From Coast to Coast: Nexplore at BOOST & Empower Youth Success 🚀
Last week, we had the chance to be part of not one—but two incredible conferences across the country: BOOST in Palm Springs, CA and Empower Youth Success in Albany, NY. Different coasts, different conversations… but one shared mission: creating meaningful, engaging opportunities for kids beyond the classroom.
Here’s a quick recap of what we saw, heard, and loved the most:
📍🌴 BOOST Conference: Energy, Innovation & So Much Passion
If there’s one way to describe BOOST, it’s this: electric.
From the moment we stepped onto the conference floor, it was a full sensory experience—bright booths, lively conversations, and a shared passion for helping students thrive. And honestly? That energy never dipped.
One of the biggest highlights was connecting with so many of our current partners and happy clients. Hearing firsthand how much they love our instructors and programs? That’s the kind of feedback that fuels everything we do.
We also had tons of conversations around career-focused and high school programming. There’s a growing demand for opportunities that go beyond the basics—think web design, video production, business programs, biomedical science, and more. (Good news: we’re already there 😉)
Another standout moment was reconnecting with partners and meeting new ones, opening the door to exciting collaborations—especially around emerging areas like podcasting and tutoring.
On a broader level, we saw:
• New funding opportunities emerging across different states
• A strong push toward physical and emotional wellness, with many programs focused on movement and mental health
• Some schools navigating funding challenges—but actively looking for solutions
And of course, California schools continue to lead the way thanks to ELOP funding—creating real opportunities to invest in students’ growth.
📍🏙️ Empower Youth Success: Strategy, Impact & The Future of Afterschool
On the other side of the country, Empower Youth Success brought a more strategic lens to afterschool and expanded learning.
A major theme? The rise of Community Schools and the evolution of 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC).
What does that mean in practice?
Schools aren’t just looking for standalone programs anymore. They want partners who can integrate seamlessly into a bigger ecosystem—programs that support academic success, well-being, and long-term student development.
Another key takeaway:
👉 High school programming is in high demand.
Administrators are actively searching for enrichment that connects students to real-world skills and career pathways—especially in advanced STEAM areas. (Exactly where Nexplore shines.)
We also had some exciting partnership conversations, including:
• Exploring curriculum alignment opportunities
• Connecting with organizations for potential future collaborations
• Brainstorming ways to bring even more hands-on, engaging experiences to students
And then there was that moment—the kind that reminds you why this work matters:
One district leader stopped by our booth, clearly drained from a day full of budget conversations. Just a few minutes into interacting with our materials, everything changed. The conversation shifted from logistics… to excitement… to joy.
That’s what we bring.
Not just programs—but moments students actually look forward to.
💡 What We’re Taking With Us
Across both conferences, a few things became crystal clear:
• Schools are looking for impactful, flexible, and future-ready programs
• There’s a growing need for engaging career-connected learning, especially for older students
• Wellness, movement, and mental health are more important than ever
• And most importantly—joy still matters. A lot.
✨ Let’s Keep the Momentum Going
At Nexplore, we’re proud to offer over 125 programs across 5 categories—STEM, Digital Tech, Art, Life Skills, and Fitness—designed to get kids moving, thinking, creating, and growing.
Whether it’s sparking curiosity, building confidence, or bringing a little more joy into the school day… that’s what we’re here for.
Let’s build something amazing together.
🔍Explore our programs💻
Celebrating the educator behind the JOY of learning: Toni Bermudes
At Nexplore, we celebrate instructors who go above and beyond to create meaningful, engaging experiences—and this month, we’re proud to recognize Toni. 🎉
With her strong presence, creativity, and professionalism, Toni transforms every class into a space where students feel encouraged to participate, express themselves, and grow. Her ability to balance structure with fun makes each lesson both impactful and memorable.
Beyond the classroom, Toni builds strong relationships with site teams and fellow instructors, making her a trusted and valued member of the Nexplore community.
🎥 Inside the Classroom
Toni’s impact comes to life through the energy, confidence, and creativity her students bring into every class. From expressive activities to collaborative moments, her classroom is always full of movement, engagement, and joy.
Take a look inside her classroom and see learning in action.
🎥 Watch the video below to see Toni in action as she guides a student through performance and expression.
💛 Thank You, Toni!
We are so grateful for Toni’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to every student and site she supports. Her energy, professionalism, and care create meaningful experiences that inspire confidence, expression, and growth in every class.
That’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month. ✨
From Ideas to Reality at Prime Time’s Bring Your Child to Work Day 2026
At Bring Your Child to Work Day 2026, hosted as part of a Prime Time Event, Nexplore had the opportunity to bring learning to life through one of our favorite approaches: hands-on innovation.
During the event, our representative led an engaging and interactive activity centered around 3D printing and creative design—giving kids a real glimpse into how ideas can become tangible solutions.
Exploring the Future Through 3D Printing
The session began with an introduction to how 3D printing is shaping the future. From building homes to creating prosthetic limbs and advancing engineering, students explored how this technology is transforming industries and accelerating innovation.
But the real magic happened when it was time to build.
Kids were challenged to design and create their own bubble wands and bubble plates, combining creativity with problem-solving. Some explored ways to generate giant bubbles, while others experimented with intricate designs to produce multiple smaller bubbles at once. Each creation was a reflection of their imagination and curiosity.
The energy in the room was undeniable—students were fully engaged, collaborating, testing ideas, and proudly showcasing their creations. To extend the experience beyond the event, each participant received bubble solution so they could continue experimenting with their custom designs at home.
Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators
This activity wasn’t just about fun (although there was plenty of that). It was about empowering kids to understand that they are capable of bringing their ideas to life—and that innovation starts with curiosity.
We’re proud to have been part of this incredible event alongside organizations committed to enriching out-of-school time experiences, and we look forward to continuing to inspire the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
📸 Highlights from Prime Time’s Bring Your Child to Work Day 2026
New STEM Programs for FALL: Where Curiosity Meets Real-World Learning 🍁🚀
This FALL 🍂, we’re bringing even more opportunities for kids to explore, create, and discover through hands-on STEM learning.
Our newest programs are designed to spark curiosity 💡, build confidence, and turn everyday questions into exciting learning adventures.
From science experiments 🧪 to architecture challenges 🏗️, each program invites kids to learn by doing—because the best way to understand the world is to experience it.
New Programs (K–5):
🕵️♂️ Little Detectives – Solve mysteries using clues, observation, and teamwork while building critical thinking and problem-solving skills through hands-on challenges.
🩺 Little Doctors – Explore the human body through models, movement, and experiments while learning health habits and discovering real-world medical careers.
🚀 Space Explorers – Build rockets, model planets, and explore space science while developing teamwork, problem-solving, and scientific observation skills.
🏗️ Young Architects & Builders – Design bridges, towers, and buildings while exploring engineering, teamwork, and problem-solving through hands-on construction challenges.
New Courses:
🐾 Math – Explorers (K–5) – Practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division through animal-themed games and workbook challenges while building confidence and math skills.
🔬 Wacky Science – Little Scientists (PreK3–K) – Build amazing projects like wind sails and flying objects to understand the “how” and “why” of big discoveries!
📅 Let’s Plan Your FALL Programs
We’d love to help you explore these new STEM programs, answer your questions, and find the perfect fit for your students and community.
These new additions bring fresh opportunities for exploration 🔍, creativity 💡, and hands-on learning 🧪—and we’re excited to see what kids will discover this FALL 🍁.
Celebrating the educator behind the JOY of learning: Artur Bejkollari
At Nexplore, we love celebrating instructors who bring passion, creativity, and purpose into every classroom—and this month, we’re proud to recognize Artur as our Instructor of the Month. 🎉
Artur brings a unique blend of professionalism and artistry to his teaching. As a trained professional artist, he transforms each lesson into an opportunity for students to explore their creativity, build confidence, and express themselves freely.
From carefully preparing each class before students arrive to actively engaging with every student throughout the lesson, Artur creates an environment where learning feels seamless, inspiring, and fun. His impact goes beyond the classroom, fostering connection and excitement across the broader Nexplore community.
🎥 Inside the Classroom
Artur’s impact goes beyond instruction—it comes to life through the creativity and confidence of his students. From hands-on clay projects to imaginative artistic expression, each class reflects the passion and care he brings into the classroom.
Take a look inside his sessions and see the joy of learning in action.
🎥 Watch the video below to see student creations come to life through Artur’s guidance and creativity.
💛 Thank You, Artur
We are so grateful for Artur’s dedication, artistry, and commitment to his students. His creativity, professionalism, and passion for teaching bring each lesson to life—sparking confidence, self-expression, and a love for learning in every classroom.
That’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month. ✨
Why Summer Is the Best Time for Hands-On Learning
When the school year ends, learning doesn’t have to stop — it just gets the opportunity to look different.
Summer is one of the most powerful times to engage kids in hands-on, experiential learning. Without the structure of a traditional classroom, kids are freer to explore, create, and discover in ways that feel natural and exciting.
☀️ Learning Feels Like Play (and That’s the Point)
During the summer, kids are more open to trying new things. Hands-on programs tap into that mindset by turning learning into an active experience — not something they have to do, but something they want to do.
Whether they’re building, designing, experimenting, or performing, kids are developing real skills while having fun.
🧠 Skills Grow in a Different Way
Hands-on summer programs help reinforce and expand key skills without the pressure of grades or tests.
✨ Critical thinking through problem-solving activities
✨ Creativity through open-ended projects
✨ Collaboration through group challenges
✨ Confidence by trying and mastering new skills
This type of learning sticks — because kids are actively involved in the process.
👉 Want to explore our programs and see all the options available?
Visit our Programs page and find the perfect fit for your site.
🌱 A Break from Screens, A Boost for Engagement
Summer programs offer a valuable alternative to passive screen time. Instead of consuming content, kids are creating, building, and interacting with the world around them.
That shift makes a big difference in both engagement and development.
🚀 Why It Matters for Sites
For schools and organizations, summer is a chance to:
✨ Keep kids engaged during out-of-school months
✨ Offer enriching experiences families truly value
✨ Strengthen community connections through meaningful programming
Well-planned summer programs don’t just fill time — they create lasting impact.
Ready to build a summer kids will love?
Hawthorne Scholastic Academy moves on to the CPS Championships after winning the Northside K-6 Intermediate Section!
We are thrilled to celebrate (again!) the outstanding success of the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team, a brilliant example of what students can achieve through hard work and practice.
The team recently competed in the CPS Academic Chess’s 2026 CPS Northside Championship Tournament on February 28th, going head-to-head against CPS’s most talented. We are incredibly proud to announce that the Hawthorne Scholastic Academy chess team placed 1st among 16 teams in the highly competitive K-6 Intermediate section. Hawthorne beat out our friendly competitors, including Skinner North Elementary, Decatur, Alcott, Keller Gifted Magnet School, and Edison Regional Gifted Center. Not bad for Hawthorne’s first year placing in CPS!
HSA student Bota Narthasilpa scored 4.5/5, placing 2nd individually. Leyee Qian took 4th place, and Tate Walling,, Kaiyee Qian, and Ness Mehta all tied for 5th with Leeyee. Thus, Hawthorne’s total score of 16.5 points, a full point ahead of the competition (crazy!).
This remarkable accomplishment highlights the hard work, strategic thinking, and steady practice nurtured in the Nexplore/MM Chess program. Using the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they’ve learned, these young competitors truly shone when it mattered most.
In recognition of their brilliant performance, the team won a well-deserved 1st Place Plaque! We sincerely hope they bring it to school to display and inspire the next generation of chess champions!
Now, we’re on to the championships on March 14th!
February 2026: Rejuvenation, impact & the power of After School 💛
February took us to a conference that reminded us exactly why afterschool professionals are the heartbeat of their communities.
On February 27–28, Nexplore attended the CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium, hosted by the California Afterschool Network — and the energy in the room was powerful, emotional, and deeply inspiring.
This wasn’t just another conference. It was a space for rejuvenation, validation, and real conversations.
🌟 CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium
The majority of attendees were site coordinators — the leaders who work long hours, often behind the scenes, making afterschool programs run every single day.
The tone of the symposium was clear: You matter. Your work matters. The impact is real.
Keynote speakers shared real-life stories of students whose lives were transformed years ago because of the care and consistency of a site coordinator. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.
This event focused on reminding professionals that even when the work feels thankless, the ripple effect lasts for years.
💬 Meaningful Conversations at the Nexplore Table
We had powerful conversations about programming needs and trends.
There was a healthy mix of coordinators interested in:
💻 Screen-based enrichment options
✂️ Hands-on, no-screen programming
📚 Curriculum-only models
The interest in curriculum-only options sparked important conversations — especially since one of Nexplore’s biggest differentiators is that we don’t just bring curriculum — we bring the teachers too.
We also made a fun new connection with the team from Nature Watch, adding another great relationship to our growing network.
🎨 In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty
One of the most moving sessions came from ASAPconnect with their presentation:
“In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty: A Journey into Healing, Courage and Imagination.”
Inspired by Mark Gonzales’ book In Times of Terror, Wage Beauty, the session invited attendees to consider a powerful question:
When the world feels heavy and uncertain — will we react with fear, or will we wage beauty?
Through guided meditation and reflective exercises, participants explored how creativity, courage, and connection can become tools for healing — not only for students, but for entire communities.
🤝 #iAmImpact: Healing Circles & Community Care
Another standout session came from #iAmImpact, who cultivate relationships to help people thrive both personally and professionally.
Their workshop centered on healing circles and practical strategies to support students in crisis. Site coordinators were encouraged to build spaces of safety and collaboration — communities that work together instead of against one another.
It was a reminder that afterschool programs are more than enrichment — they are ecosystems of care.
✨ Why February Mattered
The CAN 2026 Site Coordinator Symposium wasn’t about flashy announcements or trends.
It was about impact.
It was about restoration.
It was about remembering that afterschool professionals change lives — sometimes quietly, but always meaningfully.
We left inspired, energized, and even more committed to supporting the leaders who support students every day.
And if February is any indication of what 2026 holds… it’s going to be a powerful year.
👉 Want to see what’s next for Nexplore?
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Linkedin, and check out our upcoming conferences and events.
Celebrating the educator behind the JOY of learning: Kaoutar Assah
At Nexplore, the magic happens inside the classroom, and this month’s Instructor of the Month is a perfect example of that magic in action. ✨
From the moment students walk in, they’re met with structure, encouragement, and FUN. With a natural ability to balance learning and excitement, this instructor creates an environment where curiosity grows, confidence builds, and every child feels seen.
Whether it’s inspiring young engineers, building meaningful relationships with families, or adding thoughtful touches that make students feel special, their dedication shows up in every detail.
🎥 Inside the Classroom
Kaoutar’s impact is best seen in the everyday classroom moments — the curiosity, the smiles, the creativity, and the confidence students build along the way.
Take a look inside her classroom and experience what joyful learning looks like in action.
💛 Thank You, Kaoutar
We are so grateful for Kaoutar’s dedication, positivity, and heart for students. Her consistency, creativity, and genuine care help create meaningful learning experiences that inspire confidence and curiosity every day.
That’s exactly what we celebrate with our Instructor of the Month. ✨
Why Intersession Mini Camps are the best Spring Break solution for your site 🌸
Spring Break creates a familiar challenge for schools and after-school sites: families need coverage, but they also want meaningful experiences.
That’s where Intersession Mini Camps from Nexplore make a difference ✨
Instead of pausing learning, sites can offer a full week of themed, hands-on enrichment that keeps kids engaged, active, and excited to return.
🌈 What Are Intersession Mini Camps?
Intersession Mini Camps are weeklong enrichment experiences designed specifically for school breaks. Each day or week centers around a theme — from STEM, Digital Tech and Arts to Fitness and Life Skills — giving kids variety while maintaining structure.
Sites can choose the schedule that best fits their community:
🕒 Partial (Half Day | 3–4 hours) — ideal for flexible participation
🌞 Full Day (6–7 hours) — a complete, structured experience that supports working families
👉 Want to explore the themes and see what Mini Camps look like?
Visit our Mini Camps page to see how it works.
⭐ Why Sites Choose Mini Camps for Spring Break
🧩 They’re flexible
Mini camps adapt to your schedule, space, and enrollment needs — including half-day or full-day formats.
🎨 They keep kids engaged
Hands-on projects, movement, and collaborative activities prevent the “break boredom” families worry about.
🤝 They strengthen community
Shared themed experiences create connection among students and families.
✅ They’re simple to implement
Professional instructors, clear structure, and turnkey planning reduce the workload for site staff.
🌟 The Result
Spring Break becomes an opportunity instead of a gap — a chance to offer joy-filled learning that families remember.
With both Partial and Full Day schedule options, sites can provide the level of coverage their families truly need 📅
If you’d like to preview themes before booking, explore the Mini Camps page and start planning early.
