Inside Out-of-School Time hosted by the 21st CCLC NTAC

In Part 3 of our series with the Missouri AfterSchool Network, host Karin Wolfe sits down with program leaders serving rural, urban, and small-town communities across Missouri to explore what meaningful student engagement looks like in middle and high school afterschool programs. Guests share how student voice and choice, relationship building, hands-on learning, leadership opportunities, and career exploration experiences are helping young people discover their interests and future pathways. From entrepreneurship and virtual-reality career simulations to service learning and college visits, this episode highlights how afterschool programs create space for students to explore, connect, and grow. This episode also examines how afterschool professionals intentionally create environments where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered to think about their future goals in authentic and meaningful ways. Guests include: Katie Schiefelbein, Hollister R-V School District Peter Gioia, Mission: St. Louis Beyond School Tracy Ross, Van Buren R-1 School District Resources mentioned in this episode: The Missouri AfterSchool Network’s Resource Library (career awareness and youth entrepreneurship): https://moafterschool.org/resource-library VentureLab (entrepreneurship-related curriculum and tools): https://venturelab.org  220 Youth Leadership (leadership development programs): https://www.220leadership.com  

In Part 2 of the conversation with the Missouri AfterSchool Network, Mark Cowsert, the network’s associate director of partnerships, shares how statewide strategy, strong partnerships, and data-driven decision-making are shaping youth workforce development across Missouri. Building on his experience as a 21st CCLC program director, Mark highlights how Missouri has expanded opportunities for middle and high school students through intentional investments, resource alignment, and a focus on quality. This episode explores how programs can better engage older youth through voice and choice, real-world experiences, and career-connected learning. Mark also shares insights on the importance of attendance and engagement, the role of partnerships in scaling impact, and how afterschool programs can serve as a critical space for students to explore career pathways. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re looking to grow your approach, this conversation offers practical insights and inspiration for strengthening youth workforce initiatives in out-of-school time. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Missouri AfterSchool Network’s Resource Library (career awareness and youth entrepreneurship): https://moafterschool.org/resource-library VentureLab (entrepreneurship-related curriculum and tools): https://venturelab.org  220 Youth Leadership (leadership development programs): https://www.220leadership.com  

In this first episode of a three-part series with the Missouri AfterSchool Network, host Karin Wolfe speaks with Aaron Banks, the network’s workforce development and entrepreneurship lead, about how out-of-school time programs can support college and career readiness for middle and high school students. Aaron shares how his journey from law enforcement to teaching and entrepreneurship shaped his approach to youth workforce development. Throughout the conversation, he highlights how afterschool programs create space for students to build leadership skills, explore career interests, and develop the confidence needed for future success. This episode also explores how youth leadership initiatives, entrepreneurship experiences, and strong community partnerships can help students discover new possibilities and begin preparing for life beyond high school. Resources mentioned in this episode:Missouri Afterschool Network Resource Library (Career Awareness & Youth Entrepreneurship): https://moafterschool.org/resource-library/VentureLab (Entrepreneurship Curriculum & Tools): https://venturelab.org/220 Youth Leadership (Leadership Development Programs): https://www.220leadership.com/

In Part 2 of our conversation with Chad Norton, deputy director of the Wellesley Recreation Department, we explore how parks and recreation programs intentionally blend fun, enrichment, academics, and workforce development while staying, as Chad puts it, “relationship driven more than outcome driven.” Chad shares real-world examples of integrating STEM, literacy, and math into recreational settings, supporting teen staff as emerging professionals, and building strong partnerships with schools, libraries, and community organizations. This episode highlights how recreation departments and 21st CCLC programs can align efforts to create seamless pathways for students from summer learning to career readiness, while keeping youth engagement and strong relationships at the center of the work. 

In Episode 9 of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe dives into how parks and recreation programs play a powerful — and often overlooked — role in youth development. She’s joined by Chad Norton, deputy director of the Wellesley Recreation Department in Massachusetts. In Part 1 of the two-part conversation, Karin and Chad explore how recreation programs support social-emotional growth, behavioral development, and a comprehensive learning approach. Chad also shares how summer camps and recreation programs operate in the “in-between spaces” — before school, after school, on weekends, and during the summer — and why those moments are critical for building trust, connection, and essential life skills. This episode highlights the natural alignment between parks and recreation departments, OST programs, and 21st CCLC initiatives, setting the stage for deeper collaboration across systems that serve young people.  

In Episode 8 of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe reconnects with the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain — this time with Laquitta Staton, Vice President of Grants and Government Partnerships. Laquitta reflects on this year’s Lights On Afterschool celebrations, shares stories of family engagement and community partnerships, and offers insights into how 21st CCLC funding strengthens academic support, sustainability, and staff development across her organization’s programs. This episode highlights the power of collaboration, communication, and strategic planning in sustaining high-quality out-of-school time programs that keep the lights shining all year long. 

In this special Inside Out-of-School Time episode, host Karin Wolfe sits down with Heather Joyner, vice president of operations and programs for the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain in North Carolina, to explore how Lights On Afterschool inspires connection, creativity, and community impact. Heather shares how her team prepares for Lights On Afterschool — from teen-led music showcases to family events such as Brushes & Bites and the Core Memory Carnival — and how youth voice, family engagement, and partnerships bring these celebrations to life. Learn how this annual event, hosted nationally by the Afterschool Alliance, shines a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs and the incredible work being done across 21st Century Community Learning Centers and local communities. 👉 For more information or to get involved, visit afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm. 

In Part 3 of this three-part series, Inside Out-of-School Time hosts Karin Wolfe and Cappella Brown conclude their conversation with Johanna Friedel, former project director for the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education at Greenville ISD. This episode focuses on the “Evaluate” and “Extend” phases of the 5E instructional model — where students demonstrate understanding, reflect on progress, and apply skills to real-world contexts.  Johanna shares how OST programs can use reflection tools, family engagement, and community connections to reinforce learning and support lasting growth. Whether you’re assessing student outcomes or designing opportunities to extend learning beyond your program, tune in for practical strategies to activate your students’ curiosity and strengthen your program’s impact.  Don’t miss the final episode of our conversation with Johanna. Tune in today! 

In Part 2 of this episode of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe and Cappella Brown continue their conversation with Johanna Friedel, Project Director for the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education at Greenville ISD. Together, they dive into the “Explain” and “Elaborate” phases of the 5E learning model, exploring how student-centered teaching practices support both academic and social-emotional growth. From using creative, hands-on activities to engaging families as learning partners, this episode offers practical strategies to cultivate a growth mindset and strengthen student engagement in afterschool settings. 

In this special bonus episode of Inside Out-of-School Time, host Karin Wolfe sits down with Carla Jones-Wiley, program director at Spring Independent School District, to talk about what it takes to build a thriving 21st CCLC program. Carla shares her approach to intentional hiring, leadership development, and staff empowerment — and how those practices create ripple effects for students and communities.  From AI camps and STEM-focused summer learning to meaningful partnerships with steering committees, this conversation shines a light on how strong leadership and purposeful planning can spark opportunity and transformation — not just for students, but for everyone involved in OST.  Tune in to hear how Spring ISD is keeping students inspired and teams empowered through leadership that leads with heart.  

In Episode 3, Part 1 of Inside Out-of-School Time, hosts Karin Wolfe and Cappella Brown kick off a three-part series with Johanna Friedel, Project Director for the Texas Afterschool Centers on Education at Greenville ISD. Together, they dive into what meaningful engagement really looks like in out-of-school time (OST), and how the 5E Learning Model can serve as a practical guide to spark curiosity and deepen learning.  Through stories, strategies, and honest reflections, this episode explores how incorporating exploration, play, and purpose into your daily practice can lead to stronger connections and better outcomes for youth. Whether you're planning a new activity or reflecting on your program's culture, you'll walk away with ideas to reignite joy and intention in your work. Listen now to explore the first steps of the 5E journey—and how you can bring that energy to life in your own program. 

Episode 2 of Inside Out-of-School Time is now live! In this episode, host Karin Wolfe is joined by Dr. Candace Ferguson, Project Director of the 21st CCLC NTAC, for a powerful conversation about how the 21st CCLC NTAC is transforming its mission into meaningful, on-the-ground support for out-of-school time (OST) programs. Explore how tools like the Learning Management System and the Knowledge Network are helping professionals across all roles — from SEA Coordinators to frontline staff — tackle real challenges like staff retention, student engagement, and academic recovery. Listen now to gain insights, strategies, and a deeper understanding of how the 21st CCLC NTAC is helping programs grow and thrive. 

Welcome to the premiere of Inside Out-of-School Time, the podcast for OST professionals looking to connect, learn, and grow. Hosted by Cappella Santos-Brown, this series dives into best practices, innovative ideas, and real stories that shape the out-of-school time field. In this debut episode, we sit down with Dr. La’ Shawndra Scroggins, the visionary leader behind the 21st Century Community Learning Centers National Technical Assistance Center (NTAC). Dr. Scroggins shares her journey, the creation of NTAC, and the groundbreaking tools and strategies the team is developing to support OST programs nationwide.  Whether you're an OST leader, educator, or advocate, this episode is packed with insights to inspire your work and enhance your impact. Be sure to tune in to part two, featuring Dr. Candace Ferguson, for more on NTAC’s vision and priorities.