January 2026: Kicking Off the Year by Connecting, Learning, and Inspiring 🚀
We started 2026 exactly how we love to: on the road, in community, and surrounded by educators who are passionate about creating meaningful experiences for students. January took the Nexplore team across California for three very different — but equally inspiring — conferences.
From leadership and inclusion, to program quality, to wellness and connection, here’s a look at how our January conferences set the tone for an incredible year ahead.
🎓 SSDA E3 Forum Imperial | El Centro, CA
January 15, 2026
The SSDA E3 (Engage, Empower, Elevate) Forum brought together superintendents from small and rural districts across Imperial, CA, all focused on one powerful theme: The Superintendent as the Instructional Leader.
The day kicked off with a special touch — a junior high school band playing live jazz, setting an upbeat and welcoming tone for the entire event. 🎷✨
The keynote speaker, Heather Friziellie, delivered an impactful session centered on inclusion and the importance of evolving our language to better serve all students, educators, and communities. Her message resonated deeply with attendees and sparked thoughtful conversations throughout the day.
This forum was all about leadership with purpose, collaboration, and walking away with actionable strategies to strengthen instructional vision — even when wearing multiple hats.
🏫 BACR Community Services Fair | Oakland, CA
January 22, 2026
The BACR Community Services Fair in Oakland was all about quality programs and professional development for site directors.
Throughout the day, participants engaged in PD sessions focused on building strong, impactful programs for students. Vendors joined during lunch, creating a space for directors to explore resources, ask questions, and discover new ways to enhance their offerings.
It was a great mix of learning, collaboration, and real-world solutions — and we loved connecting with educators who are deeply committed to delivering high-quality experiences for their kids.
🧘♀️ ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat | Burbank, CA
January 31, 2026
The ACSA Region 16 Wellness Retreat was truly something special.
Hosted at The Castaways in Burbank, the event offered breathtaking views overlooking the San Fernando Valley, creating the perfect setting for a day dedicated to wellness, reflection, and connection. 🌿✨
Participants spent the day rotating through:
✅ Yoga classes 🧘♂️
✅ Nature walks 🌱
✅ Art therapy 🎨
✅ Affirmation stations 💬💛
The energy was incredibly positive, and attendees were highly engaged with vendors throughout the event. We had meaningful conversations, reconnected with current clients, gathered valuable leads, and felt an overwhelming amount of love for Nexplore and what we do.
✨ A Strong Start to 2026
January reminded us why we do what we do. Whether it’s leadership development, program quality, or educator wellness, community and connection are always at the heart of learning.
We’re beyond grateful for the conversations, the inspiration, and the partnerships that came out of these events — and we’re just getting started.
👉 Want to see what’s next for Nexplore?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, and check out our upcoming conferences and events.
Why Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants Create a Powerful Opportunity — and How Districts Can Bring Them to Life
Oregon’s commitment to summer learning is entering a new chapter. With the launch of the State Summer Learning Grant program, the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) is signaling a clear priority: summer learning should be intentional, equitable, and built for long-term impact.
For districts, education service districts (ESDs), and charter schools, this funding represents more than dollars, it’s an opportunity to rethink how summer programs are designed, staffed, and delivered in ways that truly serve students.
From Short-Term Programs to Sustainable Impact
Unlike one-year funding cycles, Oregon’s State Summer Learning Grants move toward a multi-year, competitive funding model, allowing grantees to plan with confidence. The focus on literacy outcomes, evidence-based practices, and meaningful instructional time raises the bar for what summer learning can be and should be.
But with that opportunity comes a real challenge:
How do districts scale high-quality summer programs quickly without overextending internal staff or sacrificing quality?
That’s where strategic partnerships matter.
Where Nexplore Fits In
At Nexplore, we work alongside districts across the country to design and deliver high-quality enrichment and academic support programs that complement core instructional goals, especially during summer.
For Oregon districts pursuing State Summer Learning Grant funding, Nexplore can support implementation by:
✅ Providing ready-to-deploy, research-aligned enrichment programs that pair naturally with literacy and academic priorities
✅ Training instructors based on the specific courses and age groups they will serve, ensuring consistency and quality across sites
✅ Offering operational support that helps districts meet required instructional hours while keeping programs engaging and student-centered
✅ Scaling programming across multiple schools or regions without adding administrative burden to district teams
Rather than asking districts to build everything from scratch, Nexplore helps turn grant plans into high-quality, on-the-ground experiences for students.
High Expectations Require the Right Partners
ODE’s summer learning framework emphasizes:
✅ Equity and access
✅ Evidence-based instruction
✅ Strong planning and execution
✅ Programs that students actually want to attend
Meeting those expectations requires more than good intentions, it requires capacity, training, and proven systems. Districts that partner with organizations experienced in expanded learning can move faster, reduce risk, and focus their energy where it matters most: student outcomes.
Planning Now for Summer 2026 and Beyond
With the State Summer Learning Grant cycle spanning multiple years, now is the time for districts to:
Identify program partners early
✅ Align enrichment offerings with literacy and instructional goals
✅ Build summer models that are sustainable, scalable, and engaging
✅ Summer learning works best when it blends academic purpose with hands-on, joyful learning experiences, and that balance is exactly where strong district-partner collaboration shines.
At Nexplore, we believe summer should be a time when learning feels exciting, relevant, and accessible for every student. As Oregon continues to invest in meaningful summer learning, we’re excited to support districts ready to turn funding into lasting impact.
If you’re exploring State Summer Learning Grants and thinking about implementation, we’d love to be part of the conversation.
