““Over the past 10 years, I’ve witnessed the evolution of CalSAC. Building upon the progress of our founders and remaining attentive to the needs of the field, the organization has grown by leaps and bounds. Looking forward, I am thrilled to see CalSAC continue to grow as a leading voice in equity and leadership development as well as build the out-of-school time base by facilitating grassroots advocacy and training across the state. CalSAC’s unique spirit will also undoubtedly continue – one where people are at the center of our work, and children and youth are at the heart of our actions.” ”
High Quality Training
CalSAC's Trainer Network provides a diverse array of experiential, interactive trainings that build the knowledge and confidence of out-of-school time professionals at all levels.
A key component of the program is the development of the professionals who join the network as trainers - through training and mentorship, these individuals expand their leadership and facilitation skills as well as connect to a professional community, benefiting both those receiving training and the programs where trainers work.
95% of training participants agreed that the content of their training was relevant to the youth they serve
93% of training participants said they gained useful tools to apply to their programs
8,000 participants are trained on average each year
1,010 professionals have joined the Trainer Network since 1998
CalSAC trainer
"I have gained an immense amount of professional development and direction.
I have been able to grow and affect change in more ways than I had ever imagined. I am now part of a community."
- Jamie Smith, Pasadena LEARNs, Pasadena
LDI Fellow
"The LDI program has lit a fire in my heart that motivates me to be a powerful leader of color. Prior to LDI, I felt unengaged and indifferent about my future; I lacked direction and mental determination. With the help of LDI, I’m now inspired and stimulated, to better myself and my community."
- Jennifer Best, Mission Valley YMCA, San Diego
Transforming Leadership
In 2010, CalSAC made a strategic decision to respond to the need for more intentional leadership development and to address the equity gap in the out-of-school time field. This prompted the creation of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for Emerging Leaders of Color, and from its success, an additional fellowship focused on character and the development of 3-day leadership retreats. Each leadership program fosters transformative change, creating a unique opportunity for participants to contribute to the larger social justice movement, while also advancing in their careers as equity-driven leaders.
100% of LDI fellows increased their confidence as leaders, propelling career advancement
Over 60% of fellows have assumed more responsibility or been promoted into advanced leadership positions including Executive Directors, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, School Administrators and Boards of Directors
1,026 hours of leadership development programming has been provided since 2010.
Civic Engagement
The current political climate in the U.S. - from threats to funding for afterschool to deportation of children and families - shines a light on the importance of cultivating educated and engaged citizens. Through visits with state legislators and policymakers, training workshops and an annual statewide advocacy event, CalSAC educates and empowers professionals, youth and families to engage in grassroots advocacy. In addition to helping advance the out-of-school time field, these advocacy efforts help show young people and emerging leaders how to speak out and use their voices to create change, raising social awareness and building a base of active and engaged citizens.
Over 2,400 out-of-school time professionals, families and youth have marched, rallied and advocated for out-of-school time at the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge, since its inception in 2004
93% of Challenge participants report that attending the event inspired them to engage in advocacy again
Advocate
“[It’s] really invigorating to be in a space where other people care about the issues and to have access to legislators at the state level. We work for advocacy at our school sites, at our organization, in our nonprofit coalitions, but when you actually get to the state [Capitol], it feels real. It feels like we’re having a big impact.”
- Cassandra Terry, Richmond District Neighborhood Center, San Francisco
CalSAC's 35th Anniversary Report
Read about CalSAC's history and accomplishments over the past 35 years, with a focused look at the organization's work in professional development, leadership development, civic engagement and advocacy.