By Nikki Yamashiro Research Associate, Afterschool Alliance At the Afterschool Alliance we’ve seen the innovative and exciting ways libraries and museums across the country are providing kids with hands-on, experiential learning during the out-of-school hours. However, we know that there are many more examples of programs that are helping kids to explore their interests, build on the social-emotional and critical thinking skills that will benefit them both in school and life, and most importantly, support their overall development and wellbeing. With your help, we will discover and highlight five exemplary and lesser-known afterschool programs serving middle school youth. In partnership with MetLife Foundation, we will award $10,000 to five afterschool programs serving middle school students that have demonstrated excellence in the following four categories:

1. Why Data Matters: How Afterschool Programs Use Data to Improve Programming – Programs that are successfully using data to improve their programming and their ability to serve children in the local community
2. Students with Disabilities and Other Special Needs and Afterschool – Programs that have demonstrated success providing an environment that strengthens the self-confidence, perseverance, and emotional wellbeing of children with disabilities and other special needs
3. The Role of Afterschool and the Common Core State Standards – Programs that are intentionally and successfully offering programming that supports student learning toward the Common Core standards and promotes the habits of mind (knowledge, skills, and dispositions) that are reflected in the Common Core
4. Keeping Kids Safe and Supported in the Hours After School – Programs that have demonstrated success providing an environment that helps students feel safe, reduces problem behavior, and keeps kids engaged in learning.

The nomination process is open until Oct. 14, 2013. Winners of the Afterschool Innovator Award will receive $10,000 and be featured in both in our 2013-2014 series of issue briefs and in our Afterschool in Action Compendium. Award winners will also have the opportunity to present at national conferences with the Afterschool Alliance. The online nomination form includes more detailed instructions about the nomination process, and our MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Award page includes additional information about the selection process and awards ceremony. You can also watch our webinar, “Afterschool Innovators and Middle School Success,” for more information about the awards. I’m happy to answer any questions about the nomination process. You can contact me at nyamashiro@afterschoolalliance.org. Be sure to share this opportunity with your friends, colleagues, and community! We look forward to learning more about the great afterschool programs taking place in libraries and museums across the country. Nikki Yamashiro is a research associate at the Afterschool Alliance, a national organization working to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs.