NC Center for Afterschool Programs

08/28/2026

We want to send a huge shoutout and thank you to AB Studios, one of our wonderful sponsors for Synergy 2026!

Back-to-school season brings shifting rosters, staffing adjustments, and plenty of excitement. To help afterschool leaders and staff hit the ground running, AB Studios has shared three fantastic back-to-school tools:

✨ Printable Back-to-School Checklist

Get a timeline-based checklist starting 4–6 weeks out to guide your staff through logins, supply orders, and opening day prep.

➡️ Download here: https://abstudios.com/resources/the-back-to-school-checklist-for-after-school-programs/

✨ What Belongs in Your Back-to-School Checklist?
Learn how to organize operational priorities so your program runs smoothly from day one.

➡️ Read here: https://abstudios.com/what-should-be-in-your-programs-back-to-school-checklist/

✨ 10 Tips for Back-to-School Season in Afterschool
Explore 10 hands-on tips—from setting up arrival jump-in activities to station rotations that keep students engaged.

➡️ Read here: https://abstudios.com/10-tips-for-back-to-school-season-in-afterschool/

Thank you, AB Studios, for supporting NC CAP and helping North Carolina's afterschool programs thrive! 💙

Here are 10 practical ways to get your afterschool program, staff, and space ready before the first week back.

08/27/2026

Nominations are officially open for our annual Afterschool Champion awards!

The Afterschool Champions awards honor individuals at various stages of their careers who have made significant impacts in the field of afterschool and OST programs. Awards are given in three categories:
- Emerging Afterschool Champion (for early career professionals with up to five years of experience);
- Distinguished Afterschool Champion Award (for professionals with five to 15 years of experience); and
- Lifelong Afterschool Champion (for professionals with more than 15 years of experience who has made a lasting impact on the community).

Your nominations play a crucial role in highlighting their contributions and inspiring others to recognize the importance of afterschool and OST opportunities in our communities.

Nominations are open until September 1, 2026. Submit your nomination today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfkqGT8PDF6cImseQljykikOfJqSd3BO6wk1oLOGZL9PMmyRg/viewform?usp=header

08/24/2026

💡 We are turning the lights on for afterschool! 💡

This October, join us for the 27th year of Lights On Afterschool! Last year, over a million people across the country celebrated the incredible impact of afterschool and summer programs. These programs are vital—they help kids become stronger learners, earners, and leaders. But with 22.6 million kids still missing out, our advocacy in North Carolina is more important than ever.

Are you planning an event for your community?
🎨 Register today and get 10 FREE posters to help spread the word!
🧠 Need ideas? Browse 200 fresh ideas in the searchable Event Ideas Database—from haunted houses to student film premieres!
💻 Join the Webinar: Tune into the Lights On Afterschool 101 webinar on Wed, Sept 9 at 2 PM ET for planning tips and inspiration!

Let's shine a light on NC's amazing afterschool communities! ✨
👇 Register your event or learn more here: https://bit.ly/4bRlYQz

08/21/2026

Looking to bring exciting new opportunities to your afterschool program this fall? 🍂🤝

As the new school year starts, check out our Afterschool and Industry Partnership Playbook! It's a fantastic resource to help you build meaningful partnerships with local businesses. Discover actionable steps to inspire your students with career-connected learning right from the start of the year.

📖 Read the playbook here: https://ncafterschool.org/stem-hub/

Interested in working with other providers through the implementation process of the Community of Practice? Fill out this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdireLq95Eq_CCDdR3x-_azcjRXSk9clMnt6TkksU99MXbd3Q/viewform

08/20/2026

As the kids head back to the classroom next week, it's time for providers to plan ahead, too! 📝✨

Start the school year strong by registering for Synergy 2026! Join top afterschool leaders and educators from across NC for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration. Bring fresh ideas back to your programs this year!

🔗 Grab your ticket on our website: https://ncafterschool.org/synergy-conference-2026/

08/19/2026

School starts next week! 🎒✏️ Do you have your afterschool plan sorted out yet?

If you're still looking for the right fit for your child, check out the NC CAP Mapping Database! You can easily search for out-of-school time programs in your area by zip code, specific activities, or grades served. Take the stress out of the first week of school and find a great program today!

Share this with other parents who might still be looking! 👇

📍 Find a program near you: https://ncafterschool.org/mapping-database/

08/18/2026

Are you passionate about the educators, counselors, and mentors who sustain youth development work?

🌟We are excited to share a Call for Chapters for Book 10 of the Current Issues in Out-of-School Time series, titled "The Youth Development Workforce: Pathways, Environments, and Equity".

Editors are welcoming proposals from a wide variety of perspectives, including:
- Researchers and policy analysts.
- Practitioners and youth workers.
- Organizational leaders and young people.

Deadline: Please submit your chapter proposals by August 31, 2026, to [email protected]. For information about this unique opportunity, visit https://bit.ly/4gwqJl9

08/14/2026

🌟 Registration is still open for the NC CAP Synergy Conference! Join out-of-school time professionals, informal educators, and community leaders from across the state as we focus on this year's theme: ""Afterschool at Work."" Don't miss out on an exciting lineup of engaging workshops, vibrant speakers, and unique networking opportunities.

Secure your spot today and let's make an impact together! ⬇️
🔗 https://ncafterschool.org/synergy-conference-2026/

Registration is Open for Synergy 2026! Registration is officially open for Synergy 2026! Join North Carolina’s most forward-thinking afterschool leaders for two days of collaborative learning. Whether you are an afterschool provider, a business leader, an educator, or a policymaker, your voice is ...

08/12/2026

💡 Funding Opportunity Alert! 💡

Does your organization work towards building a stronger community? The Duke Energy Foundation is currently accepting grant applications! They are looking to support initiatives focused on:

- Vibrant Economies: Workforce development
- Local Resiliency: Disaster preparedness and conservation
- Community Opportunity: Upward economic mobility

Funding for these rolling grants is available for up to $20,000. Additionally, they are offering specific Nonprofit Capacity Building grants for up to $25,000!

⏳ Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
🔗 APPLY HERE: https://foundation.duke-energy.com/grants

Learn more about the grant application process as well as funding focus areas for the Duke Energy Foundation.

08/11/2026

It was fantastic connecting with everyone at the recent Western NC After 3PM Collaborative July convening! 🌟 A huge thank you to Dogwood Health Trust for their continued support and the WNC Bridge Foundation for hosting us in their beautiful space.

We loved Wayne Capps' insightful presentation on career-connected learning and building industry partnerships in OST programs. Our Working Groups also made great strides on their strategic initiatives—including a brand-new resource on Youth and Family Engagement best practices!