Many thanks to our Synergy 2025 Sponsors!
The annual Synergy Conference brings together afterschool providers, informal educators, community stakeholders, students, business leaders, politicians, and others from all around North Carolina to focus on afterschool and summer learning. As always we will have an exciting line-up of engaging workshops and vibrant speakers, unique networking opportunities, special recognition and awards, and meaningful professional development.
This year’s conference theme is Igniting Bright Futures! This theme highlights the ways in which afterschool professionals and programs serve as vital spaces where young people feel safe, supported, and inspired to grow. Through meaningful relationships and enriching experiences, afterschool providers ignite curiosity, foster resilience, and empower students to reach their full potential.
When: November 18-19, 2025
Where: McKimmon Conference and Training Center, Raleigh, NC
Conference Schedule:
Check out the conference program by clicking the image
You can also access the schedule, conference center map, workshop presenters, and more on the Whova app.
NAA Membership
Registering for Synergy also qualifies you for a FREE membership with the National AfterSchool Association (NAA)!!
NC CAP is the North Carolina Affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association. NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession.
OST professionals who are not paid NAA members and live in North Carolina, our state affiliation, and a Synergy Conference registration makes you eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership may be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale from $25 to $150. For more information, visit naaweb.org/page/Membership.
Keynote Speaker
Crystal R. Harden, EdD
Director of Programs and Strategic Engagement | Morehead Planetarium and Science Center
Harden manages educational programs and access initiatives for Morehead, including on-site and outreach programming and the North Carolina Science Festival. She collaborates with faculty, researchers, and communities to develop and implement accessible STEM curricula for broadening participation in STEM. Harden is the founder of the Science for All Summit.
“Creating opportunities for young people in authentic spaces allow learning outside of the school day to usher in belonging for all regardless of their lived experiences and backgrounds.”
Before joining Morehead in 2008, she served as an educational consultant for the California Department of Education. She also served as an expert on mobile science programs for the US Department of State in Amman, Jordan. Harden holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree and doctorate in education from UNC-Chapel Hill.
Workshop Presenters & Conference Strands
Synergy has six key conference strands and our presenters were chosen for their knowledge, experience, and ability to engage their audience in their respective strands. Click on each strand to learn more and see the presenters for this year’s conference!
Supportive Environments
PRESENTERS:
- Rich Gilliam (STEM PLUG) – “Storytelling as a Superpower – Connecting Youth to Purpose Through Your Journey”
- Annie Jonas (NC CAP) – “Creating Supportive Afterschool Spaces through Trauma-Informed Practice”
- Marcus Joyner (Christine W. Avery Learning Center) – “Beats of Healing – A Trauma-Informed Approach to Social Emotional Learning Through Music”
- Melissa Radcliff (Our Children’s Place of Coastal Horizons) – “Invisible Sentence – Supporting and Advocating for Children of Incarcerated and Returning Parents”
- Lisa Rice (Forum for Youth Investment) – “The Power of Practice – What Staff Do Daily to Ignite Bright Futures”
Building and Sustaining Strong Organizations
PRESENTERS:
- Harriett Edwards (NC State University) – “Thinking Generationally – Recruiting and Engaging Volunteers in Out-of-School Programs”
- Lisa Rice (Forum for Youth Investment) – “From Observation to Impact – Using the PQA to Strengthen Program Quality and Outcomes”
- Jon Williams (NC School Age Initiative) – “Crafting Your School Age Program Culture”
Academic Support and Learning Recovery
PRESENTERS:
- Tammorah Mathis (Early Years) – “Homework Happens Here!”
- Leonard Paulk (Boys & Girls Clubs of the Coastal Plain) – “Hands On-Engaging Minds, Learning by Doing, Growing by Experience and Leading Through Action”
- Michelle Pearce (Environmental Educators of North Carolina) – “Worming Our Way Into Wonder – Observation, Curiosity & Connection in Inclusive Learning”
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)
PRESENTERS:
- Therese Bridges (Unlimited Perceptions LLC) – “STEM Power Projects – Empowering Youth as Problem-Solvers in a Real-World Crisis”
- Sarah Rogers (Iredell Statesville Schools Prime Time For Kids) – “Do Anything With Nothing – Quality STEAM Education On A Budget”
- Dr. Lisa Starr (Christ Chapel Academy) – “Explore, Create & Shine! Strategies for creating a fun Stem Club afterschool program”
- Nashira Williams (Techbridge Girls) – “Empowering Equity in STEM-A Hands-On Approach with Techbridge Girls”
College and Career Promise
PRESENTERS:
- Wayne Capps (NC CAP) – “The Afterschool and Industry Partnership Playbook”
- Dr. Mary Olvera (NC Community College System) – “Advancing the School-Age Workforce-Curriculum Updates and Opportunities for Growth”
Community Collaborations, Partnerships, and Engagement
PRESENTERS:
- Kathy Dikeman (Cape Fear Child Nutrition) – “Igniting Nutrition Without Stoves”
- Jerry Edmonds III, Ed.D. (Edmonds Tennis & Education Foundation NJTL Chapter) – “Game, Set, Match: Partnering Through Tennis to Develop Youth and Community”
- Marcus Jenkins (ROOTS Mentoring) – “Building Bridges-Strengthening Community Collaborations and Engagement for Out-of-School Time Orgs”
- Lianne Solina (BrightMoves) – “Movement, Story & Social Emotional Growth for the Whole Child”
Synergy 2025 Vendors
Hotel Accommodations
Synergy Hotel Blocks are available to two hotels close to our conference venue at McKimmon Conference and Training Center! Reserve now as space is limited! Last day to book using the block rate will be October 28, 2025.
- Start Date: Monday, November 17, 2025
- End Date: Wednesday, November 19, 2025
TownePlace Suites Raleigh – University Area
- $145.00 per night plus tax for a King or Two Queen Room
- Book online at TownePlace Suites Raleigh – Synergy Group Rate
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at NC State S.W.
- $145.00 per night plus tax for a King or Two Queen Room
- To Make Reservations:
- Call 919-854-0001 ext 1 (reservations) or 1-800-HOLIDAY and mention group code: NAP or NC Center Afterschool Programs Synergy
- Book online at Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites at NC State – Synergy Group Rate
Online reservations may not be available on mobile devices. Cancellation Policy: Reservations can be changed or canceled without penalty until 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025 (one day before arrival).
FOR VENDORS AND SPONSORS
Contact NC CAP Director Elizabeth Anderson at eanderson@ncforum.org for inquiries about becoming a Synergy Conference Sponsor or Vendor.
