Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance

05/26/2026

Summer programs earn high marks! 96% of Alabama parents with a child in a summer program have a positive experience! See what parents are saying at https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/alabama/demand

05/25/2026

On Memorial Day, we pause in gratitude for the heroes who served our nation and never made it home.

05/22/2026

05/20/2026

Too many Alabama young people are missing out on safe, engaging summer opportunities. 3 in 5 children in Alabama do not have access to a program that their families want for them. Read more about unmet demand in https://afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM/data/alabama/demand

05/18/2026

The data is in! NEW data sheds light on summer program participation, unmet demand, and parent perspectives! Join the official release webinar to dig into the findings, hear policy recommendations, and ask your questions to a panel of experts. Register now to save your spot: https://afterschoolalliance.org/webinars.cfm?ID=4B4CF968-5056-A82E-7A2A64E7D99F5223

05/15/2026

🌟 Our Co-Director, Felicia Simpson, attended the 50 State Afterschool Network Convening, representing Alabama as a leader in afterschool and summer programs. Felicia addressed national leaders in afterschool programs, discussing the progress and impact that Alabama is currently experiencing. 🌟

We're proud to say that Alabama is paving the way for innovative and impactful initiatives that benefit our children and communities. A huge thank you to Governor Kay Ivey, Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth and our State Legislature for your commitment to enhancing afterschool and summer opportunities.

Together, we are just getting started, and the future looks bright! 💪📚✨ ALSDE Office of Extended Learning Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Flags of Valor STEM Next Opportunity Fund Alabama STEM Council Dr Eric Mackey

05/14/2026

On Tuesday we had the pleasure of joining several others as panelists on the webinar: Advancing Early Literacy Through Afterschool, Policy, and Strategic Partnerships. We explored how Alabama built a lasting foundation for early literacy and what it means for our programs, families, and communities.

When state agencies, education leaders, afterschool networks, and community organizations work together, real change is possible--and Alabama is proof!

05/12/2026

Across the country, parents, schools, policymakers, and the public are confronting a complex question:

What do young people actually need to thrive in a digital world?

The research is increasingly clear on one point.
Young people’s well-being is shaped not only by what they experience online, but by the relationships, opportunities, and sense of belonging they have in their daily lives.

It’s in these spaces that they build confidence, explore who they are, and experience joy.

Youth well-being and development programs provide those conditions. They are not enrichment. They are part of the prevention infrastructure that supports healthy development.

At the same time, social media litigation is advancing in multiple states. If those cases result in settlements, public leaders will face decisions about how those resources are used.

Fund IRL is a national coalition working to ensure that if social media lawsuits result in financial settlements, those resources are invested in programs, services, and “in real life” opportunities that promote youth well-being and healthy development.

This is a moment to define what meaningful investment in youth well-being looks like.

Join the coalition and help shape what comes next: FundIRL.org.

05/09/2026

Our Co-Directors, Dr. Tracye Strichik and Felicia Simpson, had the incredible opportunity to speak with the Alabama Literacy Alliance Board of Directors, sharing all the amazing initiatives AELA is undertaking, including our partnership with VOICES. We also delved into the rich history of afterschool programs in Alabama.

It was inspiring to connect with such dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in Alabama! Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention ARI / The Alabama Reading InitiativeALSDE Office of Extended Learning VOICES for Alabama's ChildrenAlabamaReading Ari

05/06/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Birthday America!!!! 🇺🇸

AELA is thrilled to announce our partnership with Flags of Valor as we gear up to celebrate America’s 250th birthday! Together, we are committed to honoring our nation's rich history and the brave heroes who have served.

Join us in this incredible journey as we create meaningful experiences and memories that reflect the true spirit of America. 🌟

Check out this inspiring video from Flags of Valor and see how they’re making a difference: Flags of Valor Kids flagsofvalorfoundation.org/kids

Let’s unite in celebration and pride! ❤️🤍💙

VOICES for Alabama's Children Governor Kay Ivey Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect PreventionMott Foundation STEM Next Opportunity Fund Alabama STEM Council ALSDE Office of Extended Learning Afterschool AllianceRobert Aderholt Senator Tommy Tuberville Will Ainsworth Felicia Simpson Tracye Cutts Strichik

Flags of Valor is proud to partner with the Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance to bring hands-on civic education to students through our American Flag Kids K...

05/04/2026

During Child Abuse Prevention Month, AELA is proud to highlight a simple but meaningful way local 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs raised awareness.

Students created pinwheels, a national symbol of hope and safe, happy childhoods. What may seem like a small activity carried a powerful message, giving young people a way to take part in something bigger than themselves.

Moments like these show how afterschool programs create space for both creativity and connection, helping students feel engaged while building awareness around important issues.

Thank you to our local programs and students for helping spread a message of hope, one pinwheel at a time. 💙

Alabama Department of Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention