PASE Network News

The Grantmakers for Education Out-of-School Time Impact Group recently released a new report, Investing in the Out-of-School Time Workforce: Recommendations for Grantmakers. This report outlines key challenges facing the field, including the need for stable funding, increased staff compensation, and clearer career pathways, and then makes four key recommendations for funders. The recommendations for philanthropy include supporting the implementation of emerging solutions, advancing research, policy, and narrative shift, centering the OST workforce in grantmaking, and leveraging philanthropic influence to gain more support for the OST ecosystem. You can read the full report or the executive summary online. 

Join Pockets Change on November 6, 2026 for Hip Hop FinFest Vol. 5, the culminating community concert of a youth song competition. This annual competition is a program that puts youth front and center as the voices of tomorrow on one of the most crucial topics in our lives: money. This year’s theme is "Collective Care is Self Care." Community members can enjoy FinFest in person at Abrons Arts Center starting at 6:00 PM (tickets here) or via livestream starting at 7:00 PM (tickets here).  

The Academy for Community Behavioral Health invites NYC community-based organizations (CBOs) to apply to host Youth Mental Health Advocates between January 2027 - July 2027. The Youth Mental Health Advocate (YMHA) fellowship provides a path to the helping professions for young adults who are of the communities that CBOs serve. With training and coaching from the Academy and supervision at their host organization, Youth Advocates apply their talents, skills, and insights to strengthen youth-centered mental health support in NYC. Eligible organizations should provide direct services to youth between ages 10-21. Each selected organization will recruit and host at least 3 (and no more than 6) Youth Mental Health Advocates between the ages of 18-24 who have completed high school or a GED but do not have a college degree and are not currently enrolled. Youth Advocates receive a fellowship stipend of $10,000, 100+ hours of training and coaching from the Academy, access to free college credits, support to take a next step in their education or career, and more. Host organizations receive a flexible grant of at least $4,500. Interested organizations can find a full program overview on the Academy's website, and should apply by November 2, 2026. 

The latest edition of the popular guidebook, Understanding FAFSA and Financial Aid: Your Guide to Paying for College, was recently released, with updates for the Class of 2027. The guide takes students, families, and educators through the process from researching higher education institutions and their various deadlines to accepting an offer and paying tuition. This newest addition includes features and sections inspired by student, family, and educator feedback, including instructions for finding your official financial aid letter, tips for finding private scholarships, and tools to help you plan your finances for advanced studies, including graduate and professional school.