Conference Recap – Hawaii & Arizona 2025 🌺🌵
This fall, our Nexplore team had the wonderful opportunity to attend 2 inspiring events in 2 truly beautiful locations — the Hawai‘i Afterschool Alliance Aha Lokahi Ohana and Community Engagement Conference in Honolulu, HI, and the SPARC National Conference in Scottsdale, AZ.
Both conferences celebrated innovation, connection, and the power of afterschool learning — values that are at the heart of everything we do at Nexplore. ✨
📍 Honolulu, HI – September 25–26, 2025
Our journey began in Honolulu, where we were surrounded by the warmth and spirit of aloha at the Aha Lokahi Ohana & Community Engagement Conference. 🌈
It was our first time connecting with new partners in Hawai‘i, and the response was incredible. The event brought together educators, community leaders, and program directors committed to creating meaningful experiences for kids beyond the classroom.
We left Hawai‘i with new leads, fresh ideas, and a renewed excitement about expanding Nexplore’s programs to new communities across the islands. 🌊
📍 Scottsdale, AZ – October 5–8, 2025
Just a few weeks later, our team traveled to sunny Arizona for the SPARC National Conference — one of the largest gatherings of afterschool professionals nationwide. ☀️
SPARC gave us the chance to reunite with many of our current clients in person. Meeting them face-to-face after years of collaboration was both meaningful and energizing. 🤝
The conference was filled with dynamic sessions, panels, and networking opportunities — all focused on innovation, enrichment, and the future of afterschool learning. We had valuable conversations with educators, directors, and community leaders who share our mission of inspiring creativity and curiosity in every child. 💡
🌎 Strengthening Connections Nationwide
Attending these two events reminded us how wide-reaching and passionate the Nexplore community truly is. Across the country, we continue to grow and collaborate with an expanding network of schools and partners dedicated to afterschool and expanded learning opportunities for kids.
Here’s a look at some of the amazing communities we’re proud to work with:
🌴 California – Compass, The Harker School, Nova Academy, Fallbrook Union Elementary, Foster City Parks and Recreation (3 sites)
🏙️ New York – Yeshivah of Flatbush, Mount Hope, Harlem Dowling
📚 Massachusetts – Medway Public Schools, Reading Public Schools, Lynnfield Public Schools, Ashland Public Schools
💡 Michigan – Birmingham Public Schools
🌳 North Carolina – Carolina Friends
🏫 Virginia – Torah School of Greater Washington
Every partnership represents a shared commitment to empowering kids through creativity, discovery, and the joy of learning — both inside and beyond the classroom. ✨
🚀 Looking Ahead
From the islands of Hawai‘i to the desert of Arizona, these conferences gave us new perspectives and stronger relationships. We’re grateful for every conversation, connection, and collaboration — and we can’t wait to bring what we’ve learned back to the communities we serve. 🌺🌵
As we continue to expand, new states like Vermont and Washington are joining our growing network of partners — helping us reach even more kids through meaningful expanded learning programs that inspire curiosity and confidence. 🌎
🔍Check out our website💻
for more updates and exciting partnerships. 🌟
🌟 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching: Valerie Ortiz
At Nexplore, we love celebrating instructors who bring passion, creativity, and dedication to their classrooms. Each month, we shine a spotlight on a team member who embodies our mission and values—and this September, that spotlight is shining on Valerie! 🎉✨
From leading Wacky Science at Mercey Springs Elementary to Magic/Electronic Gadgets at R.M. Miano, Valerie goes above and beyond to make every class a space where kids can learn, explore, and have fun. Her energy, preparation, and inventive teaching style make science and technology approachable, exciting, and unforgettable.
Whether she’s sparking curiosity through hands-on experiments, building strong connections with students and staff, or creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels included, Valerie truly lives out the Nexplore Commitment and the “5Cs.” 🌟
We are so grateful for the enthusiasm, professionalism, and care she brings every week. Valerie’s dedication inspires confidence and joy in her students—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
🙌 Thank You, Valerie!
We are so grateful for Valerie’s hard work and commitment to our programs. Her creativity and dedication truly spark curiosity and confidence in every class—and that’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month!
