CFS Learning Specialists Featured in National Afterschool Publication

Learning Specialists Billie Jo Bakeberg and Desmond Keller recently co-authored an article titled "Data With a Purpose: Reimagining Family Engagement in Afterschool" in a special joint publication by the Afterschool Alliance and the National Afterschool Association (NAA). This latest edition brings together the voices of afterschool professionals, youth leaders, researchers, and community partners who are raising awareness, driving solutions, and strengthening systems that support young people and their communities.

Through storytelling, data, and real-world examples, AfterSchool Today highlights the many ways advocacy takes place every day — both for afterschool programs and within them. The featured article shares key findings from the Out-of-School Time (OST) evaluation work developed by the CFS Division through ESSER funding and illustrates how insights from the pilot project directly informed meaningful changes in how programs engage and partner with families.