The North Dakota Afterschool Network
Who We Are
The North Dakota Afterschool Network
What it’s all about
Our Purpose
Nearly 20,000 youth aged K-12 participate in afterschool programming across North Dakota. For every youth served, two more youth would participate if available. Promoting positive development creates opportunities for youth and ensures parents remain in the workforce to help drive economic development in North Dakota.
Our Mission
We equip North Dakota afterschool programs with the tools and support to expand program quality, build leadership capacity, and ensure access to afterschool programs for all youth in their community.
Our Values
Adaptability
We adjust to changing conditions and recognize new opportunities to turn setbacks into learning.
Collaboration
We commit to working with businesses, communities, policymakers, and schools to ensure positive youth outcomes.
Integrity
We act with honesty, truthfulness, and sincerity.
Quality
We apply evidence-based strategies and promising practices for continuous improvement.
Our Vision
All North Dakota students have access to high-quality programs to ensure youth, families, and communities are successful.
How it started
Our Story
The efforts to form an Afterschool Network in North Dakota first began in 2012 and a formal proposal was submitted to the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation in February 2015. This initial request served to support the development of the North Dakota Afterschool Partnership. In 2016, the Partnership submitted an advancement request to form what we are today, the North Dakota Afterschool Network.
The ND Afterschool Network promotes access to high-quality, safe, and affordable out-of-school-time programming that supports positive outcomes for youth in grades PreK-12 across North Dakota.
By working in partnership with out-of-school time programs, schools, state and community-based organizations, the ND Afterschool Network works to connect, support, and advocate at the local, state and national level to support funding afterschool programs and raise awareness of the benefits of afterschool for children, families, and communities- ND’s current and future workforce.
Our Leadership
Matthew Anderson
Arts in Education Director
North Dakota Council on the Arts
Karen Berntson
Cheif Operating Officer
CareerView XR
Jennifer Carlson
Executive Director
Northeast Education Service Cooperative
Beth Demke
Executive Director
North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Becky Eberhardt
Director of School Relations
Waterford.org
Michael Hanson
Director
North Valley Career & Technology Center
Joel Hektner
Professor/Department Head Human Development & Family Science
North Dakota State University
Keely Ihry
Director of Student Services
South East Education Cooperative
Robin Nelson
Chief Executive Officer
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley
Taylor Syvertson
Director of Community Impact
United Way of Cass-Clay
Arlene Wolf
21CCLC Program Administrator
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction
Becky Eberhardt
N.D. Department of Public Instruction
21CCLC State Program Administrator
Michael Hanson
North Valley Career & Technology Center
Director
Shari Sandwick Mosser
N.D. State Library
Literacy Specialist
Joel Hektner
North Dakota State University, Professor & Department Head
Human Development & Family Science
Rebecca Engelman
N.D. Council on the Arts
Arts in Education Director
Megan Jenson
United Way of Cass-Clay
Senior Community Impact Manager
Amy Walters
Twin Rivers Activity Center
Facility Manager
Jolene Garty
South East Education Cooperative
Director of Student Services
Beth Larson-Steckler
N.D. Department of Public Instruction
Federal Title Programs, Program Administrator
Lori Zahradka
North Valley Extended School Project
21CCLC Project Director
Playing a part in the impact
Our Partners
ND Afterschool Network is a state affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association (NAA). NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession.
OST professionals who are not paid NAA members and live in ND are eligible for a free NAA membership by attending ND Afterschool Network training events. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150. For more information, visit National AfterSchool Association or contact the ND Afterschool Network.
