About the Collaborative
In partnership with the Dogwood Health Trust, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs established the Western North Carolina After 3PM Collaborative in 2023 to address significant unmet need for afterschool and out-of-school-time programs in North Carolina’s 18 westernmost counties.
Through the Western North Carolina After 3PM Collaborative, nearly 100 youth development professionals and stakeholders across Western NC are working together to address complex issues and improve the quality and effectiveness of afterschool, summer, and expanded learning initiatives in the region.
Together, members of the Collaborative are taking a youth- and community-centered approach to:
- build a more coordinated and impactful system of youth development, and
- expand learning opportunities that improve the lives of children and youth in Western NC.
How We’re Accomplishing This
To reach our vision, we’ve set goals focused on both “learning” and “doing” in four areas:
- Data Collection and Program Evaluation
- Fund and Resource Development
- Partnership and Connection
- Workforce Wellness and Development
Check out our learning and doing goals here.
Collaborative members meet quarterly to work together on reaching our goals. At our gatherings, we build relationships, learn, and work together to solve common challenges.
Collaborative members have also established six Working Groups and a Building Resiliency Community of Practice that meet regularly to prioritize needs and next steps to reach our goals.
