PASE Network News

Looking to make the case about the need for summer learning opportunities? Check out this new report from Afterschool Alliance, curated from their larger 2025 America After 3PM research. The report underscores the success of and strong public support for summer learning programs, coupled with insights regarding challenges with funding and equitable access. The report concludes with policy recommendations. In addition to this larger report, Afterschool Alliance published a graphic summer factsheet that distills the main data points and takeaways from the larger report.  

Arbor Rising is pleased to announce an open invitation to their 2026-2027 grantmaking cycle. Over the last 15 years, Arbor Rising has worked with nonprofit organizations that promote economic mobility with budgets between $500,000 and $3,000,000.  First-year grantees receive $125,000 in unrestricted funds and 200-300 hours of Arbor Rising capacity-building consulting.  Grants are renewable for up to three years. Organizations can read more details on eligibility and process, the Letter of Inquiry (LOI) form, and an FAQ via the Grantseekers page of their website. Interested groups should submit a digital LOI by June 9, 2026 at 5:00 PM EST.  

The National Summer Learning Association (NSLA) has long invested in Program Quality and Partnerships through webinars, national conferences, professional development, and tools. They have more recently expanded their efforts to empower and equip more programs at all stages of development and create deeper partnerships through the creation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC). These free PLCs are planned, led, and facilitated by NSLA program staff alongside a skilled expert from the NSLA network. Topics include: libraries and literacy, youth workforce development and internships, arts education, and much more. Each PLC regularly convenes and trains youth development staff across the country, and holds quarterly training meetings on key topics affecting youth. Learn more about these free, open PLCs via their website. 

Georgetown University’s Thrive Center for Children, Families, & Communities encourages startups and nonprofits focused on child and family health hoping to scale their impact to apply for the Innovation Hub @Thrive Center fellowship. This three-month fellowship is powered by the Thrive Center’s experts and connections, and is designed to support innovators to validate and prove their intervention model; develop their implementation strategies for scaling; hone their pitch to customers and partners, and make introductions to key decision-makers in health systems, plans, payers, and government organizations. This three-month fellowship includes two tracks: Validation and Implementation & Distribution to help organizations work through unique barriers they may face. Learn more and apply by June 8, 2026 for the Fall 2026 fellowship.