CalSAC envisions a future where every young person in California has access to high-quality, community-rooted Out-of-School Time (OST) programs, and where OST professionals are recognized as essential leaders shaping our collective future.
For nearly 50 years, CalSAC has worked to strengthen California’s Out-of-School Time (OST) field by building the knowledge, leadership, and collective power of those who support youth beyond the classroom. Grounded in equity, community wisdom, and the Indigenous Seventh Generation Principle, this strategic direction charts a bold path to unite the OST field, empower the workforce, and transform systems so that all young people—and the adults who support them—can thrive.
Over the next three years, CalSAC will focus on five priorities: thriving healing-centered programs, workforce advancement and resilience, diverse and equity-centered leadership, grassroots power and collective action, and CalSAC’s own organizational sustainability.
Together, these priorities will transform the OST field and contribute to a more joyful, inclusive, and just future where all young people and communities can thrive.
Our Pillars of Work
Our work is delivered through three core pillars. Across all three pillars, CalSAC serves as a connector, catalyst, and champion—expanding access to transformative learning, building professional networks, and supporting OST professionals to grow, lead, and drive lasting change in their communities.
High-quality, culturally responsive professional development through multiple formats, powered by a statewide network of trainers rooted in the OST community.
Signature program: Trainer Network
Fellowships, intensives, and retreats that build equity-centered leadership at every stage of a professional’s journey.
Signature programs: Leadership Development Institute, Leadership Intensive Retreats
Mobilizing youth, families and OST professionals to influence policy, expand public investment, and strengthen the movement for equity.
Signature programs: CA Afterschool & Summer Challenge, Teens Advocating for Civic Action
CalSAC is especially valued for:
Developing professional and leadership skills of OST staff.
Supporting career advancement and diversifying leadership.
Equipping the workforce to center equity, inclusion, and healing in practice.
Building grassroots power through advocacy and civic engagement.
Expanding access to relevant tools, trusted networks, and high-impact learning opportunities.
Every CalSAC learning experience is designed not just to build individual capacity but to spark systemic transformation.
What’s Ahead in 2025-2028
CalSAC’s multi-year strategic priorities are designed to advance a thriving, equitable, and sustainable Out-of-School Time (OST) field. Together, these priorities chart a path toward lasting impact—where OST professionals are empowered, communities are resourced, and the field is recognized as a vital force in education, youth development, and social transformation.
These five interconnected goals reflect what the field has identified as most urgent and essential. Together, these priorities chart a path toward lasting impact—where OST professionals are empowered, communities are resourced, and the field is recognized as a vital force in education, youth development, and social transformation. Explore each goal and their strategies below:
Goal #1: Thriving, Healing-Centered OST Programs
Equip and support OST professionals and organizations to lead inclusive, high-quality, healing-centered programs that reflect community needs and promote sustainability, joy, and renewal.
Goal #2: Workforce Advancement & Resilience
Foster a sustainable and respected OST workforce by advancing equitable career pathways, recognizing transferable skills, and supporting long-term professional growth.
Goal #3: Diverse & Equity-Centered Leadership
Advance equity-centered leadership across the OST field by building leadership capacity, fostering inclusive cultures, and expanding pathways for underrepresented leaders.
Goal #4: Grassroots Power & Collective Action
Mobilize OST professionals, youth, and families to build grassroots power, amplify workforce voices, and drive collective action that advances public investment in OST and competitive wages for the workforce.
In addition, CalSAC identified the following organizational effectiveness goal to deepen the organization’s internal capacity to lead with clarity and purpose.
Goal #5: CalSAC’s Leadership & Infrastructure
Strengthen CalSAC’s internal capacity, leadership, and partnerships to deepen organizational sustainability, expand field influence, and model the equity-centered practices we champion.
Join us in Shaping Our Future!
This strategy is both a roadmap and a call to action. It reflects the hopes, needs, and vision of the OST field, shaped through deep engagement with over 40 Strategy Design Team leaders, 50 focus group participants, and over 100 survey respondents. A special thank you to our facilitator, Ruth Obel-Jorgensen, from Corazon Catalysts for guiding us through the Strategic Direction process and for being a champion for CalSAC!
This Strategic Plan will guide CalSAC’s work over the next three years and invites the field to act collectively in pursuit of equity, sustainability, and joy.
Your continued investment will help CalSAC expand career pathways, diversify leadership, and mobilize a field of tens of thousands of OST professionals who shape the lives of millions of young people each day. Together, we can ensure OST is fully recognized, resourced, and rooted in equity and community.
CalSAC’s Statewide Strategy Design Team:
Carmen Alvarez Esparza, arc experience
kourtney andrada, Girls Inc. of Alameda County
Vincent Arroyo, CalSAC staff
Misty Avila, James B. McClatchy Foundation
Kim Cabais, CalSAC staff
Eduardo Caballero, Edventure More (EDMO)
Elvis Carrillo, A World Fit For Kids!
Erika Céspedes, Peralta Community College District, Ethnic Studies
Erika Dandridge, LA's BEST Afterschool Enrichment
Chrystal Ellis Sweazey, American Conservatory Theater
Donny Faaliliu, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles
Natalia Flores, Think Together
AJ Frigillana, San Francisco Beacon Initiative
Lane Gallett Smith, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Carlos Garcia, LAUSD
Gloria Halley, Butte County Office of Education
George Hernandez, Central Coast YMCA
Isamar Hernandez-Ramos, Cutler-Orosi Unified School District
Laila Jenkins-Perez, Oakland Unified School District
Hanna Jensen, Junior Achievement of San Diego
Andrew Kolbenschlag, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Gina Lima, UC San Francisco
Gizzele Linayao, Moreland School District
Mariana Lopez Quintanilla, BACR
Anna Luna, Hellman Foundation
Kira Magruder, Playworks
Rosalinda Mancillas, CalSAC Senior Certified Trainer
Zak McKenzie Parpia, CalSAC staff
Jennifer Merrill, CalSAC staff
Eva Jo Meyers, Spark Decks
Denise Montgomery, CultureThrive
Lori Ottolini Geno, Footsteps Child Care, Inc.
Jamie Peacock, CalSAC staff
Lupine Reppert, CalSAC staff
Richelle Rios, ExpandLA
Aleah Rosario, Partnership for Children and Youth
Shilpa Sachdev, Intapp
Danny Salas, Woodcraft Rangers
Sebrenia Saunders, CalSAC Senior Certified Trainer
Steve Stookey, CypherWorx, Inc.
Paul Wang, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Chris Williams, (f) BAYCAT