| Computational Thinking and Game Design Guided by Artificial Intelligence |
Students design fun and engaging video games simply by describing the logic of their games in English. The artificial intelligence will automatically convert the description into a playable game. Whenever there are unclear or erroneous sentences, the system will also generate suggestions on how to correct and/or improve the sentences. The students learn design and computational thinking, as well as improve literacy. |
Michael Hsiao, Virginia Tech |
| Beyond Rewards: Using Self-Determination Theory to Build Intrinsic Motivation Among Afterschool Students |
The students we most want to attend our after school sessions are often those that are least motivated during the school day. How can we recruit and retain them in our programs, and help nurture the intrinsic motivation necessary to regain ground academically? Using the lens of Self-Determination Theory, this workshop will explore the psychological foundations of student motivation and give them ideas to help reengage and support struggling students in our after school programs. |
Rob Wright, King and Queen County Schools |
| Leading with Social Emotional Learning |
In order to cultivate social emotional skills in our staff and students, we must start by developing it in our leadership styles. In this session, participants will learn how to lead with SEL and model these skills. Participants will understand how to create an environment where social emotional skill building can thrive in both the staff and students that they lead. Participants will engage in self-reflection, group discussions and hands-on activities. |
Katie Frazier, WINGS for Kids |
| Coding with Bravery, Resilience, Community, and Equity |
We will provide an overview of Girls Who Code, our educational philosophy, and how our free Clubs include equity-focused practices that teach students more than code. We’ll engage participants in the partnership experience with GWC and discuss the ways that we support partners in launching their clubs, building their networks, and engaging with students of any gender at all levels of coding. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss how to incorporate our curriculum into their programs. |
Lindsay Jones, Girls Who Code |
| THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT: BUILDING BLOCKS FOR OUR PROGRAMS, BLUEPRINT FOR THE FUTURE |
What is Positive Youth Development (PYD): Overview of the theoretical underpinnings and key principles of PYD and a brief review of adolescent development. Building Positive Youth Outcomes: Definition of positive outcomes and discussion of strategies to build these outcomes. Youth Voice and Engagement: Discussion/Activity of ways to give young people opportunities for meaningful engagement and overcome common barriers and isms. |
Tamice Spencer-Helms, MENTOR Virginia |
| Digital & Social Media Conversations: The Impact of Poor Behaviors & The Consequences That Follow |
What are your students’ profiles saying to the world about themselves on Instagram, Tik Tok, Snapchat, and Twitter? And WHY is it a problem? In this session, we will expose, discuss and share the impact of poor social media activity AND we will share tips and tricks on how to help students create a mindful, positive, and appropriate social media profiles and behaviors. Join us for this interactive workshop. Bring your phones! |
Jennifer A. Rodriguez , kid-grit |
| The WH Questions (why, what, when, and where) of relationships and partnerships and how they are the CORNERSTONE of a thriving Community Learning Center |
Strong partnerships built on relationships together are the cornerstone of a thriving Community Learning Center. These interior and exterior partnerships are the grounds for building programs that support students and their families through programming that promote family engagement, family involvement while making family connections Join us to examine your current approach and craft a plan for improving or enhance your networking skills and partner base. |
Marci Goode, Henrico County Public Schools |
| Tycoons of Tomorrow: Using Youth Entrepreneurship to Develop Future Workplace Skills |
This session highlights the connection between the future workplace skills and Youth Entrepreneurship. Through engaging activities, participants will discover how to showcase student voice and choice as well as develop the skills and mindsets that students will need to tackle the problems of the future. |
Kaitlin Ilnitzki, James Madison University/VPOST |
| Becoming an Afterschool Coaching, A Reflective Educator in STEM |
Learn proven methods for engagement and professional learning to support OST STEM educators as they build capacity around:
1.) Finding Enriching STEM activities; 2.) Understanding What Youth Have Learned without a Test; 3.) Empowering Youth through Voice and Choice; 4.) Reaching All Youth through Active Math; 5.) Using Virtual Tools to Engage Youth at a Distance; 6.) Activating Critical Thinking through Purposeful Questions; and 7.) Taking Science Outside. |
Christina Clark, STEM EIC
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| Building a National Service Program for your Agency |
For Out-of-School Time organizations, an AmeriCorps (aka "National Service") program can offer a dramatic expansion of service, but the steps required can seem overwhelming. This presentation will breakdown the requirements of a National Service program, offer examples of successful program models and help participants consider which stream of service may be the best fit for their agency. |
Sam Sokolove, Building Beloved Communiites |
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Who knows quality best? You! Previewing and providing Input to the new VPOST Quality Standards
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In this session, participants preview the revised Virginia OST Program Quality Standards. VPOST believes the OST educators in the field have valuable experiences and insight to share. Workshop participants are invited to advise on the draft standards before they are published. As experts in the field, participants will engage in sharing real-life examples of the quality standards in action.
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Michael Courtney, Virginia Department of Education |
| Volunteerism for Transformation: What the pandemic taught us about creating a dynamic volunteer program for change |
The past three years have rocked individuals, organizations and their programs at every level, and volunteers were no exception. What are some lessons from the pandemic, and how can Out-of-school-time staff and leaders use volunteers in more thoughtful, flexible and intentional ways to fulfill their program’s mission? |
Hadyn Kihm, Fairfax County, Neighborhood and Community Services |
| Youth Voice |
This workshop guides staff to support young people by providing opportunities for voice and choice. With proper support and scaffolding over time, young people grow in responsible decision leadership.This workshop is part of the David P. Weikart Center's Youth Work Methods series. Built on more than 50 years of research and practice in positive youth development, these 10 interactive workshops are modeled on the Weikart Center's pyramid of program quality & designed to give point-of-service staff practical skills they can implement immediately. You will receive a workbook as part of your attendance. |
Charles Johnson, Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Square Pegs in Round Holes: Moving from Fitting In to Belonging, Creating Welcoming Environments |
Creating an environment where our young people feel supported and safe to learn and explore who they are is paramount to what we do as youth developers. In this session, attendees will learn how they can create an environment where participants feel welcomed and a sense of belonging, regardless of what participants bring to the table. By taking a proactive approach in program set-up, staff development and youth voice, attendees will be able to understand the role they play in ensuring participants feel truly welcomed. A review of inclusive best practices, Safe Zone fundamentals, and Kids at Hope philosophies help ensure that attendees can begin creating these environments as soon as they get back to their programs. The Workshop aims at improving connectedness, wellbeing, and outcomes for all. VPOST Quality Standards: Inclusion and Belonging, Safe Environments, Relationships, Child and Youth Voice, Leadership and Staff Development. |
Jonathan Melendez, Fairfax OST Network |
| From Youth at Risk to Kids at Hope |
This session is a deeper dive related to the themes discussed in Rick Miller’s keynote. Professor Miller will explore how HOPE can be integrated into the out-of-school environment by developing a culture that supports the belief and practice which demonstrates that all kids are capable of success, No Exceptions. |
Rick Miller, Keynote Speaker |
