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Working to ensure access to quality afterschool and youth development programs for Illinois youth.

10/09/2026

Join ACT Now for an interactive training designed to bring the revised Illinois Statewide Afterschool Quality Standards™ to life on October 16th. Participants will explore the four Core Areas and 15 Standards, reflect on their program's current strengths and opportunities for growth, and practice using the Quality Standards Toolkit and Illinois Quality Program Self-Assessment (IL-QPSA) process.

Through hands-on activities, discussion, and real-world scenarios, participants will practice identifying evidence of quality, reaching consensus on program practices, and using the Assess → Reflect → Plan → Implement continuous quality improvement cycle.

Participants will leave with a stronger understanding of how the Quality Standards can support their program and one actionable next step to strengthen program quality.

Register today at https://collabornation.net/sl/event_details/95957

10/08/2026

Illinois has an opportunity to turn dollars intended to address harm into investments that help young people thrive.

Afterschool programs are explicitly eligible for Meta settlement funding. Now we need to make sure young people, families, and the organizations serving them are part of the conversation about what happens next.

Join the Fund IRL coalition: https://forms.gle/Gi8iaGbu85rYNedF7

10/07/2026

Join us on October 14th at noon for a webinar exploring Illinois’ role in the historic Meta settlement and the opportunity to invest nearly $768 million in programs that support youth well-being. This webinar is open to educators, youth development professionals, parents, students, community members, and anyone interested in supporting Illinois youth.

Register for the webinar at https://www.icoyouth.org/event/icoy-monthly-member-call-21/

10/06/2026

It's Newsletter Tuesday (October 6th, 2026)! This week's newsletter includes Federal Scholarship Tax Credit updates, bullying prevention resources, and more!

Read this week's newsletter at https://actnowillinois.org/act-now-newsletter/

10/05/2026

Celebrate the people and purpose behind afterschool at Rooted, Connected, Inspired: A Lights On Celebration on October 23rd, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This unique gathering brings together out-of-school time professionals from across Illinois for an afternoon of connection, recognition, and outdoor exploration at Big Marsh Park.

Whether you're looking to recharge, build new connections, celebrate the afterschool field, or discover innovative ways to support staff and students, Rooted, Connected, Inspired offers a meaningful opportunity to learn through experience and celebrate the OST field together.

Space is limited - get your free ticket today at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rooted-connected-inspired-a-lights-on-afterschool-celebration-tickets-2001225506361?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/02/2026

There are just a few days left to vote for ACT Now’s Out-of-School Time (OST) Advocate Award!

This award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to champion the importance and impact of out-of-school time programs through their leadership, innovation, and unwavering support.

Learn more about this year’s nominees and cast your vote for the OST Advocate Award by 9:00 a.m. on October 6th, 2026!

Learn more and vote at https://actnowillinois.org/meet-the-2026-ost-award-nominees/

10/01/2026

On October 14th at noon, join the ACT Now and ICOY teams for a webinar exploring Illinois’ role in the historic Meta settlement and the opportunity to invest nearly $768 million in programs that support youth well-being. Learn how the Fund IRL campaign is advocating for settlement dollars to be directed toward real-world opportunities that help young people build skills, strengthen relationships, and thrive.

This webinar is open to educators, youth development professionals, parents, students, community members, and anyone interested in supporting Illinois youth.

Register for the webinar at https://www.icoyouth.org/event/icoy-monthly-member-call-21/

09/30/2026

Join us for our upcoming 21st CCLC Town Hall on October 8th, where we’ll share important updates, resources, and opportunities for programs across Illinois.

This month’s Town Hall will also feature Effective Strategies for Afterschool in a World of No Cell Phones, a timely conversation focused on how afterschool programs can adapt to changing cell phone policies and create engaging, connected environments for young people. We’ll explore practical strategies, considerations, and ideas programs can use to support youth engagement when phones are limited or unavailable.

Register at https://collabornation.net/sl/event_details/96527

09/29/2026

It's Newsletter Tuesday (September 29th, 2026)! This week's newsletter includes how to join the Fund IRL Coalition, celebrate Lights On Afterschool, register for the YoungArts National Arts Competition, and much more!

Read this week's newsletter at https://actnowillinois.org/act-now-newsletter/

09/28/2026

Join us for our Q1 Community Schools Convening on Expanded and Enriched Learning Time and Opportunities this Wednesday, September 30th.

Community Schools (CS) professionals will engage in a learning experience on how to leverage data to improve academic instruction and individualized support through afterschool, weekend, and summer programming. Enrichment activities emphasize real-world learning and community problem-solving. Learners will leave with tools for assessing community needs and utilizing data to expand and grow services and programs to meet the needs of youth, families, and the broader community.

Register via ANCAL: https://collabornation.net/sl/event_details/95423

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Chicago, IL
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