MISSION

The California School-Age Consortium (CalSAC) builds professional networks that provide training, leadership development and advocacy to ensure that all young people have access to high quality out-of-school time programs and to create a more equitable future for California.

VISION

At CalSAC, we believe that every young person should have access to high-quality, affordable out-of-school time options like before school, afterschool, and summer enrichment programs. Every year, we train and empower thousands of adults who work in California’s out-of-school time programs to strengthen their skills, deepen their impact, and advocate for policies that benefit children and families. In turn, they shape the lives of tens of thousands of young people, helping them unlock their full potential. By transforming the out-of-school time field, we are building a more just and equitable California.

Our Work

People who work in out-of-school time programs are hungry for the tools and resources they need to help all children succeed.  CalSAC's Trainer Network provides a diverse array of experiential, interactive in-person and online trainings that build the knowledge and confidence of out-of-school time professionals at all levels, from line staff and practitioners to managers and program directors.  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 and network, which benefits both those receiving training and the programs where trainers work.  CalSAC's Trainer Network is the largest of its kind in the country, creating positive change at all levels — in the lives and career paths of individuals, in programs and among staff teams, and across California’s education system.

Youth benefit greatly when the people who make decisions about funding, policies and services reflect the communities they serve. Although California’s out-of-school time line staff mostly mirror the racial, ethnic and cultural diversity of the young people served, disparities exist in executive leadership, upper management, policy creation and board positions. In 2011, CalSAC launched a statewide fellowship for emerging leaders of color – the only of its kind in the country - and graduated the first cohort of fellows of the Leadership Development Institute (LDI) for Emerging Leaders of Color in 2012. 

Stemming from the success of LDI, CalSAC has begun providing 3-day leadership retreats and has launched a second fellowship, LDI 360°/365 for site coordinator teams, focused on social and emotional learning and character building in youth and adults.  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.

CalSAC’s 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.  CalSAC is a leader in critical child care and afterschool advocacy efforts that protect and strengthen public support for and investment in California’s out-of-school time programs.  Through visits with state legislators and policymakers, training and an annual statewide advocacy event, we educate and empower professionals, youth, and families to engage in grassroots advocacy.

CalSAC hosts the California Afterschool & Summer Challenge each year - a two-day advocacy event that has become the statewide legislative event for California professionals and youth in out-of-school time.  In addition, we offer advocacy retreats throughout the state to intentionally build the out-of-school time base as well as support year-round, local-level advocacy and engagement.  CalSAC also works collaboratively with policy coalitions and leading policy organizations – successfully passing key legislation benefiting children and families.