At Beyond School Bells, we believe in supporting our afterschool professionals so they can show up in the best way for their students and fellow staff members. Throughout the year, our coaching team will offers free professional development opportunities covering a range of topics from planning a Lights on Afterschool event to incorporating responsive behavior management tactics in your program.
Here, you will find upcoming professional development opportunities, such as webinars and in-person trainings, open to afterschool and summer program professionals led by Beyond School Bells or another trusted organization in the afterschool field.
Upcoming Opportunities
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January 8, 2026
Option 1: 10:00-10:45 AM CT
Option 2: 4:00-4:45 PM CTAs a part of our January webinar series, learn about a behavior management training resource made specifically for Afterschool Staff teams that really “sticks”!
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January 9, 2026 11:00-11:30 AM CT
Tune in to Policy Pulse for national afterschool policy updates every second Friday at 11:00am CT. On these monthly webinars, Afterschool Alliance’s Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next.
Register: https://bit.ly/48Kg7eU
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January 15, 2026
Option 1: 10:00-10:45 AM CT
Option 2: 4:00-4:45 PM CTAs a part of our January webinar series, learn about a team approach to guiding positive behavior for individual students in your program. Leave with access to all Success Planning Tools!
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January 15, 2026 6:00-7:00 PM CT
Looking for fun, flexible STEM activities that fit perfectly into family nights, libraries, community centers, and more? Join us for a free webinar introducing YES STEM Event Activities—open-ended, hands-on engineering challenges designed for youth ages 6–12 and family groups. In this session, you’ll explore the full YES product line, learn where and how the activities can be implemented, and get inspired by real-world examples of successful setups.
Register: https://bit.ly/HandsOnEngineering
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January 16, 1:00 PM CT
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY: The New York Life Foundation will make 40 grants to out-of-school time programs serving youth through their Aim High local grant program. Join us for this webinar to learn more about the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, and expectations. The speakers will be Jan Brown, Senior Program Officer at the New York Life Foundation, and Dan Gilbert, Director of Whole Child Initiatives at the Afterschool Alliance and administrator of the grant application and review process. Review the application and FAQ beforehand and have your questions ready, and hear tips on submitting a strong application.
Applications are due February 6, 2025 at 4:00 PM CT
Webinar Registration: https://bit.ly/44yv554
Application: https://bit.ly/48Yx1VZ -
January 21, 2026 2:00-3:00 PM CT
In this training, STEM Next will dive deep into the first phase of Career Awareness. STEM Next and the Museum of Science in Boston will share curricular resources that are tailored to preschool and kindergarten contexts. This training is designed for out-of-school time program providers and staff, including directors, professional development and quality specialists, and facilitators. It is also ideal for out-of-school time organizations, including museum and library staff.
Register: https://bit.ly/CareerAwarePreK
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January 22, 2026
Option 1: 10:00-10:30 AM CT
Option 2: 4:00-4:30 PM CTAre you new to developing school or community partnerships? As a part of our January webinar series, learn the basics of building strong, lasting partnerships!
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January 29, 2026 6:15-8:15 PM CT
Location: Schuyler Community Schools District Office, 2023 Colfax St., Schuyler, NEBuild confidence in leading afterschool STEM learning experiences for both new and experienced staff. This 2-hour hands-on workshop features STEM activities you can use right away and focuses on development teaching skills and strategies. Open to all out-of-school time professionals!
Doors open at 5:45 PM with dinner served.
Register: https://go.unl.edu/c2spdw1
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February 13, 2026 11:00-11:30 AM CT
Tune in to Policy Pulse for national afterschool policy updates every second Friday at 11:00am CT. On these monthly webinars, Afterschool Alliance’s Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next.
Register: https://bit.ly/48Kg7eU
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March 13, 2026 11:00-11:30 AM CT
Tune in to Policy Pulse for national afterschool policy updates every second Friday at 11:00am CT. On these monthly webinars, Afterschool Alliance’s Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next.
Register: https://bit.ly/48Kg7eU
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April 10, 2026 11:00-11:30 AM
Tune in to Policy Pulse for national afterschool policy updates every second Friday at 11:00am CT. On these monthly webinars, Afterschool Alliance’s Senior VP of Policy, Erik Peterson, will recap the latest policy developments, what we know (or don’t know!) about how they may impact afterschool and summer programs, and what may be coming up next.
Register: https://bit.ly/48Kg7eU
Upcoming Conferences
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Rising Together: Building Belonging through Art, Ecology & Stories of Place
February 6 & 7, 2026
Kearney, NEBy weaving together art, ecology, and storytelling, this year’s conference theme aims to elevate environmental education as an essential tool that can inspire a deeper sense of ecological belonging for all Nebraskans. Connect with fellow educators, artists, resource professionals, and storytellers as we discover new ways to engage our communities, inspire curiosity and a sense of belonging in our students, and foster meaningful connections to the natural places we call home.
Registration Closes January 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM
Register: https://bit.ly/4p2QECe -
Dare, Dream, Do
March 11-14, 2026
Washington, DCAs the field navigates change and uncertainty, NAA26 offers more than professional development. It’s a space to recharge, reconnect, and reaffirm your purpose. Gain practical tools and strategies while building relationships that sustain your work. Every session is designed to value human connection, inspired learning, and collective strength.
Register: https://bit.ly/NAA26Register
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March 26, 2026
Kearney, NEThis event brings together nonprofits of all sizes and missions for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration. The conference will feature a dynamic keynote session, a variety of engaging breakout sessions, and plenty of networking opportunities to connect with peers, share ideas, and strengthen your organization's impact. Whether you're a small grassroots group or a large established nonprofit, there's something for everyone!
Register: https://www.nonprofitam.org/events/2026-central-nebraska-nonprofit-conference
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April 28-May 1
BOOST Collaborative is a unique, purpose-driven organization committed to supporting those serving youth during the in and out-of-school time hours by providing quality professional development, opportunities for networking & partnerships, and leadership training. Together, we make a difference. Gather with over 3,500 Pre-K, Elementary, Middle, High School, and Higher Education global educators in sunny Palm Springs to learn, grow, and connect.
Professional Development Archive
Missed a webinar or training? Check out our archived resources below!
Telling Your Program's Story (BSB Afterschool Chat & Chew 4/9/2025)
Summer Learning (BSB Afterschool Chat & Chew 2/12/2025)
Preventing Negative Behaviors (BSB Afterschool Chat & Chew 12/11/2024)
Looking for Asynchronous Trainings and Resources?
Check out our Toolkits and Resources page for readily available, and often free, resources for your program!
