Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance

10/20/2026

Could your afterschool program use up to $5,000 to support STEM learning?

STEM Next’s AI Innovation Challenge gives high school youth the opportunity to explore AI and develop solutions to real-world challenges — with participating programs eligible for awards of $1,000 to $5,000.

Submissions are due Nov. 19. Learn more and get involved:

STEM Next's AI Innovation Challenge, created in partnership with Panasonic, challenges high school youth in structured afterschool programs to develop innovative projects addressing real-world challenges using AI.

10/20/2026

Looking for a Halloween activity for your afterschool program? Spark creativity and inspire youth to give back with Mizzen’s FREE Little Orange Box activity from UNICEF USA! In just 15 minutes, youth in grades K–5 can decorate their own Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF boxes and explore how small actions can make a difference for children around the world.

UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) supports children's health, education and well-being around the world. Order your box by 10/26 for delivery by Halloween.

Explore the activity:

Explore free Halloween activities for grades K–5 from Mizzen Education and UNICEF USA, including kid-friendly videos, discussion guides, and a 15-minute Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF activity.

10/19/2026

Register your Lights On Afterschool event today! Registered events may also be highlighted through KYOSA’s statewide outreach.

Every registered event will be entered for a chance to win a Family STEM Night experience with nationally recognized Jason Lindsey, Mr. Science!

Register your event today and help us shine a light on afterschool programs across Kentucky: https://www.kyosa.org/blog/lights-on-afterschool-2026-join-us-in-celebrating-the-power-of-afterschool-across-kentucky

10/17/2026

Afterschool care is essential, and it’s a win-win for our youth and our workforce. Don’t just take our word for it. Hear from this economist. 🎥

https://www.instagram.com/p/DecuVDtB1pY/

10/16/2026

How can we help young people build healthier relationships with technology?

Join CAHE-OST on October 29 from 3-3:45 p.m. ET for a free virtual session exploring digital wellness in out-of-school time programs! Participants will learn youth-centered approaches and discover a hands-on activity to help young people navigate digital platforms, media and online pressures.

Register today: https://go.edc.org/digitalwellnessOST

10/15/2026

KYOSA is encouraging out-of-school time programs across Kentucky to register their Lights On Afterschool events! Registered events may also be highlighted through KYOSA’s statewide outreach.
Every registered event will be entered for a chance to win a Family STEM Night experience with nationally recognized Jason Lindsey, Mr. Science!

Register your event today and help us shine a light on afterschool programs across Kentucky: https://www.kyosa.org/blog/lights-on-afterschool-2026-join-us-in-celebrating-the-power-of-afterschool-across-kentucky

10/13/2026

Applications are open for the 2027 STEM Next Flight Crew, a national youth leadership program for teens ages 13–18 with experience in afterschool, summer or other out-of-school STEM programs.

KYOSA encourages young people across Kentucky to apply and bring their voices and experiences to the 2027 Flight Crew, where they represent their states, build essential skills, connect with professionals, and more.

Applications are due Oct. 29. Learn more and apply:

The STEM Next Flight Crew is a national youth ambassador program elevating young voices in STEM to inspire their peers and demonstrate that STEM is for everyone and happens everywhere. Selected teens represent their states as they develop leadership and communication skills, share their STEM stories...

09/14/2026

Check out this blog that breaks down the different types of lawsuits underway and what they could mean for how settlement dollars get used, including the opportunity to invest in real, offline opportunities for kids.

By Sarah Kidder, Executive Director of Kentucky Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs On August 26th, Kentucky Attorney General Coleman led the charge in reaching a landmark multi-state $17.1 billion settlement with Meta holding them accountable for the harms caused to young people by

09/11/2026

KYOSA and several youth focused organizations across Kentucky are calling for Kentucky's Meta settlement funds to invest in real-life opportunities for kids!

We know that out-of-school time isn't just "extra" — it's a critical line of defense. Quality afterschool and summer programs give young people the connection, skills, and support that help prevent the harms of excessive screen time and social media, and help mitigate their effects when they do occur.
If we're serious about protecting kids from the documented harms of Big Tech, we have to be just as serious about funding the real-world spaces where they can thrive instead. Youth development programs are that space.
KYOSA supports directing these settlement funds toward youth development. Kentucky youth deserve real opportunities, real relationships, and real life.

https://lnkd.in/eebn45Ej

In collaboration with Fund IRL, the following Kentucky organizations composed this call to action.
Girl Scouts of Kentuckiana
Girl Scouts of Kentucky's Wilderness Road Council
Kentucky Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs
Kentucky Association for Environmental Education
Kentucky Psychological Association
Kentucky Youth Advocates
McNary Group
Mental Health America of Kentucky
Metro United Way
OneQuest Health
Partners for Change

Our stories may be republished online or in print under Creative Commons license CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our website. (See full republishing guidelines.)

09/01/2026

💡 Reminder: Register Your Lights On Afterschool Event!

KYOSA is shining a spotlight on Lights On Afterschool 2026 celebrations across Kentucky—and we want to feature your program!

Register your event to:

📣 Be considered for KYOSA’s statewide media outreach
🤝 Connect with KYOSA Strategic Leadership Team members in your community
🔬 Be entered to win a Family STEM Night with Jason Lindsey, Mr. Science!

Help us celebrate the power of afterschool across the Commonwealth.

Register Here: https://loa.afterschoolalliance.org/accounts/signup/

👉 Register your event today and help Kentucky shine a light on afterschool!