Ready News: June 10, 2022

Broadband & Young People: A Primer for Equity Advocates

Broadband. What is it really, and why do broadband access and equity matter for families, young people, and communities?

The COVID-19 pandemic showed us all in stark terms that digital inequity is harming young people—and that urban and rural communities face distinct challenges to accessing fast and reliable broadband. A new primer from the Forum for Youth Investment is designed to help youth development providers and advocates understand the needs and solutions, and advocate for effective policy change and implementation.

Read the primer.


Changing the Odds Remix Podcast

In the Changing the Odds Remix podcast series, Karen Pittman interviews guests known for their innovative contributions to engage in provocative, engaging “remix” examinations of the public stories behind their success (and failures) to tease out replicable lessons.

In season one, Karen was joined by youth and adult leaders from the K-12 field to reflect on public statements they have made and push for more specifics on how, where, when, and with whom meaningful learning experiences were being intentionally shaped in partnership.

In season two, Karen comes at the same questions from the community perspective, interviewing innovators who have scaled and sustained learning opportunities that complement but don’t start in schools.

Seasons one and two are sponsored by the Readiness Projects.

Access the series.


Insights and Reflections on Planning and Implementing District-led Summer Programs

Wallace Foundation Webinar

June 14, 2022

2:00-3:00 PM ET

Research tells us that school district-led summer learning programs can play a vital role in supporting students academically and providing them with enriching activities they may not otherwise experience.

But how do they do it? This webinar will explore answers.

A forthcoming report draws from research conducted by Education Development Center, Inc. (EDC) and commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. Supporting Quality in Summer Learning: How Districts Plan, Develop, and Implement Programs sheds light on the complex array of policies, procedures and resources that go into the design and operation of these programs. The report explores topics such as program focus and goals, community partnerships, professional development, family engagement, and funding streams.

During this webinar, researchers will share selected findings from the study, which draws on the perspectives of 92 professionals and policymakers—including representatives of districts, communities, and state agencies involved in summer learning, such as 21st Century Community Learning Centers. The study examined district strategies before and emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and offers perspective on how summer learning is evolving to meet shifting needs.


Summer ReMix Tools and Supports

Summer is almost here and what better time to mix up how your child is learning than right now? Learning Heroes, in partnership with National Summer Learning Association, Univision, and The National PTA, created Summer ReMix, a bilingual resource that gives you simple tips on how to mix it up and make summer learning fun!

Make math fun with your daily playground visits or turn a road trip this summer into the perfect geography lesson. Learning is all around us and summer is the perfect time to help prepare your child for the next grade and beyond.

Learn more.


2022 Bridge Conference

School’s Out Washington Annual Convening

October 24-25, 2022

Tacoma, Washington

SOWA’s annual Bridge Conference brings together school-age care providers, youth development professionals, leaders, community organizers, funders, and policymakers from across the country. Participants will come together to celebrate, influence, and learn in community with the expanded learning field on October 24-25, 2022 at the Greater Tacoma Convention Center and Marriott Tacoma Downtown. Join for a Systems Leaders Track, inspiring keynote speakers, six workshop periods, an exhibitor showcase, a welcome reception, and more.

Learn more.