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- Virtual STEM Conference
- ISBE Board Meeting Recap
- Black History Month Resources
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ACT Now's STEM Newsletter
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Sign up for ACT Now's monthly STEM Newsletter to access resources such as activities, lesson plans, and webinars. Sign up here!
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Virtual STEM Conference!
A national alliance of afterschool networks (Illinois, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Ohio and Vermont) are partnering to host a two-day virtual conference, shining a spotlight on resources, strategies and inspiration to boost out-of-school-time (OST) STEM programming. Sessions will elevate resources available through the Million Girls Moonshot Initiative, unique STEM program models and provide actionable steps for OST professionals to:
- Introduce high quality curriculum options that challenge youth to problem solve with curiosity and creativity,
- Increase equity in STEM programming
- Implement facilitation methods to promote an engineering mindset and positive STEM identity in youth.
The no-cost virtual conference will take place from March 27 to March 28, 2024, and provide opportunities for OST professionals to network with peers from across the country, engage with speakers committed to supporting others in designing enriching STEM activities beyond the classroom and ignite excitement to help youth explore STEM and all the ways it can inspire and set their lives up for success!
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State Updates
FY25 Budget Address
Governor JB Pritzker's Budget Address will take place TODAY, February 21, 2024. ACT Now will provide updates and advocacy resources after the Budget Address. Please feel free to reach out to Emma Giamberdino (formerly Spencer) at spencere@actnowillinois.org for questions.
Illinois State Board of Education February Meeting Recap
On February 15, 2024, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) met for its monthly Board meeting. To access the recordings and meeting materials, click here. Public comment topics included salary contracts for internal ISBE employees, expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) funding, and recognizing Montessori teacher credentials.
Members then turned their attention to a presentation on Career and Technical Education led by students who represent Career and Technical Education organizations in Illinois, including Science Olympiad! Students shared the types of CTE programming they are participating in and how CTE resources are integral to exploring pathways for their current and future career experiences. Further, students advocated for increased state commitment to CTE offerings in Illinois whether they are during high school, community college or university environments. Board members noted the importance of partnerships to support the everchanging interests of students in CTE.
Board members approved all the items on the consent agenda and briefly heard an update from State Superintendent Sanders on the strategic plan, FY25 budget recommendations, visits to school districts Downstate and Northern Illinois, and upcoming social media content on these visits. Board members expressed appreciation to one another for the work being done to support educators, principals, and students in Illinois.
The next ISBE Board meeting will take place on March 13, 2024.
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To register for all upcoming ACT Now trainings and events please sign up for ACT Now Center for Afterschool Learning (ANCAL). ANCAL (hosted through Collabornation) is an online learning and training platform that is FREE for all Illinois afterschool and OST professionals.
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ACT Now Events
Scale Up Your SEL: Do It
February 21, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
21st CCLC Townhall
February 22, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
FY24 Gender and Sexuality in Out-of-School Time 102 In-Person Training
March 19, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
March Meetup: Summer Xchange
March 21, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
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External Events
Health and Human Services Advocacy Event
March 1, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
English Learners and the Science of Reading: What Works in the Classroom
March 4, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Family and Community Engagement
March 12, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Building a Diverse Staff to Drive Student Success
March 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.
Closing the Learning Gaps: Acceleration for ALL
March 15, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
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Youth Development
Celebrating Black Stories Collection
The Scholastic Storyworks cultivated some of their most beloved stories to share with young people in honor of Black History Month.
Smithsonian Black History Month Museum Collection
Learn more about Black History Month with your students using lessons, podcasts, activities, and primary sources curated by Smithsonian History Explorer.
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Administration
Request for Proposal for Community School Coordinator Coaching
ACT Now was awarded two Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) state-scaling grants. The scope of this program involves supporting the implementation and expansion of the community school model in eight Title I districts and eight rural districts across the state. ACT Now will provide technical assistance, professional development, and compliance monitoring to each partner district. As part of the professional development, ACT Now is seeking the services of an external Community School Coordinator Coach to provide coaching services to the partner schools and their Resource Coordinators. Additionally, the Coordinator Coach will train certain ACT Now staff to assist in providing coaching support throughout the program. For additional questions please reach out to Lesley Rivers at RiversL@actnowillinois.org. Proposals are due March 15, 2024.
Youth Development
Request a Virtual Career Chat
Through a Virtual Career Chat with Illumina, you can bring a STEM professional to your students! The scientist career chats are for middle school or high school classes. From scientists to engineers, help your students explore careers!
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Youth Development
Chicago Park District Teen Opportunity Fairs
Join the Chicago Park District for their three Teen Opportunity Fairs in Chicago. Teens aged 13 to 19 can explore summer opportunities in parks, including job openings and readiness programs. Representatives from different organizations and park programs will be there to showcase offerings for teens. The Teen Opportunity Fairs will take place on the following dates:
- March 9, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- March 23, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
- April 6, 2024, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Lincoln Park Zoo Summer Job Fair
Lincoln Park Zoo is hiring for summer seasonal positions! The fair will be on March 2, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Pepper Family Wildlife Center. Gain valuable experience networking as you learn about the wide variety of careers the zoo has to offer!
CHICAT's Free Spring After School Programs for Middle Schoolers
Enroll today in one of CHICAT's many free Spring After School Programs for Middle schoolers ages ten and up! Their Spring Sessions take place until May 24, 2024, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 1701 W. 13th St., Chicago, Illinois.
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For archived funding opportunities, click here.
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