2026 Annual Afterschool Conference: Session 3

3A.  Relationships That Build Assets: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut’s Approach to Youth-Centered Mentoring – Discover how Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut has integrated Search Institute’s Developmental Assets and Developmental Relationships Frameworks into every stage of its Service Delivery Model to strengthen mentoring relationships and improve youth outcomes. This session will explore how BBBSCT translates research into everyday practice by equipping staff and mentors with practical, strengths-based strategies that intentionally build assets through relationship-centered match support. Participants will learn how developmental relationships can guide goal setting, support quality match conversations, and create meaningful opportunities for youth growth. Attendees will leave with adaptable tools and ideas for embedding asset-building into mentoring, youth development, and human service programs. Ryan Matthews and Shasity Rios, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut All Ages, Social Emotional Learning, Youth Voice and Choice

3B.  Connected Learning in Action: Turning Theory into Meaningful Afterschool Practice – This interactive session introduces participants to the core concepts of Connected Learning, a research-based approach that fosters deeper youth engagement by linking personal interests, supportive relationships, and real-world opportunities. Grounded in more than a decade of work that informs the Chicago Learning Exchange (CLX), Connected Learning offers a powerful foundation for designing programs that expand educational and career pathways.

Participants will explore the philosophy and principles of Connected Learning and practice translating theory into practical strategies for afterschool settings. Activities will guide attendees in understanding what Connected Learning is, how it works, and how they can apply it to strengthen youth experiences in their own programs. Kymberlee Powe, Connecticut State Library Middle School, High School, Youth Voice and Choice

3C.  Not Your Average Music Club: How Music Enrichment Increases Social/Emotional Learning in Your Afterschool Program – Not Your Average (NYA) Music Club is an afterschool program designed by Mellany Gomez, MT-BC, and Madison Howell, MT-BC, that was successfully piloted in the 2023-2024 school year. This presentation introduces its audience to the unique way that music enrichment can improve group cohesion and listening, provide multisensory learning opportunities, and foster individuality and creativity in afterschool program attendees. Audience participation will be encouraged as we dive into musical interventions that any teacher can incorporate as well as ones that music therapists can provide. Mellany Gomez, MT-BC , Melodic Goals LLC Elementary School, Fine Arts/Music/Drama/Dance, Social Emotional Learning, Play-Based Learning

3D.  Developing Future Leaders: Executive Function Strategies for Youth Programs – This workshop equips after-school professionals with practical strategies to intentionally develop executive function and leadership skills in children and adolescents. Participants will learn how to incorporate activities that strengthen organization, self-regulation, communication, problem-solving, responsibility, and decision-making into their daily programming. Attendees will leave with ready-to-use tools and techniques to help youth build confidence, resilience, and the skills needed for success in school, relationships, and future careers. Jessica Springer-Cap, Doctoral Candidate, M.eD, Jessica Springer-Cap Coaching All Ages, Social Emotional Learning, Youth Voice and Choice

3E.  Choose Love in Action: Practical Strategies to Build Resilient Youth – In this practical session for afterschool and summer program providers, participants will explore the science of post-traumatic growth and how adversity can be transformed into resilience, connection, and purpose in youth-serving environments. Grounded in neuroscience and trauma-informed practice, the session examines how fear and anger drive stress responses and how intentional strategies can support regulation, reflection, and growth. Participants will learn the Choice Moment Model to help staff and youth pause and respond with intention, along with the Choose Love Formula (Courage + Gratitude + Forgiveness + Compassion in Action) as a simple framework for building emotional safety, connection, and resilience in daily practice. Scarlett Lewis, Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement All Ages, Behavior Management, Social Emotional Learning, Take It and Run

3F.  Best Practices for Integrating Mindfulness & Yoga Into Your OST Programs – In this session, participants will learn best practices for bringing mindfulness and yoga to the youth they serve. We’ll discuss everything from how to ease transitions using mindfulness, to space set up, to staying grounded in your own practice, to making the practice relevant for your students. Participants will leave this session feeling more equipped to incorporate yoga and mindfulness practices within their OST programs. Emily Fleming, M.A.T., E-RYT500, Yoga In Classrooms And Schools Consulting Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Behavior Management, Social Emotional Learning, Active/Nutrition, Take It and Run

3G.  CLASP STEM 2026: Hands-On STEM! – Are you always on the lookout for fun activities that you can take back to your program and run with tomorrow? What if we told you we have a whole week’s worth of activities? After attending this workshop, you will have a list of activities with supplies and step-by-step instructions.  You will be able to do these activities repeatedly on a budget! The activities are hands-on, minds-on STEM focused that don’t require a fancy technical STEM background. They have been tested and tweaked for effectiveness and FUN to work with kids in real time OST programs.  You will be able to ask questions in real time and leave feeling confident.  This workshop is led by our very own CLASP STEM Cohort participants (your in-the-field peers). 2026 CTNCY CLASP STEM Cohort Elementary School, Middle School, STEM, Take It and Run