Equity and Access

The Agenda for Children Out-of-School Time (AFCOST) convenes, catalyzes and supports the Cambridge youth serving community in increasing equity, access and innovation in sustaining the highest quality of OST program experiences for youth and their families, especially those who live at the social margins in Cambridge. OST practitioners will examine their biases, learn about systemic inequality, and prepare to design equitable and inclusive out-of-school opportunities. 
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Click here to return to Training Workshops and Series. ​

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Upcoming Trainings 

Identity and Power at Work: Being the Change We Seek
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Our identities shape how we see the world—and how the world sees us. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the ways that identity, privilege, and power dynamics influence our relationships, decisions, and organizational culture. Together, we’ll reflect on how each of us can lead with greater awareness and accountability, and practice strategies for aligning our daily actions with the values of equity and inclusion. 

MUST COMMIT TO BOTH SESSIONS​

Register Here

Introductory Recorded Trainings

Cultural Proficiency: 
​A Way of Being  
With Telesha Mervin, Minh Nguyen
​& Susan Richards​

Allows individuals and organizations to interact effectively with people. It is a developmental approach for addressing the issues and opportunities that emerge in diverse environments. Our life journeys have been shaped by race and culture and often influence the way we interface with others.

In this recorded, 3-part workshop, Cultural Proficiency: A Way of Being, facilitated by Minh Nguyen, Telesha Mervin, and Susan Richards, individuals and organizations will explore how to effectively interact with people, regardless of their culture or identity.  
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​This workshop provides participants with insights and tools to support increased cultural proficiency in their roles working with youth, families, and colleagues. ​​

​Register here to request a link to the Cultural Proficiency Training videos.   

​After watching the video you will be required to complete the Cultural Proficiency quiz to receive credit for this training.​

Inclusive Practices
With Zachary Solomons
​& Demi Akins

This training will introduce participants to the concept of inclusion and explore ways to support students with identified needs or disabilities in Out of School Time settings. Participants will learn how to cultivate and sustain an inclusive mindset, while gaining practical strategies to integrate into their programs.

Anticipated Outcomes;

• How to develop and maintain and Inclusive Mindset when working with children

 

• Strategies to use when children are struggling to engage in programming

 

• How to access the Inclusion Initiative for Support

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​Register here to request a link to the Inclusive Practices videos.

​After watching the video you will be required to complete the Inclusive Practice quiz to receive credit for this training.

Gender Dynamics & Gender Identity:  Grades 4-8
With Minh Nguyen

Explore how the
concepts and expressions of gender are quickly expanding for our youth. And the impact of the pandemic on our youth in needing to learn and socialize virtually has led to less gender freedom for them.

Through a deep dive into our own gender identity development, this 2 part video training covers language & definitions for LGBTQ+ terms, and approaches & strategies for creating gender inclusive environments in youth programs and beyond. 

​This training focuses mainly on gender identity formation for youth in grades 4 - 12.
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This workshop will expand on the question: "What does gender have to do with it?", and provide space for participants to talk about and answer "What is gender and why does it organize so much of our lives?"

Register here to request a link to the Gender Dynamics & Gender Identity Training videos. 

​ After watching the video you will be required to complete the Gender Dynamics quiz to receive credit for this training.​

Past ​Trainings & Programs

Introductory Level

 Elementary High-Needs Students & the Continuum of Academic Care 
Facilitated by Fay Burgess Backert | Spring 2026
Recognize differences in typical and neurodivergent development that affect students’ participation, attention, and behavior in out of school program routines. Identify how out of school program environments, expectations, and routines can either support or limit student engagement and regulation across the academic day. Reflect on and discuss the interaction between the student, the environment, and daily routines when supporting neurodivergent learners in out-of-school programs. Use practical strategies and accommodations to support participation, regulation, and access for neurodivergent students within out of school settings.

Meaningful Inclusion Fall 2025
Facilitated by: Mia Klinger EdM
Mia Klinger is a career special educator who has been a teacher, program director, and administrator at the kindergarten through graduate school levels. She has committed much of her career to working with children and families impacted by trauma, social-emotional disabilities, and school challenges. In 2022, Mia founded JOYweavers, an agency committed to serving this population and to promoting meaningful inclusion. JOYweavers offers summer programming, school-year events for campers, consultation for families around IEPs and special education issues and opportunities for all to find community.

Identity and Power at Work: Being the Change We Seek  Fall 2025
Facilitated by: Kristen L. Handricken & Anissa Ray
Our identities shape how we see the world—and how the world sees us. In this interactive workshop, participants will explore the ways that identity, privilege, and power dynamics influence our relationships, decisions, and organizational culture. Together, we’ll reflect on how each of us can lead with greater awareness and accountability, and practice strategies for aligning our daily actions with the values of equity and inclusion. 

​Intro to Inclusive Practices Spring 2025
Facilitated by Zach Solomons & Demi Atkins​
This training will introduce participants to the concept of inclusion and explore ways to support students with identified needs or disabilities in Out of School Time settings. Participants will learn how to cultivate and sustain an inclusive mindset, while gaining practical strategies to integrate into their programs.
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COUNTED OUT February 2025
Cambridge STEAM Initiative
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in-person screening & discussion of  Counted Out;
A film by Vicki Abeles, featuring Dr. Bob Moses

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Intermediate Level 

Inclusive Practices 2025
Facilitated by Zach Solomons & Demi Akins
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This training will introduce participants to the concept of inclusion and explore ways to support students with identified needs or disabilities in Out of School Time settings. Participants will learn how to cultivate and sustain an inclusive mindset, while gaining practical strategies to integrate into their programs.

Equitable Futures Lab May 2025
Facilitated by Allegra Fletcher & Matt Dunkel
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A mix of a training, a collaborative cohort experience, and community organizing. It’s part of an effort to expand equitable, high-quality OST opportunities for all children in Cambridge. And it’s a great place to put your knowledge and ideas into action - and who are excited to think critically about their own roles and identities in the process of making change.

Developing Gender Inclusive Program Culture ​April 2024
Required: Introductory Recorded Gender Dynamics 

Facilitated by Minh Nguyen

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Click here to return to Training Workshops and Series. ​