For the second year in a row, the NC Center for Afterschool Programs hosted a series of Regional Convenings in various locations across the state. Each of the convenings was held at a Community College that offers School-Age Career Certificates or Degree Programs. 

The Policy & Practice Regional Convenings provided an opportunity for attendees to engage in meaningful dialogue pertaining to the 2019 Roadmap of Need. The annual Roadmap of Need uses data on economic development, education, health and youth behavior & safety to take a whole child needs assessment of what youth living in each of North Carolina’s 100 counties must have in order to thrive in school and in life. This year’s report found that the top five counties where youth have the greatest likelihood for success are Orange, Wake, Union, Henderson and Moore; the bottom five counties where young people are most at-risk are Northampton, Vance, Robeson, Edgecombe, and Washington. In addition to dialogue centered on the recently released Roadmap, attendees had the opportunity to explore a range of enrichment activities presented by partnering organizations that can be utilized in programs.