Utah Afterschool Network

08/26/2026

Investing in real life matters.

The recent Meta settlement is an opportunity to turn accountability into meaningful investment in young people and their communities.

At Utah Afterschool Network, we believe young people need more opportunities to connect, create, learn, play, and grow offline. That means investing in high-quality afterschool programs, mentoring, arts, sports, outdoor experiences, and other spaces where young people can thrive.

Let’s .

https://fundirl.org/home/fundirl-statement-on-meta-lawsuit-settlement/

08/25/2026

📣 Calling All Youth Advocates!

Do you have teens in your program who love afterschool and want to make a difference? Encourage them to apply for the Utah Afterschool Youth Advocacy Committee! 💙

This 8-month experience gives students in grades 9–12 the opportunity to build skills in storytelling, public speaking, teamwork, and advocacy, connect with peers from across Utah, and meet with lawmakers and community leaders to share their experiences and ideas about afterschool.

Students will:
🤝 Connect with other youth advocates across Utah
📣 Learn how to effectively advocate for issues they care about
🎤 Build public speaking, storytelling, and leadership skills
💡 Help shape the Youth Advocacy Committee
🏛️ Meet with lawmakers and state and local leaders
💰 Receive $50/month for their time and participation
🎒 Get monthly swag and fun “side quest” kits along the way!

Students must:
- Be in grades 9–12
- Currently participate in an afterschool program in Utah
- Commit to the full program year from September 2026–April 2027

📅 Meetings: Twice a month on Wednesday evenings, 4:30–5:30 p.m. virtually, plus select in-person events.

🚨 Applications are due September 16, 2026!

Help us make sure young people's voices are part of the conversation about the future of afterschool in Utah. Share this opportunity with the teens in your program and encourage them to apply!

https://utahafterschool.org/community-family/youth-advocacy-committee

Questions? Contact Angie Toone at [email protected] or 801-879-4726.

08/06/2026

🏨 Hotel Group Rates are available now!

Planning to attend Jump Start 2026? We’ve secured discounted group rates at the Hilton and Hampton Garden Inn, both conveniently located near the conference.

✨ Book directly through the booking links on our website to take advantage of these exclusive rates.

⏰ Don’t wait! Rooms are limited, and these special rates expire on September 8.

Reserve your room today and get ready for two days of learning, networking, and inspiration at Jump Start!

🔗 Visit the link below to book today!

https://utahafterschool.org/providers-educators/professional-learning/upcoming-events/conferences/jump-start-2026

08/04/2026

💼🏨 Professional Development & Hotel Award Applications are now open!

Need financial assistance to attend Jump Start? Apply for a Professional Development and Hotel Award for the opportunity to help offset the cost of attending.

Awards are based on demonstrated need, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.

If attending Jump Start has been on your wish list, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

📅 Apply today through our the link on our website:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfiO94GdWUPos_OjmWLbSFVZK-pg658FrvDDuL7w68Jbm8KLg/viewform

Questions? Send us a DM—we’re happy to help!

utahafterschoolnetwork

08/03/2026

🙌 Volunteer sign-ups are officially OPEN!

Want to save on your Jump Start 2026 registration? Volunteering is a great way to get involved and lower your registration cost!

💰 For the best deal, bundle your volunteer discount with Early Bird registration (opening soon 👀)

Important: Please complete the volunteer sign-up before registering so you can receive your discount code.

📝 Sign up to volunteer on our website or through the link below!

Here is your chance to volunteer to help! Welcome to the 22nd Annual Jump Start Afterschool Conference Volunteer Application, this years conference will take place at the Ogden Eccles Conference Center on October 9-10, 2026. We are the largest Afterschool Conference in the state of Utah for Professi...

07/27/2026

🎨✨ Calling all young artists! ✨🎨

The Utah Afterschool Network is excited to launch our first annual Lights On Afterschool Youth Art Contest!

We’re inviting youth to show us what makes afterschool special through their creativity. Whether it’s teamwork, learning, friendship, or your favorite afterschool memory, we want to see it!

Contest Categories:
🎨 Working as a Team in Afterschool
🌟 Favorite Thing About Afterschool
📚 Learning in Afterschool
😂 Funny Things in Afterschool
💡 Why Afterschool is Important
🤝 Friendship in Afterschool

🏆 Winning artwork in each age group and category will be featured on UAN’s social media and showcased at our annual Jump Start Conference in October!

📅 Submission Deadline: September 25, 2026
🎨 All artistic mediums are welcome, and youth may enter multiple categories.
📣 Winners will be notified by October 2, 2026.

Visit the link in our bio for contest details and to submit your artwork!

07/23/2026

Join the Utah Afterschool Network Team! 🌟

Are you passionate about youth development and creating impactful learning experiences?

UAN is looking for a Professional Learning Systems Coordinator to help shape training, conferences, and growth opportunities for Utah’s afterschool community!

In this role, you’ll support statewide initiatives—including our annual conference, regional trainings, and eLearning Institute—that reach 3,500+ educators serving over 52,000 Utah youth each year. 🎓✨

What We’re Looking For:
• Experience in youth development, event planning, or marketing
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities
• A passion for high-quality afterschool and summer programs

💼 Position Details:
• Type: Full-time, non-exempt
• Pay: $21.50/hour ($44,720/year)
• Location: Hybrid options available
• Benefits: Employer-paid health insurance, 401(k) contribution, paid holidays, and more!

📩 How to Apply: Send your cover letter and resume to Ben Trentelman at [email protected]

🗓️ Deadline: July 31, 2026

07/10/2026

At the Utah Afterschool Network, supporting children and families isn't just our mission—it's how we operate every day.

🏆 We're honored to be recognized by The Best Place for Working Parents as a designated family-friendly workplace in Utah for the second consecutive year!

We're proud to lead the way in supporting working families through family-friendly workplace policies that help our team thrive—both at work and at home.

❤️ Thank you to our incredible staff for making UAN a place where people and purpose come first.

Because when we invest in our team, we're better able to serve Utah's youth and communities.

is !

07/08/2026

☀️📚 Happy National Summer Learning Week! 🌟

Summer is more than a break from school—it's a season of discovery, growth, and opportunity.

Across Utah, summer learning programs are helping young people:
🌱 Explore new interests
🤝 Build friendships and confidence
🎨 Discover talents through hands-on learning
🥪 Access nutritious meals and caring mentors
🚀 Return to school ready to learn

In Utah, 348,357 children want access to afterschool and summer learning programs, but 5 in 6 youth who would participate don't have access to a program. The need for high-quality learning opportunities beyond the school day has never been greater.

That's why we're so grateful for the incredible educators, community partners, and program providers who are making a difference in communities across our state. Your work helps youth learn, grow, and thrive all summer long. 💙

This National Summer Learning Week, let's celebrate the power of summer learning—and continue working together so every Utah child has the opportunity to participate.

06/22/2026

Calling all exhibitors and partners! 🎉

Take advantage of this two-day opportunity to connect and celebrate with Utah’s afterschool professionals at the 22nd annual Jump Start Conference on October 9-10, 2026.

Information for our annual Jump Start conference is live on our website, including exhibitor applications and the conference prospectus.

https://utahafterschool.org/providers-educators/professional-learning/upcoming-events/conferences/jump-start2026

For more information or questions, please reach out to Anna and Branna at [email protected].