The submission deadline is September 4th, 2026.

The Connecticut Network for Children and Youth is seeking nominations for the 5th Annual Recognition Awards. The nomination form is open! Do you know an individual or program who goes above and beyond for the youth in their community? We want to recognize them! 

The Best of CT Afterschool Recognition Awards acknowledges individuals and programs for their work and support provided to the out-of-school time field. Nominees for this award should be individuals or programs who work to improve the lives of youth through sustaining and supporting quality out-of-school time programming. 

This year’s categories include:

• Afterschool Program of the Year
• Afterschool Teacher of the Year – Direct service staff
• Afterschool Rockstar – Anybody who makes afterschool Rock!
• STEM Program of the Year
• STEM Teacher of the Year

All finalists will be notified by the end of September and recognized during the Lights on Afterschool Celebration on October 2nd, 2026. The winning individual(s) or program(s) will be announced live during the event.