Youth arts programs do more than teach artistic skills. In this video, lead researcher Kylie Peppler explains what a new study reveals about the long-term outcomes of community-based youth arts programs. https://bit.ly/3NlAebl

What if adolescent risk-taking isn’t a problem to solve, but a key part of learning & growth? UCLA’s Adriana Galván, expert in adolescent brain development, explains why relationships, exploration, and OST opportunities matter during adolescence. https://bit.ly/4eC1e1i

Why Afterschool Staff Love the Work—And Need More Support A national survey of more than 7,000 youth workers found strong commitment to young people alongside concerns about burnout, training, and compensation

During Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, we’re recognizing the adults who help young people learn, grow, and feel supported beyond the school day. These survey findings highlight their dedication and the supports they need to thrive. https://bit.ly/4d3Jhqj

The findings are in: A new Vanderbilt University study shares insights from survey responses and interviews with school and district leaders to understand professional learning opportunities for principals and identify where the greatest need for support exists. https://bit.ly/4ttg3be

Dance/USA's Centering the Artist series brings artists together for artist-led conversations about sustainability, well-being, resilience, and sustainable Black dance futures. Join the next one on 5/7: https://bit.ly/4tpoGDr

"When you build community, you get a certain emotional fortitude and resilience from it. And that's really hard to erase." https://bit.ly/4tCvqi9

“Across the country, providers, partners, and advocates increasingly recognize that investing in both youth and the professionals who make these experiences possible is essential to youth success.” https://bit.ly/3ZpkdUb

How are districts sustaining #summerlearning programs in a climate of funding uncertainty? By diversifying their funding streams. A new brief from NYU Metro shares what this means and how 13 districts did it. https://bit.ly/4to7JsN

Educator Turnover Stabilizes After the Pandemic Teacher and principal retirements and resignations in the United States continue to decline from their peak during the COVID‑19 pandemic. Still, teacher turnover remains elevated in urban districts.

According to new data from RAND, teacher & principal turnover is declining from pandemic-era highs and nearing prepandemic levels, though disparities, especially in urban districts, persist. https://bit.ly/41pDp53

How does a community define itself? Who speaks for it, and who is left out? Research with @chicagosinfonietta.bsky.social & The Union for Contemporary Art explores how arts orgs rooted in communities of color navigate legacy, trust & belonging. https://bit.ly/4tCvqi9

How can arts organizations build trust in communities they weren’t originally rooted in? A study of The Union for Contemporary Art in North Omaha examines the complexity of newcomer leadership and community endorsement. https://bit.ly/4qz5nWe

A founder's legacy can shape an organization long after a transition. An ethnographic study of the Chicago Sinfonietta explores how its history informs fundraising, programming, and community relationships today. https://bit.ly/4aLBi0N

DYK early planning and collaboration across school districts’ departments are vital to building and sustaining high-quality #summerlearning programs? Learn more about this and other key strategies districts are using to maximize summer in a new brief. https://bit.ly/4to7JsN

How can founder legacy shape an arts organization long after a transition in leadership? A study of the Chicago Sinfonietta examines how founder Paul Freeman’s vision to elevate Black composers continues to guide the orchestra today. https://bit.ly/4aLBi0N

A new tool helps arts educators connect program design with the outcomes they want for young people—from relationships to career pathways. Watch the video to learn how it works. https://bit.ly/3NlAebl

A new research brief from NYU Metro highlights the importance of building internal capacity and commitment, community and leadership buy in, diverse community partnerships, and multiple funding streams to sustain #summerlearning for students. https://bit.ly/4to7JsN

Art for All, All for Art A report from researchers at the University of Pittsburgh measures the impact of culture-centered, community-based youth arts programs

Research from the University of Pittsburgh identifies 7 key characteristics of community-based #YouthArts programs that support positive outcomes for diverse youth. Read more about them: https://bit.ly/4aOcZOF

When young people participate in community-based arts programs, the benefits can last a lifetime. But how can that long-term impact be understood? Learn how a new tool helps capture the outcomes youth arts programs make possible. https://bit.ly/3NlAebl

Save the date for NSLA's annual Summer Planning Bootcamp, a free, virtual event on 4/17 from 12–2:30 PM EST. Learn from education & youth development experts as they share practical resources, insights, & strategies you can use to strengthen your programs. https://bit.ly/4bVi3Tj

OST programs are evolving, but 22.6 million kids still lack access. Explore how practitioners, researchers, and funders can meet the growing demand for quality afterschool and summer programs. https://bit.ly/3ZpkdUb

How are districts sustaining #summerlearning programs in a climate of funding uncertainty? By diversifying their funding streams. A new brief from NYU Metro shares what this means and how 13 districts did it. https://bit.ly/4to7JsN

Securing community members’ trust is a particularly complex process for newcomer organizations serving communities of color, according to a new brief. https://bit.ly/4qz5nWe

Joining #AERA2026? Don’t miss the Wallace Foundation Distinguished Lecture where Bianca J. Baldridge will examine youth work, community-based education & how history, resistance, & community knowledge can inform more just educational futures. 4/11 11:45am. https://bit.ly/3Q4hIFd

A new article explores how @chicagosinfonietta.bsky.social and The Union for Contemporary Art wrestle with belonging, legacy, and trust in the arts. https://bit.ly/4tCvqi9

From Assistant Principal to Principal: How Districts Can Build a Better Path A step-by-step approach to identifying, preparing, and advancing APs into the principalship

Happy #APWeek! Assistant principals play a critical role in schools. And with the right support, many are well positioned to become future principals. Learn how districts can support that path: https://bit.ly/4v0QKP3

Save the date for NSLA's annual Summer Planning Bootcamp, a free, virtual event on 4/17 from 12–2:30 PM EST. Learn from education & youth development experts as they share practical resources, insights, & strategies you can use to strengthen your programs. https://bit.ly/4bVi3Tj

Attending #AERA2026? We’ve pulled together Wallace-affiliated research and partner sessions happening this year. Take a look and plan your schedule! https://bit.ly/4smC89Y

What does it look like to build OST systems with communities, not just for them? Family League of Baltimore offers practical lessons for OST intermediaries nationwide: https://bit.ly/4r5UGLR

From Assistant Principal to Principal: How Districts Can Build a Better Path A step-by-step approach to identifying, preparing, and advancing APs into the principalship

Happy #APWeek! Assistant principals play a critical role in schools. And with the right support, many are well positioned to become future principals. Learn how districts can support that path: https://bit.ly/4v0QKP3

Community organizations are crucial #summerlearning partners for districts, providing enriching experiences and support services for students. Learn how districts leverage partnerships to strengthen outcomes and internal capacity in a new brief. https://bit.ly/4to7JsN