AT A GLANCE
Established with the support of the Mott Foundation, OPEL is one of the 50 national afterschool networks dedicated to informing policy, developing partnerships, and shaping practices to sustain and increase the quality of afterschool programs nationwide. Our goal is to establish a statewide network of diverse stakeholders that will guide, support, and enable quality afterschool programs and policies for all children and youth.
ABOUT US
Mission
OPEL works to raise awareness, increase access, and promote the importance of sustainable quality afterschool and summer learning programs.
Vision
We envision a state where all K-12 children and youth to have access to high-quality and affordable programming that supports positive academic and social outcomes for students, families, schools and communities.
Our Values
We are radically committed to
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Transparency & Authenticity: we build relationships based on respect, accountability, and trust. We are committed to fostering a safe environment where vulnerability is welcomed.
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Community: we know that the best way to consistently deliver high impact work is to build high-trust collaborative relationships and partnerships, rooted in a deep understanding of and respect for the contexts of our colleagues, partners, and programs we support.
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Access: we believe every kid and young person should have access to affordable and high-quality expanded learning opportunities.
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Growth: we use best practices, data, lived experience, cultivated expertise, and data to drive our work and support our partners to do the same. We seek to consistently learn and improve our work.
Our Role
Learning With No Bounds
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Convene: Bring together the afterschool community to build a cohesive system that promotes collaboration and a unified voice.
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Promote quality: Share information and best practices and promote continuing education that fosters high-quality programs.
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Advocate: Increase the awareness of the impact of afterschool programs, increase communities access to afterschool programs and to influence public policy at the local, state and national levels.
ACCESS
We exist to increase and improve expanded learning opportunities
CONNECTIONS
We serve as a bridge to bring key stakeholders together and build effective partnerships
SUSTAINABILITY
We pursue sustainable systemwide funding and share funding opportunities
