Dream. Dare. Do.
What does a bold future look like for out-of-school time programs? Dawn Hunt, ND Out-of-School Time Network Lead, set out to answer this question at the National Afterschool Association (NAA) Convention earlier this spring.
The National Afterschool Association is a professional association for people who work with and for young people during out-of-school time. Each year, the NAA brings together OST professionals to learn and connect at its national convention. OST programs are facing unprecedented change and uncertainty, and it’s in this climate that professionals have demonstrated greater commitment than ever.
This dedication to OST was well represented in the convention theme, “Dream. Dare. Do.” Participants were challenged to imagine bold futures for young people and the profession, take courageous steps forward, and act with purpose and power. While Hunt had the opportunity to strengthen this framework of dreaming, daring, and doing through convention sessions, she also reflected on how the network is currently exemplifying these themes. One project Hunt highlighted is the ND OST documentary set to premiere in early fall.
A documentary that highlights the impact and importance of real North Dakota OST programs has been a longstanding dream of the Network. After years of dreaming, this documentary became a formal discussion. Hunt praised the efforts of those that initiated the project and said, “there were countless individuals who, prior to my time at the Network, poured their heart and energy into it [the documentary].” After years spent dreaming, the Network dared to take a leap of faith with local production company, Tellwell, and the “doing” got started. Documentary filming began in early 2025. While it’s important to celebrate the ongoing work of dreaming, daring, and doing, Hunt also knows the work is not done. The NAA Convention was the perfect place to refocus on this mindset.
Hunt bolstered her knowledge at the NAA Convention by attending workshops on community, state, and local partnerships and education sessions on aligning state education agencies and afterschool networks. She also served in breakout groups on developing research and data strategies that can impact policy.
As North Dakota’s OST Network Lead, Hunt is uniquely positioned to support OST programs. She stated:
My role as the network lead is to build a collaborative, high-quality system of afterschool and summer programs for children and youth. I sit at the intersection of connecting providers, schools, community partners, and funders to strengthen the overall OST ecosystem. Within that, my responsibilities include strategic advocacy and leadership, networking and collaboration, fostering youth leadership development and workforce quality improvement. A big component to success is providing technical assistance, professional development and resources to help OST programs meet the ND Quality Standards.
While learning is the base of the NAA Convention, another purpose is to catalyze connections on a nationwide scale. The importance of these connections does not exist solely in their occurrence. When leveraged, these connections can lead to powerful innovations in OST programming. For instance, while conversing with South Dakota’s network lead, Hunt learned about their professional development offerings for OST staff. The two states are now working together to conceptualize new trainings that truly serve their respective OST programs.
As OST programs continue to dream, dare, and do, Hunt wants to emphasize that the Network is a resource. Hunt stated,
I am always accessible and open to conversation. Often, program directors reach out to me as a brainstorming partner or to discuss what is happening in the OST world – at the state or national level. I always welcome this! Programs can contact me via email (dawn.hunt@k12.nd.us), cell (701-340-5821), or office line (701-997-2614).
Out of all the information and networking at the 2026 NAA Convention, one key takeaway really stuck with Hunt – the power of community. Hunt proclaimed,
I think in North Dakota, we serve as an exemplary model of community. We take great pride in our communities – big or small. Throughout the state, our young people are engaged in learning, gaining social and leadership skills, and participating in highly innovative career exploration through our ND out-of-school time programs. That’s something we can all be proud of in our communities.
To be one of the first viewers of the new North Dakota OST documentary, join the network at the OST Summit in Fargo this August.