Jump to section: NYSED News/Updates
PARs, Personnel Activity Reports are required for all 21CCLC staff. Sample documents are available for staff paid on one funding source or from multiple sources:
Details were provided in the Fiscal Requirements webinar offered on September 28, 2022; watch the recording here and refer to slides 30-32 from the presentation for more information.
The NYSED Team is committed to maintaining and supporting high-quality programming and evaluation that helps drive continuous improvement and raise the effectiveness of statewide 21st CCLC programming. We hope you and your colleagues will help us continue to improve the SMV process for all grantees by providing honest feedback about your experiences by filling out a brief online survey that will be sent to you after the SMV. All responses will be kept private unless you choose to identify yourself. Only group information will be shared with NYSED and the TARCs. Contact Laura Sweig at Measurement Incorporated 21ceval@measinc.com if you have any questions about the reflection form or the evaluation overall. Thank you for your continuing efforts to provide a high-quality 21st CCLC program and for participating in the effort to improve the SMV process.
Important Reminders from the NEW '24-'25 21st CCLC Timeline:
Submit a Budget Amendment (FS-10-A) if there are reasonable and necessary changes to your budget. The FS-10-A, a revised M/WBE Goal Calculation worksheet, a revised Composite Budget, a revised Budget Narrative, and any applicable M/WBE documents (e.g., updated Utilization Plan, NOI, and/or EEO Staffing Plan) may be uploaded to Survey Monkey Apply up to April 15. Please do not send hard copies until the program office’s fiscal team requests them.
Conduct a comprehensive Needs Assessment (SMV indicator G-4) for the next program year. Engaging participants and their families in these information-gathering processes can occur at multiple points during the program year and may include any documentable methods such as surveys, polls, focus group conversations, or the collection of written/verbal correspondence expressing needs, requests, recommendations for potential program offerings. Annual Needs assessments/inventories are ways to help programs collect and feed forward information about participants’ interests and the community needs into strategic plans as part of the ongoing, internal improvement cycle.
Participate in the 2nd Evaluator’s Site Visit, conducted by the Local Program Evaluator. This is an opportunity to open the program to the observation of the partnering evaluator, assess progress indicators, and to receive valuable, actionable feedback about program implementation and emerging results. Summary findings from this visit can inform the continuous improvement cycle and communicate progress updates to staff and stakeholders.
Attend the required, in-person Spring Conference in collaboration with the NYS Network for Youth Success Annual Conference. May 2, 2025, at the Hilton Albany. Register Here!
Reference the Teacher Survey Timeline TBD and Teacher Survey Support Video on EZReports (Support Page > Training Videos > “Teacher Survey Support (Mar 29, 2023)” and (March 27, 2024)” Begin the teacher survey process as instructed in the Teacher Survey timeline (required only for programs serving students in grades 1-5).
Year 4 budgets will be submitted in Survey Monkey Apply this spring! More details will be forthcoming.
EZReports Guidance
As we prepare for the Teacher Surveys that will be administered this Spring (required only for programs serving students in grades 1-5), we would like to remind programs to please do the following in EZReports:
Update their Principal Contact information for their schools within EZReports. This will help NYSED and the Resource Centers to communicate with principals the expectations and timeline of the Teacher Survey process. Please have the Principal Contact information updated (if needed) by 3/21 COB.
Link your students with their appropriate school day teacher by 3/21 COB. Instructions on how to do this via upload or manually can be found in the EZReports Training Videos by going to Support > Training Videos > Search Teacher Survey. Attached is a PDF to assist with manual entry.
Should you need technical assistance in this matter please reach out to your designated Resource Center.
PD/Events
REQUIRED - Spring Conference - Friday, May 2, 2025
The Spring 2025 Conference will be held in conjunction with New York State Network for Youth Success’ Empower Youth Success conference. Friday, May 2, 2025 is mandatory for all 21stCCLC Program Directors; our portion of the conference is free but if you would like to take advantage of the additional offerings make sure you have included it in your budget as there is a fee for the other days. Click here for full details for registration and hotel reservations!
These are non-required PD/events that may interest you:
Now through April 2025: 21st CCLC's Spring Learning Series: Fostering Community, Culture & Collaboration
Epiphany Blue is offering a Spring Learning Series for all 21stCCLC subgrantees.
We are excited to invite you to the 21st CCLC's Spring Learning Series: Fostering Community, Culture & Collaboration, a dynamic virtual event series dedicated to exploring the power of community, culture, and collaboration in creating inclusive, emotionally safe spaces for all starting this February!
This series will bring together thought leaders and community builders to discuss and delve into the most pressing issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion. Whether you're looking to enhance your understanding, gain actionable tools, or connect with like-minded individuals, this event promises to offer invaluable insights.
What You’ll Take Away:
Practical Strategies for Inclusion: Learn actionable tools to create emotionally safe spaces and foster a culture of belonging in your community or workplace.
Deeper Understanding of Diversity and Equity: Gain knowledge on how to support LGBTQIA+ equity, assist new arrivals, and address complex challenges in an inclusive way.
Improved Collaboration Skills: Discover how to build stronger, more resilient teams by working effectively across differences.
Personal Growth: Uncover your own “superpowers” and learn how they contribute to collective success in diverse environments.
Connection and Community: Build lasting relationships with individuals who share your passion for making a difference.
This is a fantastic opportunity to engage, learn, and connect with a community of passionate individuals committed to making positive change. Don’t miss out on this transformative experience! Please mark your calendar for the event dates, and stay tuned for more details. We look forward to having you join us!
March 19th: Uplifting All Students Statewide Conference
The New York State Education Department (NYSED), in collaboration with the BOCES and Big 5 school districts, will be hosting a statewide conference on March 19, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at designated BOCES and Big 5 sites. This event, which will be a hybrid conference along with in-person discussion, will provide district and school administrators, leaders, and educators with an opportunity to learn about how school districts across the state are implementing programs that enhance student identity and overall well-being, partnering with families and communities, and collaborating with a range of stakeholders to support all students.
Promising practices will be shared from districts across the state with opportunities for collaboration with colleagues.
Individuals must attend in person and register through their local BOCES or Big 5 site.
Registration questions can be sent to Amalia Schiff at Amalia.Schiff@nysed.gov.
June 5th & 6th
New York History Conference
Registration is now open for the New York History Conference. Join us on June 5-6, 2025. Additional conference information has been posted here.
Summer 2025
New York State Department of Labor’s Educator Career Development Ambassador Program: An Opportunity for Grade 6-12 Teachers, Librarians, and Counselors
The New York State Department of Labor is hosting the Educator Career Development Ambassador Program.
The Educator Career Development Ambassador Program is a paid, four-week summer training opportunity for teachers, librarians, and counselors to develop, implement, and deliver 21st-century career-readiness curricula and strategies to New York’s students.
This program is open to all grade 6-12 teachers, librarians, and counselors with five or more years of experience in a school setting.
For more information, please visit the Department of Labor’s Teacher Ambassador Program web page or send an email to DOLAmbassador@labor.ny.gov. ▲ Return to top
On-Going Offering:
Self-Paced Professional Development
We're happy to remind you that 21C subgrantees have access to a number of free, self-paced courses through our partnership with Change Up Learning! Each course takes approximately 1-1.5 hours to complete, offers a Certificate of Completion (with SACC credits), and features resources you can utilize at your site.
As you wrap up programming in the next few weeks and prepare to kick off a new year, consider exploring the topics below to support your youth development efforts.
Gain tools to build design intentional activity plans: OST Alignment – Curriculum + Lesson Plans (includes a customizable lesson plan template - preview here!)
Level up academic engagement and STEM activities: OST Alignment - Academics or Educational and Fun Project-Based Learning
Learn ways to promote positive engagement and navigate challenging behaviors: Positive Behavior Management
Get started today!
If you’re based in NYC, activate your account here.
If you’re based in the rest of NY state, activate your account here.
Resources
NYSED's New Video Explores New York’s SEL Benchmarks
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life. NYSED has just released this new video that explores New York’s SEL Benchmarks, which support self-awareness, strong relationships, and intentional decision-making. Learn more and access resources on NYSED's Social Emotional Learning webpage.
P-3 Instructional Approach Resources from the Office of Early Learning
The Office of Early Learning has compiled resources to aid districts in enhancing coordination from prekindergarten through third grade by ensuring horizontal and vertical consistency across grades.
The PreK to Third Grade Learning Continuum webpage provides access to various resources, including:
Recorded webinars on the P-3 Instructional Approach
The Office of Early Learning has released the 2025 P-3 Winter Newsletter. This issue includes:
Message from the Executive Director
Early Childhood Strings Pathways
P-3 Literacy Instructional Best Practices
OEL Classroom Spotlight – Carle Place UFSD
Free K-5 Platform for Educators from PBS
To subscribe, please join the OEL Newsletter email list.
Please reach out to the Office of Early Learning at OEL@nysed.gov with any questions.
New York State FAFSA Ready Training Program
The New York State Higher Education Services Corporation (HESC) has launched the NYS FAFSA Ready Training Program, which is designed to equip counselors, educators, and support professionals with the resources, tools, and expertise they need to help NYS students navigate the financial aid process.
The NYS FAFSA Ready Training program covers:
FAFSA Completion Initiative: Learn how to access available data to identify and assist students who need help completing the FAFSA and TAP.
Supporting Students Through Their FAFSA: Step-by-step guidance to help students complete the FAFSA successfully, including tips to avoid common errors.
NYS TAP and DREAM Act Applications: Comprehensive tutorials on application processes, eligibility, and resources to assist students in accessing the state financial aid that they are eligible for.
Each section includes:
Training Seminars: You can sign up to attend a live training session or view the recordings anytime. The PowerPoint presentations will be available for all training.
Downloadable Resources: Informational materials on step-by-step guides to help professionals and students navigate the process and complete follow-up tasks.
Video Tutorials: A growing library of walkthroughs and how-to videos.
FAQs: A list of Frequently Asked Questions. This list is updated after each live training seminar.
For more information and to register for upcoming training sessions, visit the FAFSA Ready Training Program website or contact HESC at precollegeservices@hesc.ny.gov.
News from the New York State Museum
The New York State Museum is thrilling audiences of all ages with a new, dynamic lineup of weekday programs. Visitors can now explore a different public program every Tuesday through Friday—ensuring there’s always something new to discover. Visit the State Museum to explore, learn, and be inspired!
Sign up for the New York State Museum’s monthly newsletter and be the first to discover all of the upcoming family-friendly events and children’s activities at the Museum. From story time and creative crafts to school break week programs and year-round adventures, there’s always something fun and educational happening.
2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program
Applications are now open for the 2025 Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, providing need-based financial assistance for middle and high school students across New York State to participate in after-school and summer arts programs. Scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is fully allocated.
In a significant expansion, the 2025 program will shift from a summer-only scholarship to a year-round model, offering consistent funding opportunities throughout both the academic year and summer months. This transition reflects New York State’s ongoing commitment to equity, accessibility, and the development of young artistic talent, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent students from exploring their creative potential.
For more information on the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program, including detailed application instructions and Frequently Asked Questions, please visit the Empire State Arts Scholarship Program website.
Supporting Positive School Climate
Research shows that the quality of school climate may be the single most predictive factor in promoting student achievement.
A positive school climate promotes school safety, student self-esteem, emotional well-being, mental health, and lowers incidences of substance abuse, student absenteeism, and suspensions. A sense of connectedness also makes students more likely to report concerns about safety or others’ well-being.
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) continues to promote initiatives to foster student engagement and thereby increase student achievement, safety, and wellness. More information can be found on the NYSED School Climate & Safety Page. In addition, the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments offers a variety of resources designed to meet a range of needs among stakeholders interested in improving school climate.
New York State STEM Incentive Program
The New York State STEM Incentive Program application is now open for New York State students attending a SUNY or CUNY college in the fall! To be eligible, students must:
Be ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class at a New York State high school.
Apply in their senior year of high school.
Enroll in an undergraduate program in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
Commit to living and working in New York State for five years in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics.
Students who don’t meet residency requirements may qualify through the NYS DREAM Act.
The application deadline for the 2025-2026 academic year is August 15, 2025.
For more information and to apply or request an appointment, visit the New York State STEM Incentive Program website.
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Program Spotlights
NASA Project Update
January was an action-packed month for NASA’s 21st CCLC Professional Development Training team. NASA Education Specialists had the opportunity to travel and lead five (5) two-day, in-person STEM training sessions for informal educators from New York, Virginia, Wisconsin, Georgia, and Montana. Additionally, the team hosted a series of virtual professional development sessions for educators in Pennsylvania and led a special topic workshop focused on NASA’s “Astro Socks” engineering design challenge for all 21 st CCLC sites desiring to implement more technological challenges into their after-school curriculum. We have been thrilled by the enthusiasm and dedication of the educators and facilitators participating in the NASA/U.S. Department of Education 21st CCLC collaboration. Their passion for supporting student learning is truly inspiring. We can’t wait to see the innovative ideas and creative solutions your students will come up with for their Engineering Design Challenges!
Read more in the NASA newsletter!
Enrichment Activities Galore! Say Hi to HSAT.
This video was submitted by Dr. Trina Nurse, Program Manager for Community School Districts 3 8026. It highlights initiatives in arts, technology, and sustainability, including a hydroponic farm, expanded arts and tech pathways, and student-led projects on food preservation.
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