Our Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador Program empowers program leaders and advocates from across Kentucky to raise their voices in support of afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible.
What do Ambassadors do?
Selected from some of the most effective afterschool programs and advocacy organizations across Kentucky, Ambassadors are working to:
Build Relationships
Ambassadors build relationships with state and local elected officials through in-person meetings, phone calls, emails, and social media.
Increase Awareness
Ambassadors participate in activities and coordinate community events designed to communicate the power and impact of afterschool programs.
Become Leaders
Ambassadors receive monthly training throughout the school year aimed at helping them become leaders in the field of afterschool.
Program Highlights
Learn more about the Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador Program and how you can get involved.
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
Ambassadors are selected annually in August through a competitive application process.
Up to 12 individuals are selected each year to participate in the program, with representation from each of the six U.S. Congressional districts in Kentucky expected. Selection is limited to one person per organization.
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.
Ambassadors also have the opportunity to:
- Build partnerships to ensure that your program maintains funding
- Network with other afterschool leaders and advocates;
- Hone their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills
- Learn more about the political process and how to become a strong afterschool advocate
To receive the full stipend, Ambassadors must complete all of the following:
- 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. KYOSA will provide templates and support as needed.
Our Ambassadors
Meet the 2024-2025 cohort of Kentucky Afterschool Ambassadors!
Shawna Wood
COO & Interim Director, The Foundry
Melissa Nelson
Manager of Education, Metro United Way
Jamee Carper
Childcare Director, Telford Community Center YMCA
Elinor Blankenship
Community Member & Afterschool Advocate
April Peacock
Program Manager, The Housing Authority of Covington
Debra Glenn
21st CCLC Director, Crawford Middle School
Rhonda Colbert
Program Director – Childcare, YMCA of Greater Louisville
Courtney Jeffries
Executive Director, Graves County ASAP
Alumni
Since 2022, 19 individuals have served as Kentucky Afterschool Ambassadors.
These outstanding individuals continue to work in their local communities and across Kentucky to elevate the importance of afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible. We are grateful for their service and continued support.
- 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
- Linda Word, Capital Day School
- Laura Wright, Learning Grove
- Lindsey Baldwin, Partners for Rural Impact
- Bruce Crouch, Taylor County School District
- Kelly Forbes, Hopkins County Family YMCA
- Misty Goble, Johnson County Schools
- Adrian Graham, Jefferson County Public Schools
- Terralyn Hicks, YMCA of Greater Louisville
- Clarissa Thomas, Lexington Public Library
- Beth Wiseman, Learning Grove
- Whitney Young, Fayette County Public Schools