PASE Network News

The NYS Office for Cannabis Management's Community Reinvestment Program issues grants to communities disproportionately affected by prior federal and state drug policies in order to redress a wide range of community needs—from housing to childcare to job skills training and many areas in between. The Cannabis Revenue Fund is created from a portion of taxes from legal adult-use cannabis sales in New York State, and a portion of this supports the Community Reinvestment Program. In this first 2024 grant cycle, only 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations who provide services for young people (individuals ages 0-24 years) in designated geographies of New York State are eligible to apply. Proposed services for young people, ages 0-24, should focus on at least one of three program areas: mental health, workforce development, or housing.  Read more about the funding opportunity on their website, and apply by December 13, 2024 at 5:00 PM. 

Join Youth Communication on November 15, 2024 at 1:00 PM for their Visible and Vital Webinar. According to the 2019 National School Climate Survey, 84% of trans students felt unsafe at school because of their gender. Compounded with issues of racism, transgender youth of color are more likely to be subjected to racial discrimination than their cisgender peers. This webinar will highlight a true, teen-written story about being a young trans person and foster discussion on how to create a healthy environment for trans and non-binary students to thrive. The session will define key terms like cisgender, transgender, gender queer, and nonbinary, as well the impact racism has on education and a student’s sense of belonging. Participants will leave the session with a deeper understanding of trans and non-binary students and actionable steps they can take to support them. Register via Zoom to save your spot. 

Recruitment has started for Camp College 2025 from July 23, 2025 to July 25, 2025 at SUNY Geneseo. Each year, New York State Association for College Admissions Counseling (NYSACAC) invites rising high school seniors from across New York State to participate in this free, informative, fun experience to learn about the college process. Students engage in small-group discussions, a mock college course, and workshops on admissions and financial aid. Camp College is a great opportunity to learn about the many post-secondary options in New York State and beyond, and to build a network of mentors and friends. Students and college counselors can learn more by attending an upcoming virtual info session, including one on November 20, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM (register here) or by reading the Frequently Asked Questions on the NYSACAC website. 

The Opportunity Network (OppNet) invites you to join an upcoming virtual session entitled Thriving Together: A Holistic Approach to Educator & Student Wellness on December 10, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM. This workshop will explore new ways to prioritize the holistic wellness of educators and students, with a focus on fostering resilience and care in educational settings. The session will dive into OppNet's Wellness Wheel, a comprehensive framework that emphasizes Personal Centeredness as well as Emotional, Intellectual, Physical, Social, Financial, and Occupational Wellness. Participants will uncover practices that center self-care and community care and consider how these approaches can be seamlessly integrated into classrooms, group interactions, and 1:1 advising sessions. The session will offer a dynamic mix of peer conversations, personal reflection, and a mindfulness exercise to give you practical tools to deepen wellness in your work. Learn more and register for the workshop on the Eventbrite page.