Video recap, photos and event presentations included.
Prime Time Palm Beach County hosted its annual Afterschool Symposium on at the West Palm Beach Marriott on Friday, May 12, 2023, with 250 afterschool professionals in attendance. This year’s theme, SHIFT to NOW – Embracing the present to offer youth meaningful experiences in afterschool, offered attendees inspiration, innovative strategies, activities and programs that complement ways in which programs, practitioners and the field can “SHIFT” (Stop, Hold space, Imagine, Feel the change and Take action). The event offered an opportunity to network and learn, while celebrating the accomplishments that they have made to enhance quality at their afterschool programs.
The symposium was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Kendra “Kitty Lundan” Madison (pictured below), host and creator of the popular Facebook Talk Show, "The People of Power," highlighting national trailblazers, including entrepreneurs, community leaders, professionals, celebrities, athletes, politicians and community organizations. Kitty is a media affiliate with the Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County and a TV Host for Keeping Palm Beach County's Children Healthy, Safe, and Strong.
Prime Time’s conference kicked off with a morning of acknowledgements for the important professional and educational milestones that our local afterschool professionals have made. Click here to view honorees. In 2021-2022, Prime Time was fortunate to provide more than 550 scholarships, helping these unsung heroes to achieve their goals and acquire the tools necessary to provide superior quality service to local children and youth.
Following the Professional Development Honoree ceremony, attendees chose from several professional development workshops with topics that included adverse childhood experiences, motivation, bereavement, collaborative culture and the digital world. To view professional development workshop presentations, click the links below.
- Building the Boat While We Are Still in It
Presented by Ernest Mitchell and Benjamin Dexter ll, Improvisational Educator , The Intelligent Fools - Investing in Program Staff
Presented by Lili Murphy , Executive Director , Florida After School, Inc. - The Impact of ACEs and Positive Childhood Experiences in the Afterschool Setting
Presented by Anne-Marie Brown , Director of Education and Trauma Services , Center for Child Counseling - Navigating Today's Digital World
Presented by William Desravines Jr., Lead Facilitator , Youth Speak Out International - Shift is Key
Presented by Caleb Wesco, Owner, #LetsGetMotivated Experience - Understanding Grief and Bereavement in Children
Presented by Léi Y. Levinsky-Sun, Training and Program Coordinator, The Children's Bereavement Center
Mizzen by Mott’s CEO Carlos Santini and special guest Citali Aguilera-Rico (pictured below), former afterschool participant, shared how afterschool has led her to a future career in STEM. Santini presented how attendees can gain free access to a digital platform that has more than 1,400 pieces of ready-to-implement, vetted content across 10 categories like STEM, SEL, Arts, and Entrepreneurship that is highly-engaging, brain-friendly and fun to do back at their afterschool programs.
Following, the Advancing Afterschool Awards began where Prime Time recognized peer-nominated individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field. Categories included
- Presenting Excellence in Expanded Learning Award
- Together in Community Award
- Applying Quality Leadership in OST Award
- Applying Quality Leadership in OST Award
- Cultivating Connections Award
- Dedicated to Implementing Quality by Frontline Staff Award
- Championing Inclusion Award
To view the full Advancing Afterschool Awards presentation, click here.
Prime Time’s Afterschool Symposium was sponsored by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, Mizzen by Mott and Palm Beach State College.
