Discover You™  is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 20–24, 2026, in partnership with the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), to recognize, appreciate, and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school time. Afterschool programs are essential to providing safe spaces, opportunities, and flexibility for busy families. They cultivate environments where young people feel seen and supported by friends, staff, and mentors who help them grow. 

According to surveys  from the Afterschool Alliance, parents say that afterschool programs help kids to:

  • Interact with peers and build social skills (91% of parents)
  • Gain life skills (78% of parents)
  • Connect with caring adults (79% of parents)

Celebrating the Professionals Who Make Afterschool Possible

Afterschool professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in during the hours before school, after school, and throughout the summer. They are the adults who keep kids safe, fed, supported, and connected. They create the third spaces where young people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Discover You™ supports Afterschool Professionals with professional development and easy to implement curriculum for out-of-school time settings, and now, we are excited to share our newest resource, Discover Youth, an evidence-based guide packed with practical tools for professionals to deepen their relationships and foster growth and resilience in youth.

During Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, help us honor the dedication of Afterschool Professionals with resources that strengthen their impact.

Nominate or Sponsor an Afterschool Professional or Organization

You can show your appreciation for an afterschool professional or organization by nominating or sponsoring them in the Discover You™ Afterschool Professional Appreciation Week Book Drive. Each sponsored nominee will recieve a package that includes:

  • A copy of Discover Youth — A Comprehensive Guide to Equip and Inspire Adults Who Impact Youth.
  • Free Access to one Discover You™ Community Module — offering tools and insights they can apply immediately.
  • A Letter of Appreciation — a heartfelt reminder that their work matters.
  • A Certificate of Recognition — celebrating their dedication and honoring their commitment to youth.

Do you know an amazing Afterschool Professional? Nominate them today using the link below and help us reach our goal of recognizing 150 professionals by April 26. Follow along on our social channels as we celebrate each nominee throughout the month of April.

Click here to submit your nomination!