5 Nov 2025

Nomination Period: Monday, November 3 through Friday, December 5, 2025

Each year, the National AfterSchool Association recognizes a new class of emerging young leaders who champion afterschool and embody the spirit of the out-of-school time profession.

The Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders program celebrates young professionals making meaningful contributions that reach beyond their own programs, impacting organizations, communities, and the field at large. Honorees demonstrate a commitment to learning and growth, inspire others, and actively advance the afterschool profession through advocacy, creativity, and collaboration.

Join us in recognizing extraordinary individuals, age 30 or under, who are firm believers in the power of afterschool and who are leading the way in areas such as advocacy, professional development, creative program design, youth voice, data and evaluation, and social justice.

Click here for more information or to submit a nomination

About the 2026 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders

The 2026 honorees will be individuals, age 30 or under as of November 1, 2025, who are:

  • Active in the broader afterschool community, including (but not limited to) NAA membership and participation in state affiliate networks.
  • Engaged in efforts that elevate and strengthen the afterschool field and profession.

Successful nominees will also demonstrate:

  • A clear passion for developing themselves and others.
  • Persistence and commitment to growing as a leader.
  • Contributions that influence organizations, communities, and beyond.
  • Application of the NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply level, moving toward Amplify in many areas.

Each honoree will receive:

  • A complimentary NAA membership.
  • A free registration for NAA26 Convention.
  • Leadership development opportunities and professional network expansion.
  • Recognition in the Spring 2026 issue of AfterSchool Today magazine and across NAA’s digital channels.

Those selected will also be invited to share their stories, participate in a written interview, and submit a professional photo for feature publication.

We look forward to celebrating the next generation of leaders shaping the future of afterschool.

– The NAA Team