Kansas Enrichment Network

04/21/2026

Every young person deserves high-quality afterschool and out-of-school time (OST) experiences that support their growth, spark curiosity, and help them thrive. And behind every great program is a dedicated afterschool professional — a mentor, educator, and champion for young people.

This Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), join us in shining a light on the 850,000+ afterschool professionals nationwide who make a profound difference every day.

Why does it matter?

✅ Nearly 10 million children rely on afterschool programs for learning, exploration, and support

✅ Skilled professionals create safe, engaging environments where youth can grow

✅ Every young person deserves access to quality programs, and that starts with investing in the workforce that makes them possible

Learn more: https://naaweb.org/page/AfterschoolProfessionalsAppreciationweek

02/04/2026

It is the last week to register for the Kansas City Out-of-School Time Summit (Feb. 21st) at the reduced rate. Register fully before Feb. 9th for the best rate!

https://kansasenrichment.net/2026-ost-summit/

The 2026 OST Summit will provide a chance to "Elevate Afterschool" alongside other youth development professionals. Whether you’re eager to engage with nationally recognized speakers, explore the latest afterschool strategies and trends, or simply meet folks who do what you do, the Kansas City OST Summit is for you!

01/02/2026

On behalf of the Kansas Enrichment Network, we want to wish you a Happy New Year!

We’re excited to start 2026 by sharing an incredible opportunity for young people across Kansas and beyond. The Mott Million Dollar Challenge invites K–12 youth to dream big, develop innovative solutions, and pitch ideas that can make a real difference in their communities. We’re proud to work closely with the C.S. Mott Foundation in helping spread the word about this inspiring national challenge.

📅 Submission Deadline: February 27, 2026

🔗 Learn more: https://mottmillion.org/

Let’s make 2026 a year of youth voice, creativity, and leadership! 💛

Please share widely!

Join the Mott Million Dollar Challenge — a pitch competition for kids and teens. This is the place where your best ideas come to life.

12/14/2025

Your students have big, bold ideas — let’s give them a million-dollar stage. The Mott Million Dollar Challenge is a national pitch competition for K–12 students, where kids and teens dream up solutions, tackle real-world problems, and compete for their share of $1 million in prizes. Join us to...

11/19/2025

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10/23/2025

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has proclaimed October 23rd as Day and has urged Kansas citizens to join in on the celebration alongside over 8,000 programs nationwide!

Help us shine a light on the impact afterschool programs are making – inspiring learning and supporting the well-being of youth and families. Share your support!

See the proclamation below and support events in Kansas!
Alliance

06/30/2025

And just like that, we’ve reached our final week of Camp Mizzen!

We’re kicking off the week with new wind-down activities from Kid Grit that are all about nurturing your young learners' self-confidence, clarity, and self-discovery through:

🌟 Easy exercises to feel more grounded
🌟 Sharing what qualities make you, you
🌟 Learning how to turn challenges into chances for growth
🌟 Creating a gentle reset by visualizing a fun memory

These Grade 3-5 activities are great for summer days—or anytime you want to wrap up your day on a high note!

Keep Fueling Joy…from the inside!

Now live on Mizzen Education—head to our platform to check them out!
https://hubs.ly/Q03v740J0

06/27/2025

A forthcoming study and tool will help identify gaps between what it costs to fund high-quality OST programs and the funding currently available

06/26/2025

The President’s proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2026 would zero out funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the only federal funding stream dedicated to

06/25/2025

Check out this Future-Ready Youth Toolkit from Florida After School, Inc.!

Designed for afterschool and summer programs, this comprehensive guide helps you:

✅ Build youth employability skills
✅ Integrate career & college readiness
✅ Engage families and secure funding

➡️ https://flafterschool.com/future-ready-youth-toolkit/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLJAXFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFhZEJmVlVaVjRhYXo0b3ZOAR4ci_JWQYWURUcmcTEBJM9TRbDGhPMqU47FWBHuxJZ1Kk0Smui5Jcflf79Waw_aem_Yi8lNHAXn1X630MtPskYjw