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
Building a Culture of Attendance in Out-of-School Programs
Presented by Emma Herdean, Attendance Works
Date: January 21, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Regular attendance and participation in a quality program increases its impact on students’ social and academic outcomes. As the foundation for learning and long-term success, regular attendance promotes a sense of belonging, connection to caring adults and the academic enrichment they provide outside of school which can make children more likely to go to school. Join Attendance Works for an engaging session focused on tackling absences in your out of school time program.
Learn:
1. What is chronic absence and why it matters in out of school time programs
2. Identify evidence-based intervention strategies
3. Explore tools to support increased attendance and engagement
This session equips out-of-school-time program leaders and staff with practical tools and resources to build meaningful connections, boost student attendance, and enhance overall achievement.
Register in advance for this session here.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.
Check back for more information about upcoming webinars in our 2025-2026 webinar series!
View listing of our recorded webinars covering orientations, fiscal, reporting, protective factors, and more.
21st CCLC Regional Trainings
Due to the state budget impasse, the 2025 Regional Trainings have been cancelled. Please check back later for information about 2026 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 2027 application in late summer 2026.
For more information about the Excellence in Leadership Certification program, contact Excellence in Leadership.
2026 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 2025
Welcome and Course Overview (45 minutes, virtually)
Session 1
January 13, 2026
Authentic Communication
Session 2
January 14, 2026
Servant Leadership
Session 3
February 23, 2026
Youth Voice
Session 4
February 24, 2026
Trauma Informed Leadership
Session 5
March 17, 2026
Leading Through Change
Session 6
March 18, 2026
Generational Workstyles
Session 7
April 21, 2026
Leading with Care: Building a Culture of Well-Being in OST Programs
Session 8
April 22, 2026
Unlocking the Power of AI for Afterschool Program Leaders
Session 9
May 12, 2026
Teambuilding
Session10
May 13, 2026
From Conflict to Collaboration
Session 11
June 10, 2026 (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.
2026 Extra Learning Opportunities Conference (ELO)
February 24-26, 2026 | Hilton, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
The 2026 ELO Conference is a unique opportunity for educators with Pennsylvania’s Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) programs to deepen their knowledge, enhance best practices, and hear innovative solutions for working with students in out-of-school time.
The conference is restricted to 21st CCLC grantees. Each program is required to send a minimum of two individuals. There is no cost to attend.
Beyond School Hours 2026
March 1 – 4, 2026 | Orlando, Florida
Be part of something extraordinary at the 29th Annual Beyond School Hours national conference—the premier gathering of educators and leaders dedicated to empowering students of all ages across the entire learning day
Education is evolving at a remarkable pace. Now is the time to connect, collaborate, and inspire one another as we work toward our shared mission: preparing every student for a successful future.
Join other educators for four energizing days of transformative professional learning, meaningful connections, and game-changing ideas you won’t find anywhere else.
NAA (National Afterschool Association) Convention
March 11 – 14, 2026 | Nashville, Tennessee
The National Afterschool Association Convention is where afterschool leaders grow, connect, and recharge. Join peers from across the country for inspiring sessions, practical strategies, and fresh ideas to strengthen your program and support your team.
2026 BOOST Conference
April 28 – May 1, 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.