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Leadership, Exploration, and Development (L.E.A.D.)

L.E.A.D. 1.0

Leadership and quality in afterschool programs are inseparable; for programs to succeed and become sustainable, they need strong leadership at all levels. L.E.A.D. is a 4-part series (and 16 hours of professional development) for leaders in the afterschool field in Vermont. This FREE program (for licensed program staff) will provide afterschool professionals with the tools to hone their strengths and develop new skills to take on more advanced leadership roles in the future. Participants will develop and improve their leadership skills, while enhancing their confidence in their abilities. L.E.A.D. is specifically designed for experienced Directors and Site Coordinators who are looking for that next level of growth and development. Each session will include a training session, a guest speaker, lunch, and time to network.

2024-2025 Meeting Dates:

  • November 5, 2024 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Leadership Development and Staff Culture with Tricia Pawlik and Ross Gibson
  • January 8, 2025 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Relationships in Leadership with Beth Martell
  • March 5, 2025 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Leadership Through Collaborations with Tricia Pawlik
  • May 14, 2025 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – LEAD 2.0 Presentations / Q & A

L.E.A.D. 2.0

This program is designed for those who have completed LEAD 1.0 and who are interested in continuing to further develop their skills and collaborations with other like-minded leaders in the afterschool field. Participants will participate in 5 in-person meetings, and virtual coaching sessions with a designated Vermont Afterschool coach as needed. As part of this program, participants will create and implement a project that will improve the quality of their program and support their growing leadership skills. Each participant will present their project and working portfolio at the end of the course.

2024-2025 Meeting Dates:

  • November 5, 2024 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Introduction to L.E.A.D. 2.0, Review of Expectations, Networking Lunch with Tricia Pawlik and Ben Ardel
  • January 8, 2025 (10:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Working Session, Title and Description of Project, Networking Lunch with Tricia Pawlik and Ben Ardel
  • March 5, 2025 (10:00 AM-1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Working Session, Workplan Development, Networking Lunch with Ben Ardel
  • April 17, 2025 (9:00 AM–11:00 AM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Working Session, Presentation Drafts with Tricia Pawlik and Ben Ardel
  • May 14, 2025 (9:00 AM–1:00 PM at Vermont Afterschool’s South Burlington office) – Lead 2.0 Presentations / Q & A

Participants who successfully complete LEAD 1.0 and 2.0 can earn a Leadership Micro-credential and ARE ELIGIBLE TO receive a $1,600 bonus (if they qualify).

Congratulations to these afterschool professionals who most recently successfully completed L.E.A.D. 2.0 by presenting their project to improve the quality of their program and support their growing leadership skills:
 
Ashley Bourgeois
Project: “Planning Engaging Activities for Afterschool Programs”
Ashley focused on creating a system for a more diverse and robust program curriculum. The project included creating a curriculum website for staff, lesson plan templates, and templates for reflections for children and youth. 
 
Kristin Cobleigh
Project: “Leading together: A Mentorship Framework for Afterschool Leadership”
Kristin created a structured model for a mentoring program between established Afterschool leadership staff and newly appointed or hired Afterschool leaders. The mentor program will enhance team dynamics, increase employee engagement, and improve retention. 
 
Joanna “Asia” Kruse
Project: “How to Rebuild, Strengthen and Improve Family Engagement through the lens of an Afterschool Program”
Asia’s project focused on creating stronger family engagement that enhances communication, builds a positive and inclusive environment. The presentation highlighted ideas for growing connections with families such as family events, family volunteer opportunities, information sessions for parents, and creating a parent coalition advisory board.
 
Lindsey Lott
Project: “Building Project Based Learning Brick by Brick”
Lindsey’s project highlighted the importance of project based learning in Afterschool programs. The presentation focused on how to create inquiry-based activities where children and youth have a voice. She shared strategies on how to increase student engagement with real-world activities and support youth development goals such as confidence, connection, and competence.
 
Beth Ann Miller
Project: “Internships with Intention: Building Meaningful Partnerships between adults and young people”
Beth Ann’s presentation focused on the successes and challenges of creating a home-grown internship program for young people. The presentation shared adaptable templates and resources to utilize in building your own internship program where students are paid to go out into the community and learn relevant work and personal skills.
Register for L.E.A.D. +