Youth Development Champions Program

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM
The Youth Development Champions Program is a year-long fellowship for passionate out-of-school time supporters from across Arizona to lead the public discourse on the value of out-of-school time programming and advocate for increased public and private investment in proven practices.

BUILDING AWARENESS INITIATIVE
In response to addressing the issues facing out-of-school time, AzCASE will host another cohort of the Youth Development Champions Program, designed to recognize powerful community leaders in their support of out-of-school time programming in Arizona with an emphasis to promote equity and increase access for youth development and expanded learning opportunities at any position within an organization.

Driven by their local needs and personal and professional interests, Champions work with AzCASE to define their year-long goals and strategies. Each champion will serve as a catalyst for fostering partnerships and promoting collaboration to increase awareness and support intentional high-quality out-of-school time programming in their communities.

In addition to monthly calls, Champions are required to participate in the following events (tentative dates/months in italics)*:

• Welcome and Orientation Session – January
• Youth Development Advocacy Day at the Capitol – February
• Attend AzCASE Spring Professional Development Training
• Participation in Summer Learning Week – July
• Attend School’s Out, Make It Count Conference – October
• Participation in Lights On Afterschool – October

Champions are also encouraged to attend the following national conferences/conventions:

• Afterschool for All Challenge – March
•  NAA Annual Convention – March

BENEFITS OF BEING A CHAMPION
AzCASE envisions a 2020 Class of Youth Development Champions that will represent a broad cross-section of advocates, from afterschool providers to nonprofit leaders and elected officials. Each Champion is a leader within their organization and/or community interested and committed to sharing their experiences and content knowledge with community partners, influential stakeholders, and other afterschool advocates.

• Belonging to a network of professionals that are confident in their ability to implement personal and organizational changes to advance equity for accessible learning opportunities within school-age and youth programs.
• Advocacy and public speaking workshops and participation on a Day of Advocacy at the Capitol.
• Free registration to the 2021 School’s Out, Make It Count Conference.
• Free registration to Spring Professional Development Workshops
• AzCASE also provides ongoing organizational and technical assistance and support, where possible, to support the Champions’ goals and strategies.
• Opportunities AzCASE Leadership Reception as well as other national youth development events and conferences such as NAA and the Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington, DC.

If you are interested in becoming or nominating someone for our Youth Development Champions Program:

Nominate a Champion Today: 2021 Youth Development Champion Cohort

*All events are subject to change due to safety protocols and regulations regarding COVID-19.