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Aspiring software engineers in a Texas afterschool program win trip to Facebook HQ

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Aspiring software engineers in a Texas afterschool program win trip to Facebook HQ

By Afterschool Ambassador Johanna L. Friedel, director, Afterschool Center of Education at Greenville ISD in Texas.

Interested in bringing EFTW to your youth or learning more? Sign-up here for the Fall Season

Real world, career experiences are a daily part of 21st Century Community Learning Center programs thanks to Facebook’s Engineer For The Week project (EFTW). Recently, Greenville ISD (GISD) high school students Jade Henry and Kai Austin – two aspiring software engineers – participated in a program created to train and inspire young people to tackle careers in computer engineering. EFTW works beautifully for afterschool program. The challenge it poses is to create a scenario that mirrors the daily routine of a software engineer in order to give students a real-world look into a potential career.

The weeklong program involves three phases that replicate Facebook’s engineering process. The first is the Prep Phase where students learn about Agile, a work style that engineers use to design and create products. The Agile style uses a framework called Scrum, which breaks the work into sprints. Another part of the Prep Phase involves researching their product, which in this case was a Chatbot, an artificial intelligence created to improve a social issue. They researched Chatbots and Chatboxes to learn more about the benefits of using these techniques with online users. The users in this case were high school students who completed surveys used to identify which social issues were of most interest to them. Options ranged from anti-bullying, friendship, and skills on how to navigate the social world. The surveys were conducted in school during lunch and passing periods.

During the Sprint Phase, Kai and Jade used the Agile style and Scrum framework with other GISD high school students to develop a backlog, or prioritized list. This enabled them to keep on task as they developed their product and built their project within Chatfuel. Using Chatfuel would allow users to access the program via our GISD ACE (Afterschool Center for Education) Facebook page. Students assumed roles such as engineer, scrum master, tester, and scripter in developing their Chatbot. They were even able to meet a Facebook engineer virtually. By testing and carefully logging progress on the backlog, they determined which aspects of the project were working and which needed fine-tuning. They created several iterations or improvements before they were ready to submit the product for final review via their sprint retrospective.

The Finish Phase was the last phase of Facebook’s Engineer For the Week project. During this phase, students engaged in a final sprint review and retrospective. Once completed, Kai and Jade, along with other team members, submitted their project to Facebook to be considered for a trip to Facebook Headquarters in Menlo Park. The students eagerly waited to find out who was chosen to attend the Engineering Summit. If chosen for the summit, the students would be able to meet more engineers in person, ask questions, tour the Facebook Headquarters, and compete against other teams from across the United States in a two-day Hackathon. It was not long before Jade and Kai found out that the trip was a go.

The trip to San Francisco was especially exciting for Jade, who had never flown on a plane before. Once landing in California, the group rode a shuttle to the hotel and had a fabulous meal provided by Facebook. The next morning started early with a shuttle to Facebook headquarters, breakfast, and some team-building activities that included engineering a tall tower consisting of only paper. Kai and Jade met other students and shared experiences and stories about their EFTW experience thus far. They received information regarding expectations surrounding the Hackathon. Each group of students had a Facebook mentor who supported them over the next two days. The students toured the Facebook campus, gamed at the arcade, indulged at the sweet shop, and modeled some swag at the company store.

The final day ended with a competition for the Hackathon. Although Jade and Kai did not win overall, Facebook acknowledged and appreciated the work they did through pictures, certificates, medals, and a fantastic buffet dinner. Their experiences at an authentic corporation augmented the time they worked on the project in the classroom. They took away the ins and outs of computer engineering, teamwork, and the day-to-day operations of business. This was an amazing opportunity for these students and one they are sure to remember for quite some time.

Interested in bringing EFTW to your youth or learning more? Sign-up here for the Fall Season

Recapping the third Engage Every Student Summit

On July 16, 2024, the U.S. Department of Education hosted the third Engage Every Student Summit in Washington, D.C. Non-profits, representatives from cities and local governments, and afterschool and summer learning programs gathered at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library to participate in panel...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      08/01/24

Youth Voice Week 2024 was a huge success

The voices of young people are still echoing in afterschool programs across the nation, in the halls of Congress, and across social media after a powerful Youth Voice Week! From March 25-29, the Afterschool Alliance partnered with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society and...

BY: Maria Rizo      04/15/24

By helping create my afterschool program, I became the person I am today

By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and their...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/29/24

I'm grateful to my afterschool program for giving me a place to belong and helping me make friends.

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/27/24

I have been led by my afterschool teachers, and now I am leading the youth of today.

By Jay'Len Clark, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/26/24

Afterschool gave me access to opportunities that improved my outlook on life.

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/25/24

It's almost Youth Voice Week! Here's how to participate.

Next week marks the start of Youth Voice Week 2024, and all eyes are on the young people in afterschool. From March 25 to 29, we’re amplifying young people’s voices as they share the issues that are most important to them, and we’re inviting your program’s youth to...

BY: Maria Rizo      03/22/24

Afterschool is changing the narrative in my community

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Where I’m from, there’s three ways to be: a “Norbit” (a scholar), a “hoodlum,” or a baller. Afterschool programs aim to change that narrative. A typical day in the ComED youth program would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/21/24

In afterschool, I had amazing experiences and got to meet amazing people

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Throughout middle school, I loved going to the Boys and Girls Club afterschool, and I especially loved the staff. Being at the club felt like home to me; it just felt normal and comfortable. Every day, at about 2:15 pm, we would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/19/24

In afterschool, we're building community and celebrating progress

By Edgar Euceda, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. One meaningful lesson I've learned in the Elsik Afterschool Debate Club, particularly as president of the club, is the importance of having a community that's not only supportive but also celebrates progress.  A few...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/14/24

Youth Voice Week 2024 was a huge success

The voices of young people are still echoing in afterschool programs across the nation, in the halls of Congress, and across social media after a powerful Youth Voice Week! From March 25-29, the Afterschool Alliance partnered with the Collective for Youth Empowerment in STEM & Society and...

BY: Maria Rizo      04/15/24

By helping create my afterschool program, I became the person I am today

By Ava Havidic, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and their...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/29/24

I'm grateful to my afterschool program for giving me a place to belong and helping me make friends.

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/27/24

I have been led by my afterschool teachers, and now I am leading the youth of today.

By Jay'Len Clark, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/26/24

Afterschool gave me access to opportunities that improved my outlook on life.

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. March 25 to 29, 2024 is Youth Voice Week! All this week, we will publish blogs from our Afterschool Youth Ambassadors, as they describe the impact their program has had on their lives and why afterschool is important to them and...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/25/24

Afterschool is changing the narrative in my community

By Brandon Tibbs, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Where I’m from, there’s three ways to be: a “Norbit” (a scholar), a “hoodlum,” or a baller. Afterschool programs aim to change that narrative. A typical day in the ComED youth program would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/21/24

In afterschool, I had amazing experiences and got to meet amazing people

By Gabrielle Haynes, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Throughout middle school, I loved going to the Boys and Girls Club afterschool, and I especially loved the staff. Being at the club felt like home to me; it just felt normal and comfortable. Every day, at about 2:15 pm, we would...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/19/24

In afterschool, we're building community and celebrating progress

By Edgar Euceda, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. One meaningful lesson I've learned in the Elsik Afterschool Debate Club, particularly as president of the club, is the importance of having a community that's not only supportive but also celebrates progress.  A few...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/14/24

In afterschool, I discovered that my voice could make a difference, in my life and the lives of others.

By Jully Myrthil, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Being a project leader and board member for Young Voices (YV), a youth organization advocating for policies affecting youth and their communities, has been a life-changing experience. Young Voices has allowed me to use my voice to...

BY: Guest Blogger      03/05/24

It’s important for everyone to feel equal and important. I feel that way in afterschool.

By Willany Sayles, Afterschool Youth Ambassador, class of 2024. Even though I participated in afterschool programs all of my elementary years, my middle school did not have an afterschool program my 6th and 7th grade years because of the pandemic. However, my elementary school was right down the...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/20/24

It’s time for takeoff! Apply now for the 2025 Flight Crew of STEM NEXT!

By Abigail Darlington, Director of Communications at STEM Next Opportunity Fund. STEM Next Opportunity Fund is looking for afterschool STEM champions to join the 2025 Flight Crew! STEM Next has launched a nationwide search for the next cohort of the Flight Crew— a national youth...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/12/25

Summer Snapshot report series highlights key models for summer learning success

Summer gives young people the opportunity to catch up on school credits and prepare for the school year ahead. But is there a better and more engaging way? School districts are starting to rethink how students recover school credits during the summer. The Summer Snapshot series, conducted by the...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/25

New tools for OST programs from National League of Cities

Municipal leaders play an important role in supporting and funding local afterschool and summer learning programs, and to help support them the National League of Cities has a new resource page on Afterschool and Summer Learning at the city level geared towards city leaders. The page includes a...

BY: Erik Peterson      08/27/24

Afterschool intermediaries shown to expand supports for youth

New research shows that the organizations dedicated to supporting and advocating for afterschool and summer programs – known as intermediaries – made substantial contributions in helping communities during the pandemic and addressing the inequities made worse by the health...

BY: Ursula Helminski      08/09/24

Afterschool Alliance and National AfterSchool Association team up to support a thriving afterschool workforce

We are excited to announce a groundbreaking collaboration between the Afterschool Alliance and the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), aimed at fortifying the workforce within the afterschool and summer programming sectors. This strategic partnership comes at a critical juncture as programs...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      06/18/24

Measuring Youth Development: How out-of-school time programs collect and use data

Data collection can be one of the most useful – and most challenging – aspects of running an afterschool or summer program. A new Child Trends report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation explores the ways OST programs gauge their work, challenges to collecting data, and tips to...

BY: Ursula Helminski      04/02/24

Find essential OST research on the new Wallace Foundation website

Notice anything new? The Wallace Foundation has recently unveiled a new website. To help users navigate the new site, the foundation has provided an accompanying FAQ to address common questions about the site’s updated features. While steps were taken to ensure that former webpage links...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      01/23/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

Promising practices and innovative responses for high-quality arts programming in OST

Welcome to the second part of our series unpacking The Wallace Foundation’s recent report, “Setting the Stage: Practical Ideas for Implementing High-Quality Afterschool Arts Programs.” In this blog post, we will discuss the Youth Arts Initiative’s efforts to connect youth...

BY: Elizabeth Bannan      10/17/23

Guest blog: Sparking joy… districtwide

By Laurie Posner, communications consultant. This article originally appeared on the Mizzen Minute on October 2, 2023. It is being shared here with permission. As an out-of-school time professional, having vetted education content at your fingertips — for free — can be a huge help....

BY: Guest Blogger      10/09/23

We're turning 25! Here's what is on the horizon.

Welcome to 2025! It’s a big year for us – our Silver Anniversary – and we are hitting the ground running! The year is packed full of new policy updates, data releases, and resources for the field. We will kick off 2025 by educating new leaders about the importance of...

BY: Jodi Grant      01/07/25

Introducing Eleanor Willette, our new Administrative Assistant

Hello! My name is Eleanor Willette (she/her) and I am so excited to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as an Administrative Assistant. In this role I will be working with our Executive Director Jodi Grant, and with our Development team. I grew up participating in afterschool programing, which...

BY: Eleanor Willette      09/24/24

Introducing Alana Edmond, our new Research Associate

Hi everyone! My name is Alana Edmond, and I am elated to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as a Research Associate. In this role, I’ll be working with the research team on various projects aimed at communicating the impact afterschool programs have on students and families nationwide. My...

BY: Alana Edmond      09/10/24

Welcome Leslie Brooks, our new STEM Hub Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Leslie Brooks and I am so delighted to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as the new STEM Hub Manager. I am trained as a veterinarian with several years’ experience working as a clinical practitioner. Now, you might be wondering, how does a veterinarian end up at the...

BY: Leslie Brooks      09/19/23

Welcome Lucy Maddox, our Communications Associate!

Hello! My name is Lucy Maddox, and I’m very excited to be joining Afterschool Alliance as a Communications Associate! When I was growing up, afterschool and summer programs were a big part of my childhood. My parents, who both had full-time jobs, pushed me to join every afterschool activity...

BY: Lucy Maddox      07/24/23

Welcome Rebecca Salms, our new Office Administrator!

Hello! My name is Rebecca Salms, and I am so excited to be the new Office Administrator at the Afterschool Alliance. As is the case for so many others, raising a family without access to afterschool programs would have been a struggle, maybe even impossible, for me. Luckily, we did have access...

BY: Rebecca Salms      06/15/23

An afterschool champion starts a new chapter

It was September of 2004 when the Afterschool Alliance first lauded David Cicilline, then Mayor of Providence, for headlining a rally at the Rhode Island State House that was the culminating event in the state’s remarkable four-day Lights On Afterschool celebration. Our appreciation for him...

BY: Jodi Grant      06/12/23

Amobi Okugo joins board of the Afterschool Alliance

We are thrilled to introduce you to the Afterschool Alliance’s newest board member, Amobi Okugo! When we first met Amobi, he was surrounded by excited youth at a Lights On Afterschool celebration. A former professional soccer player, he had volunteered to come play with kids and show them...

BY: Ursula Helminski      05/16/23

Introducing Jasmine Crovador, our new Administrative Assistant!

I am beyond excited to have joined the Afterschool Alliance team as an Administrative Assistant for our Executive Director, Jodi Grant. In this role, I will be able to apart of both the development and administration side of Afterschool Alliance. Please allow me now to dive into who I am and why...

BY: Jasmine Crovador      04/20/23

Empowering Black girls through sports: The 318 Foundation

The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a collection of afterschool program spotlights, we'll be exploring the transformative...

BY: Sophie Kidd      01/21/25

Fighting antisemitism and Islamophobia in afterschool

As the war in Gaza continues to grind on, college and university campus protests calling for ceasefire and divestment from Israel are grabbing headlines. While many of the protests are peaceful, some have turned violent, with protesters chanting antisemitic slogans or calling for harm against...

BY: Alexis Steines      05/24/24

Celebrate Black History Month in afterschool

February marks the celebration of Black History Month, an opportunity to honor and commemorate the profound contributions of Black folks throughout history. See new resources for afterschool providers to engage students in meaningful discussions and activities that highlight and celebrate Black...

BY: Maria Rizo      02/16/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

Recapping NIEA's Convention: Education Sovereignty. It Begins with Us.

In October, advocates came together in Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the National Indian Education Association’s 54th annual Convention and Trade Show. This year’s theme was "Education Sovereignty. It Begins with Us." The convention was filled with inspiring speakers and...

BY: Sophie Kidd      11/03/23

The power of representation: Being a role model for the next generation

By Dawn Marie Johnson, MSW, Director of Leadership and Culture for the South Dakota Afterschool Network; School Board Member, Sioux Falls School District Dawn Marie Johnson has been involved in supporting young people and school and afterschool organizations for the past decade. Growing up...

BY: Guest Blogger      07/27/23

Success stories: The Burma Center

Reflecting on the findings from our recent voter poll, "Afterschool a Priority for Asian American and Pacific Islander Voters," the Afterschool Alliance is amplifying the work of out-of-school providers supporting AANHPI students and their families. The Burma Center is a...

BY: Sophie Kidd      06/26/23

Activities and resources to celebrate Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month - a month to honor the accomplishments and contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States while celebrating their diverse heritages. Here are a few resources and ideas to help you think about ways...

BY: Ursula Helminski      05/15/23

Keys to creating great sports experiences in afterschool

By Jennifer Brown Lerner, Deputy Director at Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program. The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/18/25

The power of mentorship: Downtown Boxing Gym

Photo courtsey of Downtown Boxing Gym. The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a collection of afterschool program spotlights,...

BY: Maria Rizo      02/11/25

Building a positive sports culture in afterschool

Photo courtsey of Boys & Girls Clubs Collaborative of Western New York. The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a collection of...

BY: Maria Rizo      02/04/25

Play for all: Innovative strategies for inclusive afterschool sports

Photo courtesy of Lakeshore Foundation. The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a collection of afterschool program spotlights,...

BY: Sophie Kidd      01/28/25

Empowering Black girls through sports: The 318 Foundation

The Afterschool Alliance, in partnership with Ralph C. Wilson, Jr Foundation, is thrilled to launch a series of blogs highlighting the benefits and positive impact of youth sports in afterschool. Through a collection of afterschool program spotlights, we'll be exploring the transformative...

BY: Sophie Kidd      01/21/25

Afterschool programs offer an antidote to social media harms. Big Tech settlements should foot the bill.

Photo courtesy of Children’s Funding Project By Elizabeth Gaines, founder and CEO of Children’s Funding Project. This blog was originally published on the Children’s Funding Project website on November 11, 2024. It has been reposted with permission. About eight years ago I...

BY: Guest Blogger      12/12/24

Afterschool and summer programs are stepping up to help with the youth mental health crisis

As we find ourselves at the end of Mental Health Awareness Month, our team here at the Afterschool Alliance wanted to take a moment to reflect on the critical ways that afterschool and summer learning programs can help support the mental and emotional wellness of our nation’s young people, as...

BY: Dan Gilbert      05/31/23

Voters, parents, and youth agree: Afterschool supports mental health

“For me, the introduction to my culture and the feeling of being a part of something bigger than myself, goes hand in hand with a spark or an increase to my mental, spiritual, and physical health,” writes Sasha Neyra, 16. Sasha is a high school junior and Member of Big Lagoon Rancheria....

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      05/04/23

It’s time for takeoff! Apply now for the 2025 Flight Crew of STEM NEXT!

By Abigail Darlington, Director of Communications at STEM Next Opportunity Fund. STEM Next Opportunity Fund is looking for afterschool STEM champions to join the 2025 Flight Crew! STEM Next has launched a nationwide search for the next cohort of the Flight Crew— a national youth...

BY: Guest Blogger      02/12/25

Plug-and-Play Playlists for K-12 youth

This information was provided by the team at Mizzen Education. Sign up for their newsletter today! Mizzen offers a wealth of high-quality learning tools to the out-of-school time field. This week, we are focusing on one particular type of resource: plug-and-play playlists. Unlike Mizzen...

BY: Guest Blogger      08/08/24

Culturally responsive STEM programming: Aim High awardee Geeking Out Kids of Color

This blog is part of a series covering the work of New York Life Foundation Aim High grantees. Awardees receive support for their outstanding out-of-school time programs serving underserved middle school youth. The Aim High grant request for proposals is open now through February 1, 2024...

BY: Maria Rizo      01/02/24

It's CS Ed Week! Here's how to celebrate.

December 4 through 10, 2023 is Computer Science Education Week (CSEdWeek)! CSEdWeek is an annual call to action to inspire K-12 students to learn computer science, advocate for equity in computer science education, and celebrate the contributions of students, teachers, and partners to the...

BY: Charlotte Steinecke      12/04/23

21st CCLC programs are supporting STEM learning

The Afterschool Alliance is continuing our year-long celebration of the 25th anniversary of funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC), the only federal funding stream solely dedicated to out-of-school time learning that currently supports programming at more than 10,600...

BY: Sophie Kidd      10/30/23

Welcome Leslie Brooks, our new STEM Hub Manager

Hi everyone! My name is Leslie Brooks and I am so delighted to be joining the Afterschool Alliance as the new STEM Hub Manager. I am trained as a veterinarian with several years’ experience working as a clinical practitioner. Now, you might be wondering, how does a veterinarian end up at the...

BY: Leslie Brooks      09/19/23

Summer activities! Fun free coding classes for kids & teens

Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash In our fast-paced digital world, computer science skills have become increasingly important for the future success of our children. That's why we're excited to announce an incredible opportunity for your community: free coding classes for kids and teens!...

BY: Nicole Pettenati      08/10/23