December 8, 2020: Many more Wyoming parents want afterschool programs for their children than are able to access them, according to a household survey commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and released today. It finds that, by overwhelming margins, parents express strong, broad-based support for afterschool programs. But unmet demand – the percentage of children in Wyoming not currently in an afterschool program whose parents say they would be enrolled if an afterschool program were available to them – has increased over the past six years, with low-income families in particular citing cost as a barrier to enrolling their children. As a result, for every child in an afterschool program in Wyoming today, three more are waiting to get in. Find the publications and learn more at wyafterschoolalliance.org/wyoming-after-3pm.
On January 15, 2019, The Aspen Institute National Commission on Social, Emotional, and Academic Development (SEAD) published their final report. It highlights the crucial role afterschool plays in supporting the whole child. Find it online: Click Here
On December 3, 2018, Youth Today published an article written by WYAA Director Linda Barton titled: “Why Wyoming Is Using Afterschool Programs to Keep Kids Out of School-to-Prison Pipeline.” Find it online. Click Here
As of 2017, Wyoming ranks 1st in the nation for suicides among children and youth. As of 2015, Wyoming ranks 1st in the nation for youth committed to residential placement by the courts and 4th in the nation for school referrals to law enforcement. These statistics are attributed to lack of community-based options and resources due in part to Wyoming’s rural nature. WYAA Director Linda Barton shared this PowerPoint presentation to help attendees understand this initiative and think about ways their organizations and communities can make an impact. Download the PowerPoint: Click Here
Dr. Jennifer Davis with the Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund provided the featured presentation on N.E.A.R. or Neuroscience, Epigenetics, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), and Resilience. The first objective for the presentation was to help the audience become familiar with ACEs and the biological effects on the body. The second objective was to begin the conversation around ACEs and its effects. Download the PowerPoint: Click Here
Dr. Davis encouraged attendees to look creatively at problems. One example she used was “The Human Walking Program” from an Australian pet shelter. Find it online.
In this Research Brief from Child Trends, Vanessa Sacks, MPP, and David Murphey, PhD look at the prevalence of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) nationally, by state, and by race/ethnicity. As their overview states, “A growing body of research has made it increasingly apparent that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a critical public health issue.” Download the PDF: Click Here
Dr. Adrienne Freng presented on “What Works and What Doesn’t.” The focus was on Prevention Coalitions, Coordinated Efforts, Definition of “Good” Programs, and Efficient Use of Resources. Download the PowerPoint: Click Here
Barrie Becker and Martha Brooks, with Council for a Strong America presented: “Connecting Kids to Success Will Prevent Crime and More.” They had a focus on connecting the dots between Parents, Schools and Afterschool Programs; Health/Mental Health and Schools; Police and Schools; and Businesses and Schools. Download the PowerPoint: Click Here
Mission: The Wyoming Afterschool Alliance is a statewide network working to create the conditions for young people to reach their full potential. We are a priority fund of the Wyoming Community Foundation.