Buckeye Afterschool & Excellence Conference - Sustaining High-Impact Student Programming

Members of the Learn to Earn Dayton recently joined education practitioners in Westerville, Ohio, for the annual Buckeye Afterschool & Excellence Conference. This gathering serves as a critical professional development hub for Ohio’s Out-of-School Time (OST) sector, focusing on the tactical and narrative elements required to sustain high-impact student programming.

Coordinated by Shell and Kitt consulting agencies, the conference examined the intersection of storytelling and stakeholder engagement. While often viewed as a "soft skill," narrative development is a data-backed necessity for OST providers. Sessions explored how clear, concise communication impacts funding sustainability by using qualitative data to demonstrate return on investment to grantors and private donors. Furthermore, effective storytelling serves as a tool for community advocacy, educating families on the direct correlation between OST participation and improved socio-emotional and academic outcomes. By prioritizing these narratives, providers can position OST as a core component of the educational ecosystem rather than a secondary service.

Wesley O. Biles II, representing Learn to Earn Dayton, served on the conference planning committee and facilitated multiple breakout sessions. His role involved streamlining logistics and leading discussions on operational excellence, ensuring that the programming met the diverse needs of Ohio’s practitioners. Through his involvement, Wesley ensured that the strategic goals of Learn to Earn Dayton were well-represented within the broader statewide conversation.

The curriculum was anchored in practical application, beginning with an intensive look at regulatory alignment. Practitioners engaged with the latest 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) standards to ensure state-level compliance and the maintenance of high-quality programming. This technical focus was balanced by the study of student motivation, where attendees explored evidence-based strategies to improve student retention and engagement within OST environments. By providing a dedicated forum for these topics, the conference allowed for a vital exchange of localized solutions to statewide challenges.

The Buckeye Afterschool Conference remains a vital resource for the Ohio educational landscape, and Learn to Earn Dayton’s participation underscores our commitment to staying at the forefront of OST policy and practice.

We would like to recognize Nichelle Harris (Ten Speed Consulting) and Tricia Kidd (Kidd Consulting) for their ongoing advocacy and foundational work in organizing this essential professional space. Their efforts continue to provide the infrastructure necessary for practitioners to learn, grow, and lead.