Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning

10/23/2026

Thank You Tulsa County! 💡

Afterschool programs make a lasting impact 🎒

The Tulsa County Board of County Commissioners recognizes Oct. 22, 2026, as Lights On Afterschool Day in Tulsa County.

Afterschool programs play an important role in supporting academic success, improving school attendance and helping young people develop essential life skills. This past year, these programs served more than 12,000 youth in Tulsa, connecting them with safe learning environments, caring mentors and hands-on experiences that help them explore future opportunities.

By providing a safe, supportive place for children to learn and grow beyond the school day, afterschool programs also help working families and strengthen our community.

10/23/2026

Thank you, Colcord Public Schools for shining a 💡 on afterschool! A wonderful community celebration highlighting the incredible work happening through Colcord Public Schools’ 21st Century Community Learning Centers afterschool program!

These programs do so much more than provide a safe place after school. They create opportunities for students to learn, grow, build relationships, and thrive! Afterschool Alliance

10/22/2026

💡 Today is the day! Happy Lights On Afterschool!

Today, October 22, we're joining afterschool programs across Oklahoma and the nation to celebrate Lights On Afterschool and shine a spotlight on the incredible impact these programs make every day!

From inspiring learning and building important life skills to creating safe, supportive spaces where young people can thrive, afterschool programs help Oklahoma youth discover their potential and build brighter futures.

Oklahoma programs, we want to celebrate with you! Share your Lights On Afterschool event photos, stories, and highlights with the Oklahoma Partnership for Expanded Learning (OPEL) so we can help showcase the amazing work happening across our state.

Let's shine a light on the power of afterschool and the people who make it possible!

Find more information and resources: https://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm

10/21/2026

💡 October 22 is Lights On Afterschool Day in Oklahoma!

Governor J. Kevin Stitt has issued an official proclamation recognizing October 22, 2026, as Lights On Afterschool Day in Oklahoma!

This recognition celebrates the important role afterschool programs play in helping young people succeed—providing safe, supportive environments where youth can explore new interests, build essential life skills, and discover their full potential.

We thank Governor Kevin Stitt for recognizing the value of afterschool programs and the dedicated educators, staff, and community partners who make these opportunities possible for Oklahoma youth.

Join us on October 22 as we shine a light on the power of afterschool across Oklahoma!

10/14/2026

How can you help young people connect the STEM activities they enjoy today with the careers they could pursue tomorrow? 🔬

Join Connecting STEM Activities to Careers, an interactive webinar designed to help afterschool and summer educators bring career exploration into everyday STEM learning.

Discover practical strategies to connect hands-on activities with real-world careers, highlight important workplace skills, and help youth see how what they're learning today can open doors to future opportunities.

You'll walk away with ready-to-use tools, activity ideas, and strategies you can bring directly into your program.

Plus, participants will have a chance to win STEM kits or a $100 gift card for their programs!

📅 October 20, 2026
⏰ 2:00–3:00 PM

Don't miss this opportunity to make STEM learning more meaningful and career-connected for the young people you serve!

10/12/2026

💡 Make health and wellness part of your Lights On Afterschool celebration!

Looking for ways to make your Lights On Afterschool event fun, engaging, and meaningful? The Afterschool Alliance is sharing 5 ways to bring health and wellness into your celebration!

From encouraging healthy habits to creating opportunities for movement and connection, these ideas can help you highlight the important role afterschool programs play in supporting young people's well-being.

Explore the ideas and get inspired for your own celebration!

🔗 https://afterschoolalliance.org/afterschoolsnack/5-ways-to-bring-health-and-wellness-to-your-Lights-On_09-17-2026.cfm

10/08/2026

Light up afterschool in your community!

Planning a Lights On Afterschool celebration? Register your event to make it official and receive an event starter kit, including 10 free posters to help spread the word. Plus, registered events are eligible for fun prizes each week!

Show your community why afterschool matters and celebrate the programs, staff, and young people who make it shine.

🔗 Register your Lights On Afterschool event today!
https://afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm

10/07/2026

SUPER READERS- Don't Miss This! OETA Tulsa Office!

10/06/2026

🤖 Turn Big Ideas Into Real Solutions (And Win $5,000 for Your Afterschool Program!) 💡

Got creative high schoolers in your program who want to change the world? Now they can use the power of AI to make it happen!

The STEM Next AI Innovation Challenge, in partnership with the Panasonic Group Foundation, is looking for young innovators ready to tackle real-world problems—from environmental sustainability and food security to community wellness and accessibility.

How your students can win:

1️⃣ Identify the Issue: Pick a local or global challenge they care about
2️⃣ Build with AI: Use artificial intelligence to research and shape their solution
3️⃣ Secure Funding: Submit the project for a chance to win a 💲5,000 award for your program!
No tech wizards required—just passionate kids with big ideas and a mentor to help guide them.

⏰ Don't delay! Deadline is November 19!

🔗Learn more and enter your group here: stemnext.org/ai-innovation-challenge?fbclid=IwY2xjawT8iKdwZG9mBWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMWhrZ2dSWHlhRVZYR1ZLYURzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe-X4xE7ETWe-Ru6mw9nqIIYmWLx96RoS79tmqWLzvo21dDVtPQSzilvDQvQM_aem_Cw1jpOc4Njpn2yYWVCqjQA

09/30/2026

Starting this week OST partners will come together for the Oklahoma OST Works | Health, Learning & Opportunity Convenings! 💙

📍 Tulsa | October 1
📍 Oklahoma City | October 6

We are grateful to the incredible partners, presenters, educators, afterschool professionals, and youth-serving organizations who will connect, collaborate, share resources, and strengthen opportunities for Oklahoma youth.

When we work together, we strengthen the entire out-of-school-time community and create more opportunities for students and families across our state.

Register now:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSclZDmN4zlvZSzhxDXFRn3g6GJjxWtP0fUNZ_zG-awIhBpK9g/viewform

Thank you to our sponsors for supporting Oklahoma youth and the important work happening beyond the school day!