KU, K-State-Olathe collaborate on afterschool programming conference

LAWRENCE — Junk-Drawer Robotics and Balloon-Powered Cars are among the sessions planned for the Kansas City Metro Afterschool Alliance Conference, which will be 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at Kansas State University-Olathe.

The Kansas Enrichment Network, K-State Olathe and One Health Kansas collaborated with the YMCA of Greater Kansas City and Johnson County Park and Recreation Department to present the conference. Training will be offered for afterschool program leaders in science, math, engineering and technology (STEM), physical activity, health, food safety, environmental service and quality/promising practices for afterschool programming.

“The Kansas Enrichment Network at the University of Kansas has been pleased to develop a new partnership with Kansas State University through the Johnson County Education Research Triangle project,” said Marcia Dvorak, executive director of the network. “K-State-Olathe's educational programs in animal health, food safety and security blend well with the Kansas Enrichment Network's desire to increase science, technology, engineering and math opportunities for children and youth both in school and in expanded learning time.”

Balloon-powered cars, a curriculum from EDC’s National Partnership for Children and led by Master Trainers from the Greater Kansas City YMCA, provides an in-depth session of inquiry-based learning with a strong emphasis on reflection. BRR Architecture/U.S. Green Building Council brings information on the Green Apple Day of Service and Kansas PTA on strategies to engage parents and the community. Other sessions offer strategies for incorporating physical activity and movement into afterschool and usage of iPad technologies to expand learning. K-State partners share strategies in positive youth development, social/emotional development and Eco-Bots.

“We look forward to joining our regional partners to provide high-quality resources to area out-of-school time educators,” said Micheal Strohschein, director of K-12 science education partnerships at K-State-Olathe. “We hope to excite and engage youth with activities related to emerging careers in our region.”

To learn more about the conference or to register, visit Kansas Enrichment Network.