, this annual, extraordinary event will rejuvenate your passion, boost your direction for quality programming and provide tools and resources that will inspire you to create change.