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Are you a parent or caregiver who has seen first hand how out-of-school programs instill confident and encourage academic achievement in your child? Are you willing to raise your voice to share that message with leaders who need to know? Are you an out-of-school time program provider who has unique insights into the difference that quality programs make in supporting student success? Are you interested in advocating for stronger summer and afterschool programs? Help to inform your community by accessing these templates for newsletters, sample newspaper articles, or social media posts. ____________________________________________________ SASC: PROGRAM PARTNERS Consider participating in the annual Lights On Afterschool campaign each October. You can plan an event, welcome community partners or elected officials, and/or leverage your social media and newsletters to raise awareness about the critical nature of afterschool. Here, you can find: a preparation timeline for hosting an event. guidelines for a thoughtful communication plan. templates for working with the media (press releases, etc.). a social media toolkit. Join the Afterschool Alliance for valuable programs and resources available all year long, like the Afterschool for All Challenge in May, when you can raise your voice to share the importance of out-of-school with your elected officials. _____________________________________________________ ENGAGED CAREGIVERS Educate yourself on the data behind afterschool success, with this helpful data from the Afterschool Alliance. Each May the Afterschool Alliance hosts the Afterschool for All Challenge. Get involved by emailing or calling your elected representatives. Information and templates are available here. Every July, we celebrate the National Summer Learning Week. Explore the parent toolkit. ______________________________________________________ Questions on how to raise your voice in support of increasing access to high-quality afterschool or summer programs? Contact Wesley Biles, II by emailing wesley.biles2@learntoearndayton.org.

October 26, 2023 is a celebration of how important it is to keep #LightsOnAfterschool! Learn to Earn Dayton’s Summer and Afterschool Collaborative promotes youth development and success by working collaboratively with program providers to increase access to high-quality afterschool and summer programs. We know that out-of-school time programs are critical assets for our community, crucial for the healthy development of young people, and essential to families. The Montgomery County Commissioners have recognized the importance of out-of-school education. Commission President Debbie Lieberman shared how the priorities of the County and L2ED's Summer + Afterschool Collaborative align, saying, "Learn to Earn's evidence-based programming allows Montgomery County children to grow not only academically, but also socially, emotionally and physically. Their critical services are proven to decrease behavior problems while increasing family engagement and school attendance. Our children truly are our future and that's why we're proud to support and invest in Learn to Earn's mission." We encourage all afterschool participants and supporters (students, caregivers, providers, teachers) to take a picture of you or your team wearing BLUE on October 26 and leverage your social media to spread the word about how critical it is that we keep #LightsOnAfterschool as part of the #DaytonSASC. Tag Learn to Earn Dayton (@LtoED) so we can amplify your message! "Our children truly are our future and that's why we're proud to support and invest in Learn to Earn's mission." Commission President Debbie Lieberman WHY the SUMMER + AFTERSCHOOL COLLABORATIVE: Learn to Earn Dayton provides resources, tools, and trainings to assist program providers as they monitor the progress of program participants’ in social-emotional learning, academic behavior and growth, attendance, family engagement, healthy lifestyles. The Summer and Afterschool Collaborative is committed to serving all students, particularly young people who lack access to enriching activities that help children grow up to be well-rounded and successful adults. About the Poster Art: This year's poster was created by Lydia Ireland, a seventh-grade student from Folks Middle School Art Club. Lydia’s drawing features afterschool imagery, including a ballet slipper, a football, a theater mask, a chess piece, and a computer mouse – all radiating from a glowing lightbulb and symbolizing the range of passions afterschool encompasses. A light switch appears at the top of the poster to signify keeping the #LightsOnAfterschool.

For all high school students -- and their families -- you're invited to the Greater Dayton College & Career Fair on Tuesday, October 24, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., at Butler High School Student Activity Center at 600 South Dixie Drive in Vandalia. (Note: Optional advanced registration can save you time at the door, but is not required!) With FREE admission, easy registration, and over 100 colleges, universities, and local employers waiting for you, you must add this event to your calendar! The event is hosted at Butler High School (Vandalia), but it is designed for ALL students from across the region to attend and benefit from the opportunity to meet with admissions teams from more than 80 colleges and universities throughout Ohio and the U.S. (plus several international colleges, too!). Register in advance or at the door when you arrive. Consider all your options as you meet with representatives from a wide range of schools with many different assets, specialties, and opportunities. Whether you're looking for: a big school or a small school; a school close to home or far away; a school where you can play sports (soccer or quidditch), play music, or just play, you can find YOUR perfect fit. But only if you start looking. This is the single largest college & career fair in our region to date. Don't miss it! Questions? Contact the Greater Dayton College and Career Fair Liaison, Rob Durkle, at robert.durkle@wright.edu.

On October 2, 2023, Spectrum News 1 aired a story by reporter Katie Kapusta, featuring an innovative partnership between Learn to Earn Dayton and Dayton6th to "use NIL for good." The segment showcases University of Dayton basketball stars DaRon Holmes and Destiny Bohanon on location at DECA Middle School, recording video and photography for the regional attendance campaign -- EVERY DAY MATTERS. Attendance is a critical issue in Montgomery County and across the nation. Dave Taylor, superintendent of the Dayton Early College Academy is featured in the story saying, “The number of kids missing 10 school days, 15 school days, 20 school days a year go up astronomically. And there’s a ton of data that tells us that when kids don’t come to school, they don’t perform well academically and those issues compound on each other year after year after year.” It's a meaningful way for these athletes to use their recognition for good, and both Destiny and DaRon shared that they hope the campaign will make a difference for students. “It helps kids understand that in order to get to certain points where they want to get to you have to do certain things," Holmes said. "And that’s going to school, so attendance has to be something that’s required.” “For NIL it’s bigger than the materialistic things, the money, or any of that," Bohanon said. "It’s really about getting to influence the kids, getting to influence your community, your support system.” Visit the Spectrum website to see the story!

Learn to Earn Dayton is on your side in sharing the message of why it's CRITICAL that students are in school EVERY DAY. Together, with Dayton 6th, we're spreading that message loud and clear. With our county-wide campaign launching Fall 2023 and continuing through the year, we are serving as the regional megaphone to draw attention to to the importance of school attendance. We invite you to amplify the message by sharing directly with your constituents through your social media pages, newsletters, and through whatever format you use to communicate with students, parents, and families. Let's spread the word! Want some great photos to share on social? See our gallery below! Ready to launch a larger awareness campaign? Schools can access these media outreach templates from Attendance Works to amplify the message. Be sure to follow our pages on social media in order to share quickly. Dayton 6th: Twitter: https://twitter.com/daytonnil LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dayton6th/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daytonnil/ Learn to Earn Dayton: Twitter: https://twitter.com/LtoED LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn-to-earn-dayton/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ltoedayton/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LtoED Short Blubs (for newsletters): DID YOU KNOW? Being out of school just 2 days per month adds up to 18 days; that's a full month of learning missed by the end of the year. It’s easy to underestimate how much school a child is missing if the days are intermittent. That's why EVERY DAY MATTERS! Attendance is important at EVERY AGE. Start building this habit in preschool so students learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students are showing up EVERY DAY to access learning opportunities and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job. Parents know that EVERY DAY MATTERS in school, but you might be wondering what you can do to make attendance a priority and keep your students engaged? Learn more with these helpful resources from our partners at Attendance Works. Is there a resource or tool that would be especially helpful to you? Reach out and let us know how we can better support you and your school as we share the message that EVERY DAY MATTERS.

You know that EVERY DAY MATTERS. Your student’s attendance directly correlates with their academic success. Being out of school just 2 days per month adds up to 18 days by the end of the year; that's a full MONTH of school time they missed! It’s easy to underestimate how much school a child is missing if the days are intermittent. Ready to be a part of it? Use the images in the gallery (right) on your social media to help spread the word about this important campaign! Know the facts! Chronically absent students (missing just 18 days in a 180-day school year) are at higher risk of dropping out, performing lower academically, and being unprepared for the future. Whether your student is enrolled in preschool, early grades, elementary school, middle school, or high school, they need to show up EVERY DAY to live up to their full potential and reach for all the opportunities available. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students are showing up EVERY DAY to access learning opportunities and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and on the job. Good attendance will be a skill that will help them succeed in high school and college. Learn more about building positive attendance habits at whatever age with handouts from our partners at Attendance Works. Preschool - Kindergarten: Kindergarten & Early Grades: Elementary School: Middle and High School: En Español:

On Monday, September 25, approximately 40 engaged educators from 19 school districts gathered to learn about new opportunities and share their best practices in connecting area students to career opportunities and work-based learning. Convened by Bryan Stewart, the Director of Workforce serving both the Montgomery County Educational Service Center and Learn to Earn Dayton, the day featured opportunities for these professionals to connect with one another and amazing resources to support students. Career Champions are educators and engaged community leaders, designated by their district to bring best practices and valuable opportunities to students exploring their career options. In honor of Manufacturing Month, the event kicked off with a short career video and a welcome by Bryan Stewart. Speaking of the great turnout and full agenda, Stewart said, "This was our first Career Champions meeting of the school year, and it is truly exciting to see so many advocates for students from around our region meeting to learn more about resources they can bring back to their districts!" Morning speakers included Gene Saunders from Congressman Mike Turner's Office, sharing information on how students can receive a letter of support to accompany their application to one of the highly prestigious military academies; Nick Smiley from the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of the Miami Valley sharing information on Skilled Trades Appreciation Month and opportunities for student learning; and Jeff Brokamp from Junior Achievement provided an update on MFG Month. As this isn't a group content to just sit around -- the late morning session included a site visit at Motoman where the group saw advanced manufacturing in action in our own backyard. After lunch, a series of informational sessions helped to connect these Career Champions to resources from L2ED and MCESC that could benefit their students. They heard from Megan Cooper from Learn to Earn Dayton about how the organization is focused on data and partnerships to support degree attainment; Josie Muterspaw from MCESC's SEL team shared promising practices in mental wellness; Katie Grothaus, Career Navigator Specialist from MCESC, covered graduation requirements and important updates on instructional services; and Jacie Womack, Family & Community Engagement Coordinator, closed the session with important information about responding to the needs of the whole child. "I love these professional development opportunities because you can see the educators meeting with leaders from around the region and brainstorming how they can bring it back to their districts. At the end of the day though, I’m excited to see what events, partnerships, and awareness is brought about by this program.” ~Bryan Stewart It was a full and exciting day with lots of learning (and a lot of fun and camaraderie along the way). Thank you to MCESC for your efforts in coordinating and thank you to the many dedicated educators from across the region who take the time to join in the conversation as we strengthen career connections for all students.

Learn to Earn Dayton is thrilled to celebrate the critical work of our Summer + Afterschool Collaborative in conjunction with the Afterschool Alliance and the Lights on Afterschool initiative. Montgomery County will light up BLUE on October 26, and L2ED will leverage our social media in celebration of the many, high-quality afterschool programs in our region. Here's how you can be a part of our local awareness effort: Send us a photo of your afterschool program in action. Let us know if you are hosting a public event on October 26, and we are happy to cross-promote. Add your program to the national map by registering (even if you don't have all the details!) Plan to leverage your social media accounts on October 26 and include #LightsOnAfterschool, we'll share the great work you do! All SASC members are requested to send their photo and any special event information to Wesley Biles by October 10, 2023, for inclusion in the L2ED rollout. Want to learn more about the "Lights on Afterschool," program? Visit the Afterschool Alliance for tips on hosting events and raising your voice to advocate for the valuable impact of out-of-school programs.

Learn about environmental justice issues impacting lives in West & Northwest Dayton & Share your experience with pollution in the community. Spend 90 minutes with partners from Miami Valley Fair Housing, and you'll get: An overview of environmental justice issues affecting neighbors in Northwest and West Dayton, The invitation to share your experience with pollution in the community, Light refreshments/snacks Opportunities to win gift cards to Gem City Market WHEN: Tuesday, October 17, 2023 WHERE: Northwest Branch Library at 2410 Philadelphia Drive WHAT TIME: 5:45 PM Registration, 6:00-7:30 PM Listening Learn more by viewing the attached flyer. Register in advance at the Miami Valley Fair Housing website. If you have questions, please email John Zimmerman at john.zimmerman@mvfairhousing.com

At a convening of more than 600 leaders from across the country, StriveTogether presented Dr. Thomas J. Lasley II with the Bill Henningsgaard Cradle to Career Champion Award. Dr. Lasley is the founder, CEO emeritus and director of policy at Learn to Earn Dayton. Named in memory of a tireless advocate for youth from Eastside Pathways in Bellevue, Washington, this national award is presented each year to a member of the StriveTogether Cradle to Career Network who embodies the passion, commitment and persistence Henningsgaard modeled. As an educational trailblazer, Dr. Lasley fights to reduce achievement gaps in Ohio and nationally. After serving as dean of education at the University of Dayton, he founded Learn to Earn Dayton to increase the number of adults in Montgomery County, Ohio, with a college degree/credential to 60%. Dr. Lasley is a recognized authority in the educational field. He has helped shape policy and legislation surrounding the science of reading, attainment outcomes, FAFSA completion, student debt mitigation and more. His commitment to data means his work gets results, impacting the lives of thousands of students and families in tangible ways. His vision and collaborative leadership helped Learn to Earn Dayton develop data-driven best practices in achieving cradle-to-career outcomes, earning StriveTogether’s Systems Transformation designation. Learn to Earn Dayton CEO, Stacy Wall Schweikhart, who nominated Dr. Lasley for the award, said, “Tom has dedicated his career to being the most recognized and respected champion for students in Ohio, and across the country. He combines his intellect, relational expertise and a deep passion for education to align partners, address policy and advocate for the changes necessary to close gaps in student achievement. We are incredibly proud that his many years of leadership were recognized nationally with this prestigious award from StriveTogether.” As a member of the Cradle to Career Network, Learn to Earn Dayton is part of a national movement to help every child succeed in school and in life, regardless of race, ethnicity, zip code or circumstance. Learn to Earn Dayton is leading regional efforts including early grade reading proficiency, chronic absenteeism, student voice, two-generation supports, and career pathways.

Miami Valley Career Technology Center's Aspire program is offering community members two great opportunities to earn either their Manufacturing Associate certificate, or combined certifications in Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Operations. Both opportunities are offered FREE to the student and will be held in the Montgomery County Job Center. The Manufacturing Associate is a 6-week course beginning Tuesday, October 3, 2023 and Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Operations is an 8-week course beginning Monday, October 9, 2023. The ideal candidate is anyone 18+ looking to increase their employability skills through training and certification. If you are or know of any potential candidates for these opportunities, please share the attached links or flyers (below) detailing information regarding upcoming course registration, sessions and class schedules. Classes start in October -- spread the word! Combined Hospitality/Tourism/Culinary: Certified Manufacturing Associate:

Grants will fund organizations deeply invested in improving the quality of life for residents in Northwest Dayton The Northwest Dayton Partnership, with support from Learn to Earn Dayton, today announced they are investing up to $625,000 in community-based organizations’ work to improve outcomes in education, community well-being, racial equity, and economic mobility for Northwest Dayton’s children and families. This is a continuation of the first Community Investment Fund, providing 28 local organizations with a total of $1.45 million. Funds were raised under the leadership of The Dayton Foundation from generous individuals, organizations, and foundations across the region (see below). These grants are part of a large-scale effort to use a two-generation approach to build economic and racial equity in Northwest Dayton. Small, local emerging organizations (with an annual budget of less than $500,000) primarily serving the people of the Northwest Dayton Partnership area are invited to apply. Applications are available now (click pdf). (NOTE: Updated September 6, 2023) Projects should be consistent with one or more of the Northwest Dayton Partnership’s initiatives and core goals: Building high-quality early childhood education for children birth to age five, Supporting high-performing public K-12 schools that serve students’ academic and social needs, Aligning, supporting, and implementing place-based community revitalization activities, particularly those that address the social determinants of health (such as economic status, social factors, food access, health access, educational attainment and environment), Increasing racial equity and economic mobility in Northwest Dayton. A critical element of this grant process is that community residents and neighborhood stakeholders will lead the process. While Learn to Earn Dayton provides administrative support, the local committee is leading the process, including application review and final decisions regarding funding. Organizations interested in learning more can visit the Learn to Earn Dayton website. The application, frequently asked questions, and other resources are available online and will be updated throughout the process. Space is limited, and registration is strongly recommended. Full applications are due on September 15. Questions? Contact Northwest@learntoearndayton.org. THANK YOU to the following corporations, foundations, and individuals who generously donated to the fund, coordinated by The Dayton Foundation, in order to empower proximate grantmaking and ensure strong community voice for neighborhood outcomes: The Dayton Foundation Mathile Family Foundation Jeff and Ellen Ireland Fund CareSource Foundation Kettering Foundation Charles D. Berry Foundation Ms. Valerie A. Lemmie Harry W. & Margaret Moore Foundation Tait Foundation *** About Northwest Dayton Partnership: The Northwest Dayton Partnership (NWDP) brings together people and public and private sector organizations to dramatically improve results at a population level and reduce racial disparities. NWDP aligns opportunities, bolsters the infrastructure critical for the community's success and equips families to pursue their goals and thrive. About Learn to Earn Dayton: Learn to Earn Dayton fosters the success of all Montgomery County children from birth until they graduate from college or earn a high-quality credential. Our big goal is for 60 percent of Montgomery County's working-age adults to have a 2-year or 4-year college degree or a high-quality credential to lead to greater opportunity for family-sustaining wage employment.