Learning & Engagement Opportunities

The Learn All The Time Network offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals and organizations committed to strengthening out-of-school time (OST) programs. Whether you're looking to build your own skills, expand your team's capacity, or take on a leadership role in the OST space, you'll find support and resources here.

Network Gatherings

Gatherings that bring members together to connect, collaborate, and learn around key out-of-school time topics.

  • TBD for Fall 2026

  • January 15, 2026 | 9:30 am - 12 pm

    Join us as we kick off the Spring 2026 semester at our All-Member Convening!

    This gathering is a chance to welcome new members, connect with fellow LATT partners, and learn more about our Spring 2026 programming and key out-of-school time topics. Breakfast tacos and networking start at 9:00 AM, with the program beginning at 9:30.

    If you haven’t received a calendar invite and would like to attend, please reach out to Shirmeen at shirmeen@arfoundation.org.

    Feel free to share with colleagues who may be interested—we hope to see you there!

    :

    Who Should Attend?

    All LATT members are welcome! If you regularly participate in LATT programming, consider inviting a newer staff member or front-line professional to help them get more connected and involved in the Network.

Professional Learning

Interactive offerings that strengthen the knowledge and skills of individuals and organizations working in the out-of-school time field.

  • This multi-session series focuses on the core elements needed to build and sustain a high-quality out-of-school time (OST) program. Grounded in the LATT Network’s Quality Practices Guide and the Weikart Center’s Pyramid of Program Quality, the series explores how to create safe, structured, and supportive environments that promote youth engagement, interaction, and voice. Participants who complete all sessions (across one or multiple semesters) will earn the Quality Essentials Badge.

    Who Should Attend? Sessions are designed with front-line staff in mind. We encourage managers who want to elevate their youth interactions and bring insights to their teams to attend as well.

    When and How to Get Involved:

    The series will be offered in both fall and spring.

    Registration is now open for Session 1. Registration for the remaining sessions is coming soon.

    Learn More about the Quality Practices Badge. (coming soon)

    Spring 2026 Session Dates:

    (Each session is in-person from 10:30am - 12:30pm)

    • Wednesday, January 7 - Setting the Foundation: A Structured Environment

    • Wednesday, January 21 - Building Community: Learning & Growing Together

    • Wednesday, February 4 - Encouraging Learning: Your Role as the Facilitator

    • Wednesday, February 18 - Reframing Conflict: Creating Calm, Safe Solutions

    • Wednesday, March 4 - Planning & Reflection: Curiosity in Action

    • Wednesday, April 1 - Youth Voice: Empowering Leadership & Growth

    Location: TBD

  • Offered in the fall every year, this training provided by the Center for Child Protection is for all child-serving organizations staff and volunteers who interact with children. It provides a foundation for understanding, identifying, and reporting suspected child abuse in compliance with Texas Family Code 261.001. 

    Who Should Attend?: All OST staff and volunteers who want to learn more about recognizing signs of child abuse and reporting. 

    When and How to Get Involved: TBD for Fall 2026

  • High-quality afterschool and summer programs provide experiences that research shows can significantly strengthen academic, social, and emotional outcomes for youth.

    So how can we ensure our programs are truly high-quality and meeting the needs of youth?

    Building and maintaining strong programming means getting clear on what quality practices look like, gathering data on how well they are happening and then using those insights to continuously improve.

    Join us for this 4 part cohort series to explore these strategies in-depth!

    This training series will begin by focusing on the core components of high-quality OST programming, using the LATT Network’s Quality Practice Guide as a foundation. We’ll then explore different ways to observe and gather feedback regarding your program’s quality practices, including the Weikart Center’s Youth Program Quality Assessment (YPQA), and approaches for gathering feedback from youth, staff and families. We’ll also discuss how to set actionable goals with front-line staff and coach teams to strengthen quality practices over time based on the data.

    Throughout the series we’ll also explore practical strategies, both big and small, for building a culture of learning and continuous improvement in your programs, rooted in trust.

    Who Should Join? 

    This cohort series is designed for site coordinators, program managers, and directors who oversee high-quality afterschool and summer programs and want to build systems that support ongoing improvement and elevate program quality.

    When and How to get Involved: 

    Registration Coming Soon!

    Spring Session Dates: 

    • Wednesday, February 25 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm (In-person)

    • Wednesday, March 11  | 10:30 am-12:00 pm (Virtual)

    • Wednesday, March 25 | 10:30 am-12 pm (Virtual)

    • Wednesday, April 8 | 10:30 am-12 pm (Virtual)

  • Are you a new supervisor or a seasoned one in need of a refresh? Join this interactive cohort series designed specifically for site coordinators or managers who oversee staff.

    Through four focused sessions, we’ll cover the core building blocks of effective supervision, including topics such as conducting meaningful check-ins, providing performance feedback, navigating difficult conversations, supporting program quality and the critical role you play in building a high-quality OST workforce.

    Whether you're managing your first team or looking to refine your leadership style, this series offers practical tools, peer learning, and real-world strategies to help you supervise with confidence and impact.

    Who should join?

    This cohort is ideal for OST staff who currently supervise programs or teams—including site coordinators and program managers. It's also a great fit for emerging leaders preparing to step into supervisory roles. 

    Sessions will be virtual.

    Registration Coming Soon.

    Spring 2026 Session Dates:

    • Monday, January 26 | 11 am-12:30 pm

    • Monday, February 23 | 11 am-12:30 pm

    • Monday, March 30 | 11 am-12:30 pm

    • Monday, April 27 | 11 am-12:30 pm

  • The Data for Learning Alumni Group is a monthly gathering designed for alumni of the Data for Learning Cohort or the Quality Practices Cohort Series. This group builds on the knowledge, skills, and tools explored in those programs, with an ongoing focus on strengthening a culture of learning. Each session offers space for connection and peer sharing while also diving into mini training topics in assessment, evaluation, and data—guided by group interests. 

    Who Should Join?

    Alumni of either the Data for Learning Cohort or Assessing Quality Practices Cohort Series

    Session Dates:

    Generally the 2nd Monday of each month from 1-2pm.

    Registration

    Connect with Marisa for details and calendar invite.

Collaborative Learning Spaces

Forums for OST staff to come together to share challenges, exchange practical solutions, and learn from one another’s experiences. These interactive sessions focus on real-world strategies and peer support to strengthen programs and practice.

  • This group offers out-of-school time providers a dedicated space to connect quarterly with key members of the Austin ISD Facilities team, including representatives from transportation, badging, Facilitron, and more. The group is facilitated by Dr. Brett Lee, Director of School Programs at Austin ISD, and is hosted via Google Meet. These meetings are designed to address provider questions, troubleshoot common issues, and strengthen communication and collaboration between OST programs and district operations teams. 

    Who Should Join?: 

    When and How to Get Involved: Meetings are generally held quarterly via Google Meet. To receive meeting invites, reach out to Marisa at marisa@arfoundation.org

  • The Coaching Circle offers leaders the opportunity to further develop their leadership, programmatic and supervisory skills, and to identify creative solutions to complex challenges with the guidance and support of an understanding network of their peers.

    Space is limited to support meaningful peer interaction. Please register only if you can fully commit and your role involves leading and supervising OST programs and teams.  

    Who Should Join?

    We are offering this coaching circle designed especially for OST staff (managers, directors, coordinators, etc.) who lead and supervise programs and teams. 

    If you're responsible for supporting staff, managing day-to-day operations, and navigating the complexities of leadership in OST settings, this space is for you.

    When & How to Get Involved?

    2026 Registration Coming Soon

    Fall Session Dates:

    • Tuesday, February 3 | 9:30 am-11:30 am (in person at Carver Public Library location)

    • Tuesday, February 17 | 10-11:30 am (Virtual)

    • Tuesday, March 3 | 10-11:30 am (Virtual)

    • Tuesday, March 31 | 10-11:30 am (Virtual)

  • Previously known as our “Summer Planning” sessions, this five-part series offers flexible, come-when-you-can sessions designed to support summer program planning through peer learning and shared experience. We kick things off in October with space to reflect on summer successes and challenges, and to begin early planning for the year ahead.

    Future sessions—held in November, January, February, and March—will focus on topics shaped by participants, such as student and family recruitment, staff hiring and development, and field trip planning. Join for the topics that matter most to you! 

    All sessions are in person, at various Austin Public Library locations. 


    Who Should Join?

    This series is ideal for any staff responsible for leading or supporting summer programming for youth—whether you're a site coordinator, program manager, or part of the planning and operations team.

    If you're involved in designing, implementing, or improving summer programs, these sessions offer a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and get a head start on building a strong, engaging summer experiences.

    When and how to get involved?

    To receive meeting invites, reach out to Marisa at marisa@arfoundation.org.

    Series Dates:

    • Session 3: Recruitment & Engagement

      • Wednesday, January 22 | 9:30 am-11 am

      • Virtual

    • Session 4: Input & Feedback

      Train-the-Trainer

      • Wednesday, March 26 | Extended Session: Exact time TBD

      • In-person location TBD

  • Peer Connect Groups are role- or organization-specific learning communities within the LATT Network, designed to foster connection, shared learning, and peer support among out-of-school time professionals. These groups bring together individuals in similar roles or working in similar contexts—such as executive directors of smaller organizations, youth arts providers, or programs focused on teens—for regular, member-driven discussions. Each Peer Connect Group receives light-touch support and facilitation from LATT Network staff, including help with group launch, meeting logistics, resource sharing, etc. However, the content, format, and meeting cadence are shaped by group members, based on their evolving priorities and availability.

    Who Should Consider Forming a Group?

    Anyone who wants to connect more with their peers to support shared learning and growth!

    When and how to get involved?

    If you would like LATT support in launching a Peer Connect Group, please reach out to Marisa at marisa@arfoundation.org

    Current Peer Connect Groups:

    • ED/CEOs of small OST Providers- 3rd Thursday every month from 11:30am-1:00pm

Celebrating & Promoting the Field

  • Each Spring, we come together as a Network to celebrate all of the Amazing Out-of-School Time professionals in the field. Breakfast of Champions 2026 will take place on April 23 from 9 am-12 pm. Save the date with registration details coming in early 2026!

  • Each year the LATT Network recognizes outstanding individuals for their service to youth and families in the out-of-school time field. Award categories include front-line staff, managers, support staff, volunteers, community partners, and LATT Network leaders. Nominations open every February—stay tuned for details! Award winners will be announced during the 2025 Breakfast of Champions on April 23, 2025.

  • Each month, the LATT Network highlights a staff member from one of our Partner organizations—typically a front-line staff member, teacher, or site coordinator/manager. A short feature appears in our monthly newsletter, with a link to a longer spotlight and photo on our website. 

    Have someone in mind? We’d love your recommendation! To nominate someone for a future spotlight, please contact Shirmeen Hashmi, Programs & Communications Associate, at shirmeen@arfoundation.org.

  • The LATT Network Job Board features open positions from member organizations, as well as other relevant opportunities across the community. LATT members are encouraged to submit job postings to Shirmeen Hashmi at shirmeen@arfoundation.org for inclusion on our website and in the monthly newsletter.

    Click here to review the Job Board. 

Issues That Matter

Throughout the year, the Network offers trainings and activities that arise in response to real-time needs and timely issues. These sessions provide practical support and resources tailored to what matters most to out-of-school time professionals right now.

Previous sessions included: April 2025 Immigration Q&A with attorney Meghan Sheffield (Immigration Q&A Resources Here)

LATT Leadership Opportunities

LATT is a member-driven network offering meaningful leadership opportunities. Consider joining a committee today or co-leading an affinity group to share your voice and help shape our community! Reach out to Marisa for more information and to apply to serve on a committee.

  • The LATT Network Steering Committee provides strategic guidance and leadership to ensure the Network remains responsive, impactful, and grounded in the needs of its members. Committee members help shape the Network’s priorities, initiatives, and overall direction—serving as ambassadors, thought partners, and decision-makers.The committee meets on the first Thursday of each month.

  • The Momentum Mini-Grant Review Committee plays a key role in selecting recipients for LATT’s Momentum Mini-Grants—awards of up to $5,000 that support program quality and innovation among LATT Partner organizations.Committee members are asked to review and score applications individually, followed by 1–2 group meetings in November to discuss applicants and recommend awardees. The committee is formed each September.

  • This committee supports all aspects of our annual celebration honoring out-of-school time professionals. Members provide strategic guidance, help develop the agenda and engaging activities, recommend Champion award winners across various categories, and assist with leading Breakfast of Champions events on the day of. Meetings are held bi-weekly from January through April as we prepare for the event.

  • Who Should Apply?

    These committee opportunities are ideal for anyone looking to deepen their leadership skills, build relationships with fellow LATT members, and help shape the direction of the Network. Committee members play a key role in shaping strategy, supporting innovation, and celebrating the work of our OST partners, while strengthening their own professional growth along the way.

    When and How to Get Involved: Please reach out to Marisa.

Momentum Mini-Grants

Each fall, the Learn All The Time Network launches the  Momentum Mini-Grant—a funding opportunity designed to support out-of-school time (OST) partners in strengthening program quality through planning, implementation, and evaluation aligned with the LATT Quality Practices. Current Network partners can apply for up to $5,000 to support afterschool and/or summer programming. This grant is intended to build capacity and advance innovation, rather than covering general operating expenses. Applications are open to all active LATT partners, with priority given to those who did not receive funding in the last cycle. 

Application launch date: 2026 Date TBD

Application close date: 2026 Date TBD

Learn more about the Mini-Grant Here.

Mini-grant information session: TBD

To apply:  Email shirmeen@arfoundation.org to receive the grant application.

National Days/Weeks of Advocacy/Celebration:

Each year, the out-of-school time field is recognized through three nationwide events: Afterschool Professionals Week (April); Summer Learning Week (July); Lights On Afterschool (October). These moments shine a spotlight on the vital work of programs, professionals, and volunteers serving youth in out-of-school time settings. Locally, the LATT Network participates by securing proclamations from city and county officials, leading social media campaigns, and supporting other efforts to uplift and celebrate this important work.

Want to learn more? Explore the national initiatives below to access press kits, social media resources, etc:

Listening to Youth: Measuring What Matters

Each spring and summer, LATT Partner organizations invite youth in grades 3 and up to answer one powerful question: Is there an adult in your program who cares about you? This simple yet meaningful question helps us collectively understand and highlight the importance of strong, supportive relationships in Out-of-School Time (OST) programs.

The data collected is a valuable tool for both organizational and community-wide learning, improvement, and advocacy. Participating organizations receive a customized dashboard of their results each year, with the ability to filter by program site, season (afterschool or summer), and more.

Click here to explore research on the critical role of positive relationships in youth development. We hope you’ll join us in elevating youth voices and deepening our impact together.

Tips, Tools and Updates

Stay connected and informed through a variety of resources designed to support your work. From our weekly emails and newsletter to our Instagram updates and online resource library, we offer practical tools, timely news, and inspiration for out-of-school time professionals.