From July 7 - 10, the YWCA of the City of New York and the Research Institute on Women, Gender and Sexuality at Columbia University will host FemSem 2015, a free seminar for youth ages of 14-18. The course offers young high school leaders critical knowledge, support and networks to fight for gender justice. Participants will collaborate with other NYC youth leaders, leading scholars, activists, and artists driving the gender movement. Program components include peer dialogues, project coaching, a post-FemSem online community, events, and more. Registration is required. Any questions should be directed to Darcey-Tell Morales dmorales@ywcanyc.org.

Tech Kids Unlimited is a not-for-profit technology-based educational organization for kids ages 8-18 with special needs, which empowers and inspires the next generation of digital natives to learn, create, develop and share the tools of technology. Registration is open for their summer workshops. Topics include web design, movie editing, sound editing, 3D printing, making animated short films, and coding with MindcraftEDU. Youth learn to work with real clients and solve real issues with technology in Tech Kids Unlimited's work-based learning program. Some financial aid available. Email cristina@techkidsunlimited.org with any questions.

Since 1983, Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) has served as a national platform for forward-thinking perspectives on family and community engagement research, practices, policies, and strategies. Over the course of four weeks (mid-May through mid-June), HFRP will dedicate their summer 2015 issue of FINE Newsletter (Family Involvement Network of Educators) to exploring how, and in what ways, afterschool programs can effectively engage students. The issue will include featured articles with a focus on the research supporting positive engagement and on examples of promising practices from providers in the field.

Nonprofit Issues® is a national, electronic newsletter of “nonprofit law you need to know” for nonprofit executives and their professional advisers hosted by PASE's 2015 Janet Kelley Lecture speaker, Donald W. Kramer of Montgomery McCracken Walker & Rhoads LLP. Each week, the newsletter publishes a free answer to legal questions as well as regular issues of in depth coverage of recent cases and legislative developments. The site includes more than 750 free searchable questions and answers, and more than 120 Ready Reference Pages of plain language discussions of key issues of nonprofit law and governance.

On May 20, American Express Foundation hosted a conversation with Reynold Levy, author of the new book “They Told Me Not To Take That Job: Tumult, Betrayal, Heroics, and the Transformation of Lincoln Center" as part of their Leadership Academy. American Express Foundation President Timothy J. McClimon interviewed Levy, former president of the Lincoln Center, where they explored strategies to unite people behind a common goal and manage conflict, as well as offered valuable leadership lessons. Levy shared how he was able to overcome obstacles and successfully transform Lincoln Center into a more visitor-friendly place. He also gave his perspective on the fragility of the nonprofit sector and the need for accountability. A video recording of the conversation is available for viewing.

The National Afterschool Matters (NASM) Fellowship is an intensive professional development opportunity in which OST professionals from a range of youth-serving organizations and experiences engage in a facilitated inquiry-based experience to enhance their own practice and improve program quality and experiences for children and youth. NASM fellows are selected by application, and over a two-year process engage in reflection, inquiry, and writing activities that position them to inform and contribute to the quality of OST programs, practice, and the broader field. The fellowship includes two retreats held in Wellesley, MA (travel stipend provided), one in the fall of 2015 and the second in the fall of 2016. Application deadline is June 15, 2015.

New York City Deputy Mayor Richard Buery and Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña have released the New York City Community Schools Strategic Plan. The document serves as Mayor Bill de Blasio’s roadmap for establishing over 100 new Community Schools across NYC and for developing a comprehensive system that will support and unite all of the city’s community schools. The report outlines the Community Schools Initiative within the context of the Mayor’s larger agenda for children and families, summarizes the planning and operational work that has occurred over the past year, and outlines the key system-building efforts that will be implemented over the next three years.