Founded by KYOSA in 2022, the goal of the Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador program is to empower up-and-coming leaders in the field of afterschool to confidently and effectively advocate for afterschool for all Kentucky youth.
About
Ambassadors are a select group of leaders who commit to a year of civic engagement to strengthen community awareness, support effective programs, and bring diverse partners to the table. They build relationships with state and local elected officials through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and social media.
Individuals selected for the program receive training that prepares them to conduct outreach with policymakers and other leaders and participate in events and activities to promote afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible. This is a great opportunity for anyone with a strong passion for afterschool and interest in advocacy.
2024-2025 Application Timeline
May 15, 2024
Application released
May 29, 2024
Informational Lunch & Learn – Registration information coming soon!
June 28, 2024
Application closes at 11:59 p.m. ET
July 10-19, 2024
Semi-finalist interviews
August 1, 2024
2024-2025 Ambassador class announced!
Eligibility
Anyone with a strong passion for afterschool and an interest in advocacy is encouraged to apply. This includes but is not limited to:
- Afterschool professionals (directors, managers, front-line staff, retirees, etc.)
- School teachers or administrators
- City or county-level officials
- Other non-profit or for-profit professionals
Up to 12 individuals will be selected each year to participate in the program, with representation from each of the six U.S. Congressional districts in Kentucky expected. However, selection is limited to one person per organization.
2024-2025 Schedule of Events
Monthly Meetings
All monthly meetings except for the first meeting in October (scheduled for October 17, 2024) will be held on the second Thursday of each month via Microsoft Teams from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET. Monthly meetings will begin on October 17, 2024 and run through June 12, 2025.
Monthly meetings will feature guest speakers on various topics aimed at helping Ambassadors conduct outreach with policymakers and leaders and promote afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible. Ambassadors must make every effort to attend each monthly meeting.
Advocacy Day
Ambassadors will convene in Frankfort in January or February (more to come later) for a day of advocacy with policymakers at the state capitol.
Orientation Training
Orientation training will take place virtually over 2 days in mid-late September.
More information coming soon!
Local Advocacy Event or Program Visit
Ambassadors will host a local advocacy event or program visit during October to celebrate Lights on Afterschool.
We know that some factors, such as policymaker participation, are outside the control of Ambassadors. Ambassadors unable to arrange an advocacy event or site visit will have an alternative project available.
Expectations
Ambassadors will receive a $1,000 stipend for the commitment to the program – $500 paid in December and $500 paid at the end of their term. To receive the full stipend, you will need to complete three activities:
- Attend the program orientation and all monthly meetings.
- Organize an advocacy event or site visit in your community to celebrate Lights on Afterschool. We will provide tools and support and cover expenses up to $250.
- Meet with policymakers and legislators at the Capitol in Frankfort. This can occur during the annual Advocacy Day or a meeting set up during the legislative session.
- Complete a short written piece, such as an op-ed, press release, or program profile. We will provide templates and support as needed.
Benefits
Your service as a Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador will benefit Kentucky youth, but you will also benefit from the program by:
- Building partnerships to ensure that your program maintains funding;
- Networking with other advocates;
- Honing communication, public speaking, and leadership development skills; and
- Preparing you to run for office or become more engaged in the political process.
Application
The 2024-2025 Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador Program application will be released on May 15, 2024. All applications must be received by June 28, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Ambassador Cohort 2023-2024
Meet our 2023-2024 Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador cohort:
- Joseph Collins, Challenger Learning Center of Kentucky
- Sonya Davis, Barren County Schools
- Kateena Haynes, Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia
- Philnisha Lindsey, Fayette County Public Schools
- Angela Masden, The Prophecy Foundation
- Sharon Mofield-Boswell, Fayette County Public Schools
- Tammy Simpson, Shelby County Public Schools
- Linda Word, Capital Day Schools
- Laura Wright, Learning Grove