The Kentucky Out-of-School Alliance (KYOSA), a community of professionals and advocates dedicated to creating exceptional out-of-school programs for every student in Kentucky, has announced the statewide members of the Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador program.
Founded by the KYOSA, the Kentucky Afterschool Ambassador program’s mission is to empower up-and-coming leaders in the field of afterschool, and to advocate for afterschool confidently and effectively for all Kentucky youth.
“We are extremely proud to announce our first cohort of Kentucky Afterschool Ambassadors,” said KYSOA Director Tom Haggard. “These ambassadors are a select group of leaders who have committed to a year of civic engagement to strengthen community awareness, support effective programs, and bring diverse partners to the table.”
The ambassadors receive training that prepares them for outreach to policymakers and other leaders, then participate in events and activities to promote afterschool programs and the policies that make them possible.
“Our ambassadors not only greatly benefit Kentucky’s youth, but also network with other advocates, sharpen leadership and public speaking skills, and become more engaged in the political process,” Haggard said.
The inaugural cohort of Kentucky Afterschool Ambassadors and their employers are:
- Clarissa Thomas, Lexington, Lexington Public Library
- Whitney Young, Lexington, Fayette County Public Schools
- Terralyn Hicks, Louisville, YMCA of Greater Louisville/School Age Child Care
- Antonio Readus, Louisville, Metro United Way
- Adrian Graham, Louisville, Jefferson County Public Schools
- Beth Wiseman, Cincinnati, Learning Grove
- Lindsey Baldwin, Berea, Partners for Education/Berea College/Gear Up Promise Zone
- Kelly Forbes, Madisonville, Hopkins County Family YMCA
- Misty Goble, Paintsville, Johnson County Public Schools
- Bruce Crouch, Campbellsville, Taylor County School District