In Nebraska’s classrooms, clinics, and credential programs, a seat has been vacant for a generation. What would it take to fill it? by Dr. Joe DiCostanzo, Vice President, Education – Nebraska Children and Families Foundation THE CHAIR Step into a…
Blog Archives
The Empty Chair
Tagged with: education, HEAL professions, teaching
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Why Nebraska Is Investing in Boys and the HEAL Economy
Nebraska is launching the Boys in HEAL initiative to engage boys in careers within healthcare, education, and literacy. By focusing on experiential learning and mentorship, the program aims to counter declining male representation in these essential fields, promote purpose-driven career choices, and ultimately strengthen communities while addressing workforce shortages.
Tagged with: afterschool, beyond school bells, education, HEAL professions, health, healthcare, mental health, teaching
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Building Back the Love: Beyond School Bells and NGR Partner in Literacy Projects
A partnership between Nebraska Children and Families Foundation’s Beyond School Bells (BSB), Nebraska Growing Readers (NGR), Unite for Literacy, and Linked to Literacy funds literacy efforts. In March of this year, by offering grants of up to $2,500 for literacy projects connected to summer programming, Beyond School Bells implemented what Education Commisioner Brian Maher described as the Department of Education’s vision of fostering “a culture of proficient and lifelong readers in Nebraska.”
Tagged with: afterschool, Alliance Recreation Center, Beatrice Learning After-School Time, beyond school bells, child literacy, early childhood, early literacy, education, family, Gothernburg Impact Center, Linked to Literacy, literacy, Nebraska Department of Education, Nebraska Growing Readers, reading, Summer programs, Unite for Literacy, Wakefield Summer Program
Posted in Early Childhood, Middle Childhood
Posted in Early Childhood, Middle Childhood
Celebrating the Heart of Camp Catch-Up: A Night Honoring Volunteers
Camp Catch-Up held an appreciation event at Platte River State Park, celebrating volunteers crucial to its mission. Director Mona Tarin and guest speaker Gil Green III emphasized the transformative impact of the camp on children’s lives. The evening honored dedicated volunteers and community partnerships, highlighting the significance of support in fostering hope for campers.
Tagged with: camp catch-up, foster care, Volunteers
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Systems, Uncategorized
Posted in Cradle to career, Middle Childhood, Systems, Uncategorized
Be the Spark That Lights the Fire: The Impact of Camp Catch-Up Staff
“Your impact on these kids can be monumental,” said Gil Green III during the recent Camp Catch-Up Volunteer Appreciation Event. Camp Catch-Up creates a powerful space for siblings in foster care to reconnect, heal, and simply be kids together—often for the first time in a long time. In this blog, we share Gil’s heartfelt story about his own experience at camp, and how those few days surrounded by connection and support helped shape the course of his life.
Tagged with: Camp, camp catch-up, Camp staff, connected youth initiative, CYI, siblings, Volunteer
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Innovation Invitational 2025: Innovating Amidst Uncertainty
The Beyond School Bells Innovation Invitational focused on empowering youth through purpose-driven afterschool programs. Key discussions addressed the challenges youth face, emphasizing belonging, engagement, and community. Experts encouraged educators to foster resilience and growth, while innovative initiatives aim to enhance Nebraska’s Expanded Learning Opportunities, ultimately inspiring young leaders and shaping future educational experiences.
Tagged with: afterschool, beyond school bells, education, expanded learning opportunities, learning, technology
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Uncategorized
A Day of Laughter, Connection, and Sibling Bonding at Camp Catch-Up’s Winter Carnival
At Camp Catch-Up’s Winter Carnival, siblings separated by foster care reunite for a day filled with games, connection, and joy. From bouncing balloons to heartfelt gift exchanges, every moment is about strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. For many, this is the only time they see their siblings all year—making every hug, laugh, and shared experience priceless.
Tagged with: camp catch-up, children, family, foster care, Parenting, sibling, sibling love, siblings, Winter Carnival
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, News and Events, Systems, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Engineering Pathway Project: Inspiring Youth STEM Leaders in Nebraska
The Engineering Pathway Program in Nebraska ignites student interest in STEM fields through hands-on projects and mentorship. Launched by Beyond School Bells and the Peter Kiewit Foundation, it fosters interconnected learning from elementary to high school, highlighting girls, rural youth, and underserved communities, while nurturing future engineers and leaders like mentee Britney Alarcon-Panzi.
How ESSER III Funding is Supporting Nebraska Students Through Expanded Learning Opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to education, with students across the country experiencing disruptions that have left many grappling with unfinished learning. To address these challenges, the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 established the Elementary and Secondary…
Tagged with: afterschool, beyond school bells, Career Exploration, ESSER Funding, Lifeskills, Summer Programming
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Community Building through Career Exploration in Cozad, Nebraska’s Summer Learning Program
Driven by a mission to create positive change for Nebraska’s children, Beyond School Bells focuses on providing K-12 students with high-quality expanded learning opportunities (ELOs) that promote hands-on, engaged learning. The Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) and Beyond School Bells…
Tagged with: afterschool, beyond school bells, Cozad, elo, ESSER Funding, expanded learning opportunities
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Posted in Middle Childhood, Teen/Early Adulthood, Uncategorized
Growing the Good Life 