Training Library
Our Training Library includes our past professional development videos and tip sheets aligned with the Quality Practices Guide and some high-demand topics to help you find exactly what you need.
Activities & Curriculum
Explore practical, ready-to-use curricula, activity libraries, and programming resources designed for out-of-school-time settings. These tools help afterschool and summer program staff create engaging learning experiences across STEM, literacy, math, career exploration, entrepreneurship, leadership, and health and wellness, with options adaptable to different ages, program models, and staff capacity.
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Free platform with 1,800+ ready-to-use K-12 activities and resources co-created with trusted collaborators for out-of-school-time educators.
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STEM Next framework designed specifically for out-of-school-time providers to embed career awareness, exploration, and preparation into program activities; currently housed in the Launching Futures Toolkit.
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Free program for students in grades 3-12 to explore computer science through flexible, project-based curriculum. Clubs can run in person or online, and facilitators receive training, checklists, guides, and implementation support.
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Free K-12 entrepreneurship toolkit with hands-on lessons and planning documents for youth business/market activities.
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A no-cost literacy resource for out-of-school-time educators, with practical tools and support to strengthen literacy-rich learning experiences.
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Free Learn Fresh program for grades 4-8 using sports-based learning to build math fluency, social-emotional learning, executive function, and engagement in school and OST settings.
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Free leadership and confidence-building program for ages 11-15.
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EDC and NAA project hub supporting healthy eating, physical activity, whole-child wellness, and implementation of the NAA HEPA 2.0 Standards in OST settings.
Advocacy & Policy
Resources for communicating the value of out-of-school time, engaging decision-makers, supporting advocacy, and participating in seasonal campaigns.
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LATT’s Summer Learning Week toolkit includes participation ideas, marketing materials, staff appreciation, family and community resources, impact-story tools, event planning, and advocacy support to help programs celebrate summer learning.
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LATT’s current 2026 Lights On Afterschool toolkit brings participation ideas, staff and family engagement, marketing and Canva materials, impact-story guidance, event planning, advocacy support, and Afterschool Alliance resources into one partner-facing guide.
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National Lights On Afterschool planning hub with registration, event-planning tools, social media and graphics, policy-maker engagement, media guidance, funding ideas, and sample campaign materials.
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Direct template for youth advocacy letters/drawings.
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Afterschool Alliance advocacy and impact hub with congressional outreach, state impact data, research briefs, family-engagement tools, social/media assets, postcards, petitions, and site-visit guidance.
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One-hour TXPOST training on local, state, and federal advocacy, communicating organizational value, using data effectively, and making the case for sustained OST investment.
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Two-page candidate education handout with current evidence on voter support, unmet demand, youth and family benefits, economic impact, and bipartisan support for public afterschool funding.
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Afterschool Alliance 21st CCLC policy hub with FY2027 budget information, current facts and figures, and advocacy resources related to federal funding for afterschool and summer learning.
Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI)
These resources help out-of-school time programs use data, feedback, reflection, and evidence-based practices to strengthen program quality over time. They offer practical guidance for measuring progress, identifying areas for improvement, supporting staff, and using youth feedback to inform program decisions.
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A research-informed framework for measuring progress and using data to strengthen out-of-school time systems. It includes desired outcomes, indicators, suggested data sources, guidance for interpreting findings, and questions for considering racial equity throughout the measurement process.
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A concise AIR guide to research-informed practices for strong out-of-school time programs. It covers program structure, staff support, youth and family engagement, data use, and continuous improvement, helping teams reflect on current practice and identify opportunities to strengthen their programs.
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A NIOST guide for program leaders, site coordinators, and coaches supporting continuous quality improvement. It includes strengths-based coaching strategies, guidance for using data with teams, a coach self-assessment, and a readiness survey to help organizations prepare for CQI work.
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Practical LATT guidance for gathering honest, useful feedback from young people. It covers age-appropriate language, question wording, response scales, privacy, survey administration, and strategies for keeping youth surveys clear and engaging.
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A ready-to-use LATT collection of youth survey questions covering belonging, safety, engagement, voice and choice, skill-building, relationships, and inclusion. It also includes open-ended questions and several response-scale options that programs can adapt for different ages and needs.
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Wallace Foundation/Child Trends report examining how out-of-school-time programs measure youth development and program impact. Based on a review of 283 studies and interviews and surveys with 38 OST providers, it covers outcomes programs measure, data-collection methods, equity considerations, measurement challenges, and recommendations for improving useful and sustainable data practice.
Funding & Sustainability
Tools and resources that help out-of-school-time programs and nonprofit organizations strengthen funding, financial sustainability, risk management, and long-term organizational capacity.
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Search funding opportunities for afterschool and summer by state, grade level, program area, and funding type (private or government). Includes eligibility requirements and brief descriptions of the opportunities.
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This resource is a toolkit that includes tools for funding, when funding runs out, reaching policymakers, marketing, media, and more.
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Afterschool Alliance webinar on nonprofit financial tools and sustainability strategies, including Nonprofit GPS, StrongNonprofits financial-management resources, and the federal funding landscape for afterschool and summer learning.
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Operational training series for nonprofit risk management, with sessions extending through fall.
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Searchable database of 400+ federal funding streams supporting children and youth, with filters for services, eligible applicants, age ranges, grant types, states, and funding years, plus federal funding and policy-change tracking.
Immigration
This section includes some local, federal, and other immigration resources we’ve shared in our trainings. These tools and contacts are designed to support OST professionals and the families they serve with guidance, community services, and legal information to help navigate the evolving landscape of immigration laws and processes.
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Judicial Warrant v. Administrative Warrant
View the Warrant Comparison Guide
Formerly Protected Areas Fact Sheet
View the Protected Areas Fact Sheet
Know Your Rights - English
View Know Your Rights — English
Know Your Rights - Spanish
View Know Your Rights — Spanish
Conozca sus Derechos en encuentros con la policía (Know Your Rights: Police Encounters)
View the Police Encounters Guide
Preparedness Packet
Access the Preparedness Packet
American Gateways Resource & Video Library
American Gateways resource and video library with Know Your Rights information, downloadable preparedness materials, English and Spanish resources, and links to additional languages. Informational resource; not legal advice.
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Austin Nonprofit Immigration Legal Service Providers
View Austin Immigration Legal Services
Certain Forms of Immigration Relief
View Immigration Relief Options
Link for individuals who are detained by ICE and need help with release
Texas Law Help
Volunteer Legal Services of Central Texas
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Austin ISD Resources & FAQs
Explore Austin ISD Immigration Resources
Welcoming Immigrant Students in School Infographic - Bilingual
View the Bilingual School Infographic
What to Do If Immigration Officials Come to Your School
View the School Response Guide
Intercultural Development Research Association
Immigration Enforcement and Policy Toolkit for Texas K-12 Schools
Texas-focused school toolkit for responding to immigration enforcement and policy changes, with operational guidance for K–12 and youth-serving organizations. Informational resource; not legal advice.
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City of Austin Resources
Explore Austin Immigration Resources
Federal Updates
View Federal Afterschool Updates
State Updates
Texas Immigration Law Council
Visit Texas Immigration Law Council
ACLU of Texas
National Immigration Law Center
Immigrant Legal Resource Center
Immigrants Rising
United We Dream
Informed Immigrant
OST Workforce
Resources supporting the out-of-school-time workforce, including professional pathways, job quality, credentials, and field-level workforce research.
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National practice-based youth-development credential grounded in observable foundational practices and organized around four microcredentials. NAA is piloting the credential with partner organizations through December 2027.
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NAA Job Quality Standards are a durable workforce-quality resource; Employer of Choice article provides seasonal/summer application context.
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National workforce report based on more than 10,000 youth-serving professionals, covering career pathways, professional learning, well-being, compensation, and the supports needed to strengthen the youth fields workforce.
Research & Impact
These resources highlight research, data, and evidence about the impact of out-of-school time (OST) programs. They can help programs understand outcomes, strengthen planning and evaluation, communicate results, and make a clear case for support to funders, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
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New Research Findings: Youth who consistently participate in afterschool programs from elementary school through adolescence show significantly better outcomes in adulthood, including higher educational attainment, income, and occupational status by age 26.
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This resource highlights the growing crisis of chronic absenteeism in schools, especially among young students and those from underserved communities. It explores the deep academic and social impact of missed school days, and makes a compelling case for how afterschool programs can be a powerful partner in re-engaging students, building confidence, and improving attendance.
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This resource highlights strong, widespread support for afterschool programs across the U.S., with 87% of voters calling them a necessity and wanting increased funding from elected leaders. Based on a 2024 national survey, this data is valuable for making the case to funders and policymakers about the public demand for accessible, high-quality afterschool opportunities.
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Johns Hopkins-led review of U.S. youth mental health challenges, youth perspectives, disparities in outcomes and access to care, existing resources and gaps, and community- and arts-based approaches.
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Youth-development field reflection linked to National Academies report on OST program impact and effectiveness.
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Afterschool Alliance’s America After 3PM hub with national and state dashboards, executive summaries, fact sheets, and current reports on afterschool demand and access, summer experiences, and STEM.
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Report introducing outcomes taxonomy for community-based youth arts programs, useful for design, evaluation, advocacy, and funder communication.
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Explains how afterschool and summer programs can function as nonclinical protective environments through relationships, belonging, coping tools, and developmental resilience; useful for program design, advocacy, grant writing, and communicating OST impact.
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Practice/policy document summarizing lessons about planning and implementing K-12 summer programs; strong summer quality fit.
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RAND literature review for the Wallace Foundation examining how youth arts engagement can contribute to well-being. Drawing on 177 publications across psychology, education, public health, the arts, and related fields, it identifies five mechanisms through which arts participation may promote well-being and highlights research gaps and opportunities for stronger measurement and practice.
Safety
Practical resources that help programs prepare staff, strengthen safety practices, and respond appropriately to health, emergency, and child-protection needs.
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Local CPR/AED/first aid training provider recommended by ARF Programs Team; useful operational reference for partner staff readiness.
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Official child-abuse prevention resource with signs and symptoms, practical prevention steps, reporting information, training links, and family and crisis referrals.
Summer Learning
Research, planning tools, and practical resources for designing and strengthening summer learning opportunities.
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LATT’s Summer Learning Week toolkit includes participation ideas, marketing materials, staff appreciation, family and community resources, impact-story tools, event planning, and advocacy support to help programs celebrate summer learning.
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LATT resource with Central Texas field-trip ideas spanning educational, beat-the-heat, creative, and fun outings, with a downloadable resource and additional field-trip ideas.
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Evidence-based summer-learning toolkit with more than 50 planning tools, customizable templates, staffing and professional-development resources, academic and enrichment guidance, site-climate supports, and recruitment practices.
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America After 3PM summer resource with national and state dashboards, an executive summary, fact sheet, and data on what parents want for their children’s summers and the barriers families face accessing summer opportunities.
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Practice/policy document summarizing lessons about planning and implementing K-12 summer programs; strong summer quality fit.
Youth Development
Resources focused on positive youth development, relationship-building, engagement, belonging, and the conditions that help young people thrive.
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This resource explores the importance of strong, supportive relationships for youth and offers tools to help strengthen those connections.
Youth & Family Support
In today’s challenging political and social climate, many youth and their families are facing increased stress, uncertainty, and systemic barriers. This section includes resources to help programs support youth and their families as they navigate today’s tough challenges, whether it's mental health, relationships, or other life stressors. These tools offer guidance, strategies, and insights to help create safe, responsive, and nurturing spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and empowered.
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Findhelp Social Care Resource Directory
Searchable directory for local food, housing, transportation, health, financial, education, employment, and legal supports.
Find Local Support with Findhelp
TEHCY Support Hotline for Students Experiencing Homelessness
Official TEA resource for the Texas Education for Homeless Children and Youth program, including a support hotline for families and educators, program guidance, professional learning, and resources for serving students experiencing homelessness.
Access TEHCY Homelessness Support
Texas Summer Meal Program Finder
Official Texas Department of Agriculture map for locating Summer Meal sites, with site information and guidance for families seeking free summer meals.
Supporting Youth with Chronic Health Conditions in OST
NAA/CAHE-OST strategy guide for helping out-of-school-time programs support youth with chronic health conditions through safe environments, preparedness planning, communication, and staff practices.
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Texas HHS Local Mental Health Authority Directory
Official Texas HHS directory for locating Local Mental Health Authorities and Local Behavioral Health Authorities across Texas.
Find a Texas Mental Health Authority
Integral Care 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Helpline
Integral Care’s 24/7 Austin-area helpline for immediate mental health crisis support and connection to programs and services for adults and children.
Access Integral Care Crisis Support
Notice. Talk. Act. at School: High School Student Edition
Free English- and Spanish-language handouts and posters for high school students that teach mental health warning signs and encourage students to Notice, Talk, and Act when they or a friend may need help.
Explore Notice. Talk. Act. Resources
AS+K? Ask About Suicide to Save a Life Training
Free suicide prevention training covering risk/protective factors, warning signs, and initial intervention steps.
Take the AS+K? Suicide Prevention Training
Care Connect Mental Health Service Provider Directory
Mental Health America of Greater Houston’s Care Connect service helps users find vetted mental health and substance-use providers across Texas, with searchable provider listings and personalized helpline support.
Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids Video and Print Resources
Free English- and Spanish-language videos and downloadable skill sheets for elementary, middle, and high school students covering mental health and coping skills such as understanding feelings, relaxation, managing emotions, and mindfulness.
Explore Healthy Minds, Thriving Kids
NAMI Back to School Mental Health Resources
A comprehensive NAMI collection of mental-health resources for students, families, educators, and youth-serving professionals. Includes practical tools for mental-health literacy, coping and wellness skills, supportive conversations, classroom climate, finding help, and educator well-being. Many resources are available in Spanish, with activities and materials that can be used at school, at home, and in afterschool settings.
Explore NAMI Back-to-School Resources
TEA Mental Health and Wellness Resources
Official TEA mental health and wellness hub with information and resources designed to help Texas schools support student mental health, including educator and family resources and statewide initiatives.
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Child Mind Institute - Helping Children Cope with Frightening Events
Read the Frightening Events Guide
Sesame Workshop - Grief
Explore Sesame Grief Resources
Sesame Workshop - Support After Emergency Family Guide (English)
Download the Family Guide — English
Sesame Workshop - Support After Emergency Family Guide (Spanish)
Download the Family Guide — Spanish
Sesame Workshop - Self-Care During & After a Crisis
Explore Crisis Self-Care Resources
Sesame Workshop - Traumatic Experiences Resources
Christi Center Resources on Grief
Helpful Steps for Adults after a Disaster
Read Coping After Disaster Guidance
Jed Foundation: How to Cope With Traumatic Events
Read How to Cope With Traumatic Events
Jed Foundation: Caring for Your Mental Health in a Natural Disaster
Read Natural Disaster Mental Health Guidance
Processing Election Results
This resource encourages adults to support youth in navigating strong emotions around elections. It offers simple, practical ways to help kids build resilience, process complex feelings, and stay engaged, especially during tense political times.
Read the Election Processing Guide
Big Events, Big Feelings Family Conversation Guide
Zones of Regulation resource for helping children process community crises and other big events, with a downloadable family conversation guide and regulation strategies.
Download the Family Conversation Guide
Sesame Workshop Here for Each Other
Sesame Workshop resource for helping young children and families talk about emergencies and difficult events, with videos, conversation prompts, and comfort-focused guidance.
Explore Sesame’s Emergency Support Resources
NAMI TraumaInSight Training
Free, three-hour, self-paced trauma-awareness course for youth-serving professionals focused on understanding trauma and supporting young people in trauma-informed ways.
Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Resources
TCU’s Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) is a holistic, attachment-based, trauma-informed model for supporting children and youth who have experienced adversity, with practical strategies for caregivers and professionals.
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Search Institute Relationship-Centered Family Engagement Resources
Search Institute materials on relationship-centered family engagement and developmental relationships; strong fit with program-quality/family-engagement resources.
Youth Voice
Tools, training, and research for strengthening youth voice, youth-adult partnership, leadership, civic engagement, and meaningful participation in program and community decisions.
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Afterschool Alliance/CYESS report and practitioner toolkit for strengthening youth civic engagement, with curricular resources, examples, research, and a companion webinar for afterschool and other youth-serving programs.
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Free on-demand CYESS modules supporting youth voice, youth-adult partnership, leadership, and inclusive OST spaces for K-12 practitioners.
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Guide with practical strategies, reflection tools, and examples of youth voice shaping systems across city/state contexts.
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Afterschool Alliance toolkit for programs beginning or strengthening youth-voice work, with definitions, a spectrum of youth engagement, practical recommendations, partner examples, and resources for authentic and culturally responsive youth-adult partnership.
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Search Institute toolkit with research-based student voice frameworks, readiness and reflection tools, classroom and school activities, and valid and reliable survey measures.
