On Friday, March 13, Beyond School Bells, Nebraska’s afterschool and summer learning network announced its statewide challenge for youth and their communities across the state to collectively plant over 20,000 trees on Arbor Day weekend, April 24-26.
The coalition recognizes the extenuating circumstances due to the Coronavirus and will stay updated on the most current information regarding the virus and whether a postponement of the Arbor Day events will be necessary to a fall planting.
In 2015, the Corporation for National and Community Service awarded a Social Innovation Fund (SIF) grant to Nebraska Children and Families Foundation. The grant was used to expand our successful Connected Youth Initiative (CYI) model to rural communities across the state to help unconnected youth, including young people aging out of foster care, to become thriving citizens. We are energized to see that participation in CYI may be associated with some successful outcomes. We’ll explain all of that and more.
Five communities previously considered “Afterschool Deserts” without existing afterschool programs, were selected to participate in the ELO Design Challenge. These communities include Auburn Public Schools, Beatrice Public Schools, Boone Central Public Schools, Centura Public School, Grand Island Public Schools. Anna Wishart, Beyond School Bells’ Director of Partnerships, also pointed out that each location was unique in terms of location and demographic. Recent results contain MANY stories and stats of success.
When the coalition of 8 ELO communities launched in 2013, Jennifer Jones was there to help them develop and grow partnerships. Since then the communities have grown their partners, presence, and promotional strategies. Jennifer describes her experience working directly with those communities.
Outfitted with all kinds of STEM-rich materials, games, tools, pop-up tables and awning, BSB’s Think Make Create (TMC) Labs ® are 7-by-12-foot mobile makerspaces that become instant platforms for hands on learning for kids attending afterschool and summer programs.
Just like its name, Beyond School Bells goes beyond simply supporting quality afterschool programs. Throughout the past 17 years, this program’s driving force has been to facilitate state and local policies and practices to engage youth in hands-on learning experiences, support their families, and create safer and stronger communities across Nebraska.
“My passion is helping other people,” Jacob said. “I’ve helped with [my peers] mental health, too. Sharing our stories can help others. I want to help others find their voice. I never had a voice. I was afraid of it.”
The eighth annual Legislative Days program provides young adults with the opportunity to learn about and engage in the legislative process. Perhaps most importantly, these youth leaders are also encouraged to use their voices.
