The Afterschool Alliance recently released a report, "Afterschool Programs: Inspiring Students with a Connected Learning Approach," that discusses how afterschool programs can help bridge divides in access to additional learning opportunities, access to caring mentors, and access to resources and peer networks that can excite young people about the acquisition of knowledge. The report also dives into connected learning - the intentional linkage of one's interests, peer groups, and academics - and how it capitalizes on the benefits of all three areas to create a learning experience that is both powerful and enduring. Included in the report are examples of afterschool programs that are offering connected learning opportunities, as well as key takeaways from programs.

On December 11, 2014, Temescal Associates and the Learning in Afterschool & Summer Project held the fourth How Kids Learn conference, focused on character building, social emotional learning, and educational equity. They have produced videos of the key presentations on the How Kids Learn YouTube channel, which also includes presentations from educational and afterschool thinkers from previous conferences. Highlights include talks from practitioners and youth on social-emotional learning and kids of color, character skills and Mexican-American youth, and growth mindset.

Black Girls Matter: Pushed Out, Overpoliced and Underprotected, a new report by the African American Policy Forum and Columbia Law School's Center for Intersectionality and Social Policy Studies, combines data on discipline disparities in New York City and Boston schools with findings from focus groups with young women of color to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges girls of color face in classrooms across the country. The report finds that girls of color face much harsher school discipline than their white peers but are excluded from current efforts to address the school-to-prison pipeline. It also recommends policies and interventions to address the challenges facing these girls.

The Brooklyn Community Foundation has launched Brooklyn Accelerator, a unique component of their new community impact strategy designed to be a hub of information, idea exchange, and gathering of philanthropic resources across the borough. The Brooklyn Accelerator aims to connect community-based nonprofits to new donors and board members; sponsor nonprofit capacity-building and technical assistance services; provide training on equity, cultural competence, and anti-racism; and - using the Foundation's new office in Crown Heights - incubate and support promising local leaders and organizations. Visit the Brooklyn Accelerator section of the Foundation's website to learn more and sign up for monthly Brooklyn Accelerator email updates - featuring local nonprofit news, funding opportunities, and job openings.