The 18th annual Afterschool Conference hosted by the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, is the only annual statewide professional development conference for afterschool administrators and staff.   The conference will feature 36 workshops highlighting new ideas and best practices required for youth development professionals to remain current in the afterschool field. 

Announcing the 2010 Keynote Speaker...

The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence is pleased to announce Fredi Lajvardi as keynote speaker for the 2010 Arizona Afterschool Conference.

Lajvardi will join over 500 afterschool providers and staff from across Arizona to share his vision and experience on the value of incorporating STEM into afterschool programs for children of all ages.   Both his keynote and STEM related workshops will provide conference attendees with hands on ideas and activities for making STEM a valuable component of the afterschool curriculum.

A marine science teacher by day, Lajvardi is the leader and co-founder of the Carl Hayden High School Falcon Robotics afterschool program in Phoenix, a nationally recognized program that engages youth in high-level robotics experimentation and engineering.   

Lajvardi’s afterschool program is nothing short of inspirational.

The Falcon Robotics Team has been featured on ABC’s Nightline, in WIRED Magazine and they have won numerous competitions including Marine Advance Technology Education Center competitions, National ROV Championships, and even a University level event besting MIT’s underwater robotics team. "We used to be known as the gang school," said Lajvardi, "Now we're known as the robot school."

As co-founder of the Arizona Promoters of Applied Science in Education, Lajvardi has been influential in the advancement of extracurricular STEM education in Arizona.  He was the recipient of Phoenix Union High School District’s Teacher of the Year Award in 2004, the Arizona Department of Education’s Teacher Leadership Award in 2008, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Most Outstanding Educator Pre-University award in 2005.

Read the Arizona Republic feature article on Lajvardi and the Falcon Robotics here: http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/arizonaliving/articles/2010/08/08/20100808robotics0808.html

Watch a short video about the program here: http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/arizona-robotics-teacher-video1.html.

Why is STEM so critically important?
Watch this video: www.connectamillionminds.com/campaigns/cammww/



Exhibit at the 2010 Afterschool Conference!

The Center is looking for exhibitors to display a variety of products and services targeting programs serving children and youth ages 5-17.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

  >  Reach hundreds of afterschool/OST program decision makers

  >  Network with community, school and government leaders

  >  Donate goods or services for raffles, door prizes or giveaways

      (contributions should be received no later than October 23)

Advertisement opportunities

Increase your visibility with an ad in the Conference Program. Ads range from business card to full page. Does your schedule preclude doing an exhibit this year? Don’t miss the opportunity to deliver your message with an ad!

Review the application, pricing and further description of Exhibition & Ad Space HERE.

Exhibit reservation deadline is October 8, 2010 for consideration at the 2010 Conference.

Contact Caitlin King with any questions, 602.496.3308 or caking@azafterschool.org.