Our Commitment to North Dakota's Youth

We are the North Dakota Out-of-School Time Network (formerly the ND Afterschool Network) , established to ensure every child has access to safe, high-quality afterschool and summer programs. Our narrative is built on the belief that the hours outside of the traditional school day are critical opportunities for growth, discovery, and skill-building. We connect partners, policy, and resources to build a thriving OST ecosystem statewide.

mission & Values

Our Foundation:

Access, Quality, and Collaboration

Our mission is to champion Out-of School Time programs by enhancing quality, developing leaders, and ensuring every young person can discover,grow, and thrive beyond the school day.

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Access

Working to ensure that high-quality, safe, and affordable programs are available to all youth, regardless of zip code.

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Quality

Championing evidence-based practices that lead to positive youth outcomes.

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Collaboration

Serving as the central hub that unites schools, government, families, and community partners across the state.

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Defining program excellence

Quality Standards

Our ND Quality Standards for Out-of-School Time Programs are the established criteria that guide and evaluate program effectiveness. These standards are a roadmap for school administrators and program staff seeking to elevate their programs and ensure positive development outcomes for students.

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advocating for Investment & Impact

Policy & Advocacy

We drive the policy and advocacy initiatives necessary to strengthen support, secure resources, and remove barriers for afterschool and summer programs across North Dakota. This work informs legislative decisions and is crucial for policy makers committed to youth development and workforce readiness.

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our partners

A Unified Statewide Effort

The success of the North Dakota Out-of-School Time Network relies on a broad network of collaborators, including state agencies, school districts, community-based organizations, and funding partners. We believe that by working together, we can maximize our reach and collective impact.

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advisory committee

Strategic Support

Our Advisory Committee provides strategic direction and ensures the network remains accountable to its mission and stakeholders.

Matthew Anderson - Team
Matthew Anderson

Arts in Education Director

North Dakota Council on the Arts
Becky Eberhardt

director of school relations

waterford.org
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Keely Ihry

director of student services

South East Education Cooperative
Karen Bernston

Chief Operating Officer

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Robin Nelson

Chief Executive Officer

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Red River Valley
Jennifer Carlson Team
Jennifer Carlson

Executive director

Northeast Education Service Cooperative
Joel Hektner

Professor/Department head human development & Family Science

North Dakota Council on the Arts
Ali Ott

Senior Community Impact Manager

United Way of Cass-Clay
Beth Demke

Executive Director

North Dakota’s Gateway to Science
Shannon Sorenson - Team
Shannon Sorenson

21cclc program administrator

North Dakota Department of Public Instruction

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