NAA Summer Spotlight: Check Out All the Great Stuff Fresh Out from NAA
The National AfterSchool Association invites you to submit a proposal to present at NAA26 Convention, March 11–14, 2026, at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in the Washington, D.C. area. Our proposal portal is now open through midnight on October 20, and there is no better chance to share your story, expertise, or experience with like-minded colleagues than as a presenter at NAA26.
Each year, NAA Convention brings together thousands of afterschool and youth development professionals and leaders to connect, learn, and be inspired. With the 2026 theme Dream. Dare. Do., NAA26 calls on presenters and participants to imagine bold futures for young people and the field, take courageous steps forward, and act with purpose and power.
We seek diverse content, varied formats, and both experienced and emerging presenters to provide engaging, practical learning experiences. A strong session will not only share knowledge but also center participants, equip them with tools and strategies they can use immediately, and spark ideas that advance our field.
This year, Convention will also include a special collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance, featuring policy-aligned sessions throughout the convention, as well as the Afterschool for All Challenge. Now more than ever, our members are seeking actionable, relevant information about advocacy, research, and policy!
As past presenter Jen Curry of Change Impact shared: “NAA provides the biggest stage in youth development each year for sharing things I’ve learned that I think are helpful to others in our sector. It’s a great opportunity to not only teach, but to learn from colleagues from across the country.”
To support your proposal, we’ve created resources to guide you:
Additionally, consider joining our informational webinar on Wednesday, October 1 at 2 p.m. Eastern. More information will be provided soon.
Deadline to submit: October 20, 2025
Beginning Monday, July 28, the National AfterSchool Association is celebrating Back-to-School Week! Join us for the release of the Back-to-School Products & Services Catalog along with daily spotlights and giveaways from key sponsors. More info to come!
Camp Wisdom: Keep Fueling Joy…from the Inside! ⛺ From MIZZEN Education
At NAA, we know young professionals are making a big impact in out-of-school time — and you’re also the future leaders of the field. We want to make sure we’re supporting you with the resources, info, and opportunities that matter most to your goals and interests.
All NAA members under the age of 35 are invited to fill out this quick survey to help us better understand what you need and how we can serve you (and your fellow young professionals) even better!