Registration is Open for Illinois Community Schools
 

We’re back! After the success of last year, ACT Now is excited to host the second annual statewide community school convening. This year, we are Illinois Community Schools: A Community in Practice. This day-long, in-person event will focus on building community supports and sharing best practices and impact stories with each other from across the state. There will be multiple learning sessions, networking opportunities, and intentional community connections. All community school practitioners, administrators, and partners both current and future are encouraged to register.

This event is on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at NIU Naperville’s Conference and Event Center (1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville IL, 60563). Registration is $40 per person or $30 per person for groups of 3 or more. Register here or contact Lesley Rivers (riversl@actnowillinois.org) for a group code. More info (including a detailed agenda) will be available soon!

• March 20, 2024, at the YMCA in Chicago

Administration

Lessons from the State Summer Learning Network

The Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Summer Learning Association released a report highlighting key insights from the State Summer Learning Network.

Supporting Rural Education Gains Through Community Schools

This blog from the Learning Policy Institute, tells the story of a rural community school that saw increased student outcomes after implementing the community schools model.

Youth Development 

Advertise your Summer Program!

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) is offering its DiscoverSummer.org program search engine to help more families and caregivers find affordable programs. NSLA is inviting program providers, school districts, non-profit organizations, youth-serving government agencies, and corporate partners to participate in this project.

ACT Now Policy and Communications Intern Summer 2024

We are seeking a driven, creative, and dynamic intern with a dedicated interest in youth development programming for our full-time summer 2024 internship. Intern(s) will receive a stipend. The intern who fills this position will have the opportunity to assist in ACT Now’s state and federal policy work, as well as dive into our communications work. Applicants must have excellent communications skills, a strong work ethic, an ability to take direction and work independently, and background in government relations, public policy, or social work. Applicants must submit a resume with GPA, relevant course work, and work experience; a cover letter; and two references to ACT Now’s Policy and Communications Manager Emma Giamberdino by Monday, April 15, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. CST. Please send all materials with the subject “ACT Now Policy and Communications Summer 2024 Internship” to: Spencere@actnowillinois.org.

Youth Development

Computer Science Equity Grant

The new competitive Computer Science Equity Grant is now available. The purpose of the grant is to create opportunities for K-12 learners to develop or enhance computer science skills through coordinated statewide professional learning. Proposals are due on April 4, 2024.