[Editor's Note: This is a companion article to the 2007 Annual Report]
By DUANE M. ELLING
Suzanne Birdsall believes that ensuring all young people in the U.S. have access to high quality afterschool opportunities is a key to the country’s economic future.
"Afterschool programs allow kids to explore new ideas, learn skills and develop a better understanding of the world around them,” she said. “Those experiences not only help them academically, but also prepare them to be the workforce of tomorrow.”
 |
| Suzanne Birdsall |
As coordinator for New Hampshire’s 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) initiative, Birdsall also understands the importance of state-level partnerships — such as those facilitated by PlusTime NH — in supporting a culture of afterschool learning.
PlusTime NH is the coordinating organization for the New Hampshire Statewide Afterschool Network, one of 38 state networks. The networks, funded by the Mott Foundation, work across several sectors — education, nonprofit, business and government — to help create, strengthen and sustain quality afterschool programs.
The federal 21st CCLC initiative, administered by the states, provides children throughout the U.S. with meaningful learning opportunities during non-school hours. It was launched in 1997 via a partnership between Mott and the U.S. Department of Education.
Mott's support for afterschool included $4.7 million in 2007 for activities related to the statewide networks.
“Creating collaborations, particularly at the state level, that support afterschool is in our blood,” said Cynthia Billings, president and CEO of PlusTime NH. The organization was founded in 1990 by a consortium of agencies, programs and individuals interested in issues of afterschool in New Hampshire.
“To have a meaningful impact on these educational opportunities, you have to call on the strengths and resources of those around you,” Billings said. “That collaboration is critical to creating enriching afterschool experiences.”
PlusTime NH and New Hampshire’s Department of Education worked together in 2002 to create the NH Afterschool Evaluation Task Force, which includes representatives from various youth service agencies and other groups. It collects data on participant outcomes of high quality, academically based afterschool programs.
In addition, PlusTime NH partnered with the National Governors Association in 2004 to host the country’s first Governors' Summit on Afterschool. That led to the creation of the 3 to 6 Afterschool Task Force, which has engaged New Hampshire’s business community in building support for afterschool.
Finally, the NH Extended Learning Opportunities Leadership Team, launched in 2007, is working to improve and expand quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities for New Hampshire’s youth. Team members include representatives from the state’s Department of Education and governor’s office, and other key audiences.
Birdsall’s role with New Hampshire’s Department of Education has offered her many opportunities to work with PlusTime NH. With the organization’s help, the state is creating partnerships that focus on professionalizing the afterschool field, including the development of career ladders, credentialing and degree programs for practitioners.
And while nurturing collaborations at any level can be challenging, says Birdsall, PlusTime NH has demonstrated the ability to spark needed conversations and create an effective working environment.
“They’re really good at bringing partners together to steer the boat, while at the same time making sure that the boat continues to go forward,” she said. “Their hard work and dedication remind us that we’re creating a better tomorrow for New Hampshire’s children.”