Educational Opportunities

Unlike teachers, social workers or their peers in other fields, after-school educators have few if any options to study in their field at the university level. After-school is generally not recognized by colleges or universities as an independent discipline. Most institutions of higher learning offer no courses on after-school. This leaves workers without a clear path to obtain solid skills and knowledge through a well-rounded education.

The Center for After-School Excellence is dedicated to helping after-school and youth educators earn college credits and degrees in the after-school field. The Center gives staff members the guidance and opportunities they need to advance in their lives and careers and improve their earning power.

Kids benefit when staff members are better educated about the ages and stages of child development and the after-school learning environment. But the benefits to after-school staff members are also permanent and profound.

By taking Center-sponsored courses at colleges throughout New York City, after-school educators can:

• Work toward degrees that put them on track for better-paying jobs and leadership positions.
• Earn lifelong college credits that will be recognized for as long as they work, wherever they work in any part of the city or country.
• Earn preferred hiring status when they apply for jobs with many of New York’s major after-school providers.
• Learn from faculty members who are versed in the knowledge and skills that make them most effective in handling the diverse after-school population.

	Additional benefits to staff include: » Opportunities to meet New York State Department of Health child care training requirements » The chance to network with colleagues from throughout the five boroughs » The chance to build a professional development portfolio of in-service training combined with college coursework

Finally, they have the deep satisfaction of living the advice they preach. After-school programs urge kids to strive to earn college degrees. After-school educators who earn degrees model success in their programs and communities.

Any after-school or youth worker can take a Center-sponsored weekend workshop on the basics of after-school practice. Staff members may also take a year-long series of college courses to earn credits toward undergraduate degrees and professional certificates in after-school.

Many of the largest nonprofit after-school providers in New York City have committed to offering hiring preference to job applicants who earn professional certificates through the Center.

To make college education accessible to staff members who juggle multiple jobs with responsibilities, the Center sponsors courses at campuses throughout the city, at different times of day and days of the week. Anyone who needs help with financial aid or registration can call Center staff for counseling.

For counseling on financial aid, registration or college opportunities, contact Damali Dublin at (646) 943-8848, or ddublin@afterschoolexcellence.org.