NDE Family-Community Engagement

Another shoutout from Megan to her team at Collective for Youth! It's professionals like them who make possible for over 17,000 students in Nebraska. Thank you!

Way to go, The Den! Bancroft-Rosalie’s amazing family engagement event is a shining example for 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Nebraska!🎉🎉

Winter is on its way out and spring is here! Before we say goodbye to winter completely, check out this success story from the 21st Century Community Learning Center at Bancroft-Rosalie Elementary! They make winter a time to look forward to with their annual Family Winter Night. The afterschool program invites families in for a night away from the cold filled with a hot cocoa bar, cookie decorating, and a warm meal. Students were extra excited for this year’s event since they got to use frosting that they made themselves! This event has grown over the years and recently saw its biggest turn out with 35 families in attendance! What a way to achieve 21st CCLC’s goal of increasing family and community engagement! Go Bancroft-Rosalie! 🎉

It’s GRANT COMPETITION TIME! Check out the 2026 Nebraska Afterschool Competitive Grant Competition! $1.6 million in available funds. Visit education.ne.gov/21stcclc/grant-competition/ for more information.

NOW OPEN: NDE is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 Nebraska Afterschool Competitive Grant Competition. This competition offers funding for quality afterschool and out-of-school time programming through both federal 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) dollars and Nebraska Expanded Learning Opportunity (ELO) Grant Program dollars. With $1.6 million in available funding, these four-year grants are available to schools with 40% or higher free/reduced meal participation.

ELO grant eligibility requires all 21st CCLC eligibility requirements be met, plus an established partnership contributing a 1:1 match of awarded grant funds. Being eligible for both grants does not guarantee additional or increased funding. Sites unable to provide a 1:1 match remain eligible for only 21st CCLC funding and are still encouraged to apply. Don’t delay! This competition closes on March 19, 2026, at 11:59 PM CT. Apply electronically. Scan the QR code or visit education.ne.gov/21stcclc/grant-competition/ for more information.

Check out the amazing work being done by one of NDE’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers sites! Way to go, Cardinal Community Learning Centers - CCLC on being recognized nationally!

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the GetConnected Nebraska Afterschool Conference — two decades of innovation, inspiration, and connection in the world of afterschool and expanded learning.

Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of afterschool programs across the state. 💡

📅 9/26/25 | 📍 Kearney, NE
Day of Registration Available

SEVEN CEUs?! Sounds like the perfect professional development opportunity to me. But hey, what do I know? I'm just a page who wants everyone around me to succeed and get their CEUs done. Will I "CE"-"U" in September?

Register today at education.ne.gov/21stcclc/nebraska-afterschool-conference

🎉 Calling all Nebraska childcare professionals!

📚 Attend the Afterschool Conference and earn 7 CEUs toward your required annual training hours!

✅ That’s over half of the 12 hours full-time providers need each year — in just one event!

Don’t miss this opportunity to grow, connect, and get credit 🎓

Check out this short video on the importance of before & afterschool programs!
https://youtu.be/GLD5FjmZ7tQ

📚🎉 School Principal’s Day is May 1st! 🎉📚

Tomorrow, we celebrate the incredible dedication and leadership of our school principals—the heart of our schools and champions for student success.

Let’s show them how much we appreciate all they do! 🙌 Here’s how YOU can say thank you:

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Send a thank-you note, email, or even a small token of appreciation on behalf of your family. A kind word goes a long way!

🎓 Students: Share a favorite memory, draw a picture, or simply say “thank you” when you see your principal today. Your voice matters!

🏘️ Community Partners: Post a public thank-you, donate in their honor, or offer support for a school program they care about.

Let’s make sure our principals feel the love they so deserve! 💙