By Emani Joy Morse, M.Ed., Communications Associate
In a moment when out-of-school-time programs are navigating shifting funding landscapes, evolving student needs, and rapid technological change, the 2026 National Afterschool Association (NAA) Convention made one thing clear: the field is not searching for direction; it is already innovating in real and visible ways.
Across the country, programs are expanding opportunities for young people and the professionals who support them. The vision is there. The innovation is happening. The question now is whether funding, policy, and public understanding will catch up to the scale and significance of that work.
What is emerging is a more clear picture of what the field requires next: stronger alignment between program design and future pathways, more intentional communication strategies, and deeper investment in the people leading the work.
These themes came into focus during the 2026 National Afterschool Association (NAA) Convention, where conversations, sessions, and practitioner insights reflected broader shifts already underway.
Held March 11–14 at the Gaylord National Harbor outside of Washington, DC, and centered on the theme Dream. Dare. Do., the convention brought together thousands of educators, program leaders, and advocates committed to strengthening opportunities for young people beyond the school day.
Across sessions, conversations, and the Learning Expo, a consistent thread emerged: the future of afterschool will be shaped not only by what we offer young people, but by how intentionally we evolve as Out-of-School Time (OST) leaders, communicators, and systems thinkers.
Dream: Relevance, Possibility, and Future Pathways
The central ideas emerging from the convention focused on one key question: what does it take to prepare young people for the futures they are stepping into in ways that feel relevant and real?
Sessions throughout the week reinforced this shift. Conversations around youth voice, belonging, and engagement emphasized the need to design programs with young people, not just for them. Workshops like “Design with, Not For: Practical Strategies for Youth-Led Program Planning” and “Amplifying Youth Voice: Building Leadership and Programming in Out-of-School Time” reflected a growing commitment to making learning relevant, identity-affirming, and future-oriented.
What is resonating right now:
- Programs that connect learning to real-world pathways and career exploration
- Experiences designed around student interests, creativity, and voice
- Integration of technology as a bridge to engagement
- Intentional efforts to help youth see themselves in future opportunities
What is fading:
- One-size-fits-all programming that does not reflect student identity or interests
- Activities that feel disconnected from real-world application
This is not a new idea, but it is becoming more urgent. Afterschool is no longer just about enrichment; it is about expanding what young people believe is possible for themselves.
Dare: Communicate, Advocate, and Evolve Leadership
If Dream is about vision, Dare is about what the field must be bold enough to do next.
Over the past year, nearly $8 Billion in federal funding supporting afterschool and summer learning programs was at risk. Programs across the country responded by organizing, sharing impact, and demonstrating their value to policymakers. That collective effort reinforced a critical reality: impact alone is not enough to sustain programs. Intentional, strategic communication is essential to ensure that work is seen, understood, and supported.
That was reflected throughout the conference. Sessions like “Your Story, Their Support: Inspiring Policymakers to Champion Afterschool” and “Beyond ‘By the Numbers’: Telling Impact Stories That Actually Matter” emphasized that how we communicate our work is just as important as the work itself.
Another major focus was advancing the profession itself. Conversations around the National Youth Development Credential Project highlighted a growing movement to formalize career pathways in out-of-school time and to recognize the specialized skill set required to do this work effectively.
What is gaining traction:
- Data-backed storytelling that connects program outcomes to broader systems
- Clear, audience-aware messaging that resonates with policymakers and communities
- Investment in credentialing and professional pathways for OST professionals
- Leadership development that includes social-emotional and communication skills
What is being challenged:
- Assuming good work will speak for itself
- Treating communication as an afterthought instead of a strategy
The field is not only advocating for funding; it is actively defining itself as a profession with expertise, standards, and a clear value proposition.
Do: Sustaining the Workforce Behind the Work
While vision and strategy matter, the field ultimately moves forward because of the people doing the work every day. One of the clearest themes across the convention was the need to better support and sustain the workforce.
In conversations between sessions and alongside presenters and participants, the same theme kept surfacing. The people in this field are deeply committed to young people and driven by a strong sense of purpose. That purpose sustains them, but it is not enough on its own if we want them to excel and remain in the field long-term.
What is helping people stay and thrive:
- Strong networks of peers and mentors
- Intentional boundaries and self-care practices
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
- A culture of recognizing wins and learning from challenges
There is also a strong sense of collective responsibility. Many professionals spoke about investing in others, sharing resources, and helping the next generation of leaders navigate the field. This mindset of paying it forward strengthens the OST profession by ensuring knowledge and support are shared rather than siloed.
The takeaway is simple but important. If we want strong programs, we must invest in the people leading them with the same level of intention that we invest in the young people and programs themselves.
A Signal for the Future: The Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders
One of the clearest reflections of where the field is headed can be seen in the NAA Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
This national recognition honors emerging professionals under the age of 30 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, impact, and commitment to advancing the out-of-school-time field. More than an award, it represents a growing investment in leadership development and reinforces that the future of the field depends on those already shaping it.
What stood out this year was not just the level of impact but the humility of those being recognized. In conversations at the Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders gathering, many shared that they were simply doing what they believed young people needed, not seeking recognition.
At the same time, they are thinking expansively about how to grow their programs and deepen their impact. They are experimenting, learning, and building new ideas for what out-of-school time can be.
Equally important is the community that develops from this recognition. For many, these relationships become a long-term support system. What begins as a single moment of recognition often evolves into years of connection, collaboration, and shared growth, strengthening both individual leaders and the field as a whole.
The Bottom Line
The 2026 NAA Convention made it clear that the future of afterschool will depend on our ability to dream bigger, act more strategically, and operate more sustainably.
What is emerging is a field that is more defined, more vocal, and more intentional about its role in broader education and workforce systems.
The programs making the greatest impact are not just adapting to change; they are also defining it.
Right now, out-of-school-time programs need to focus on the people driving this work and support them holistically so they can continue pushing the field forward. The professionals this field attracts are already deeply committed to young people. When we invest in their well-being, growth, and sustainability, the return extends far beyond individual programs and strengthens outcomes for youth and communities alike.
