STEM - CT Afterschool Network

Celebrate Lights On Afterschool (and have some fun)!

Post author:Ken Anthony
Post published:September 19, 2025
Post category:Activities Advocacy Events Featured General Interest Inspiration Programming Quality Resources Social-Emotional Learning STEM Summer Learning
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This October marks the 26th year of the nationwide Lights On Afterschool celebration. Each year thousands of programs and tens of thousands of children take part in events, recognitions, and…

CSDE Releases State Funded After School Grant Request for Proposals

Post author:CTAfterSchoolNetwork
Post published:May 15, 2025
Post category:Conferences Featured Funding General Interest Grants Leadership Programming Quality Resources Social-Emotional Learning STEM Webinar
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The Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) held a bidders conference May 14th, 2025 to release the 2025-2027 Request for Proposals for the State Funded After School Grant program. The…

Creating Activities based on Staff Interests

Post author:CTAfterSchoolNetwork
Post published:January 31, 2024
Post category:Activities Featured General Interest Inspiration Professional Development Programming Quality Resources STEM
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Are you struggling to keep students engaged during program time? Finding activities, a little dry, even for you? Have you ever thought about developing activities based on your interests? Shawna…

Activities for Indoors

Post author:CTAfterSchoolNetwork
Post published:January 12, 2024
Post category:Activities General Interest Inspiration Professional Development Programming Quality Resources STEM
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Now that the weather is cold, that means more program time is spent inside. It can be hard to keep kids engaged while they are all cooped up. I’ve explored…

The Network is Celebrating 35 Years!

Post author:CTAfterSchoolNetwork
Post published:January 3, 2024
Post category:Featured General Interest Inspiration Leadership Professional Development Programming Quality Research Resources Social-Emotional Learning STEM Summer Learning
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The Network is celebrating 35 years of after school excellence...and more! In 1989, the Network was founded as the Connecticut School Age Child Care Alliance (CSACCA) at the first After…

OST STEM Experience

Post author:CTAfterSchoolNetwork
Post published:January 2, 2024
Post category:Activities Conferences Events Featured General Interest Inspiration Professional Development Programming Quality Resources STEM
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The Connecticut Science Center and CT Network for Children and Youth (CTNCY) are thrilled to offer a brand-new series of workshops centered around developing skills, expertise, and programming to assist…

Simply STEM (December)

Post author:Marla Berrios
Post published:December 15, 2023
Post category:Activities Featured General Interest Inspiration Quality Resources STEM
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Welcome to this month’s Simply STEM activity! Today, we are making snow dough! This snow dough is supposed to mimic the look of real snow. Your students will be able…

Simply STEM (November)

Post author:Marla Berrios
Post published:November 13, 2023
Post category:Activities Featured General Interest Inspiration Quality Resources STEM
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Welcome to this month’s Simply STEM activity! Today, we are going to test how different liquids react with marshmallows! This fun and easy activity is perfect for your students to…

Simply STEM (October)

Post author:Marla Berrios
Post published:October 30, 2023
Post category:Activities Featured General Interest Inspiration Quality Resources STEM
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Welcome to this month’s Simply STEM activity! Today, we are creating our own spiderweb! This activity is a fun and creative way to teach your students about how spiders catch…

Simply STEM (September)

Post author:Marla Berrios
Post published:September 25, 2023
Post category:Activities Featured General Interest Inspiration Quality Resources STEM
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Welcome to this month’s Simply STEM activity! Today, we are making paper leaf gliders! This fun hands-on activity will help your students understand concepts like aerodynamics and fine motor skills.…