2 Nov 2024

2025 Next Gen nominations are open Nov 1-Dec 4.

Each year, the National AfterSchool Association recognizes a cohort of emerging young leaders who are afterschool champions and believers in the out-of-school time profession. NAA’s Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders identifies young leaders and recognizes and cultivates the talent of afterschool champions who have the potential to influence the field of afterschool for years to come. The selected emerging leader honorees will have demonstrated contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to organizations and communities, a proven passion for developing themselves and others, active engagement in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, and demonstrated persistence in their work to grow as leaders.  

Join NAA in recognizing extraordinary individuals, age 30 or under — firm believers in the power of afterschool ― who are vested in things like advocacy, professional development, creative program design, the power of youth voice, data and evaluation, and social justice.  

If you know of a candidate worthy of this honor, review the information below and submit your nomination! The nomination period is open Friday, Nov. 1 through Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024.

Click here for more information or to submit a nomination

 

The 2025 Class of Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders will honor individuals age 30 or under as of Nov. 1, 2024 who are:

  • Active in the broader afterschool community, including, but not limited to membership in NAA and its state affiliates 
  • Actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field and profession 

In addition, successful nominees will demonstrate: 

  • A proven passion for developing themselves and others, and persistence in growing as a leader 
  • Contributions that have started to influence entire organizations, communities, and beyond 
  • The NAA Core Knowledge, Skills, and Competencies (CKSCs) at the Apply Level, moving toward Amplify in many of the CKSC content areas. 

Each honoree will receive a free NAA membership, a free NAA25 Convention registration, ongoing leadership development, support in broadening their professional networks, and other opportunities to expand their impact. Those selected must be willing to respond to a written interview, submit a professional photo, agree to be featured in the Spring 2025 issue of AfterSchool Today magazine, and be highlighted on NAA’s social channels and digital content.