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PRE-CONFERENCE ACADEMIES
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Join us for our comprehensive Pre-Conference Academies, aimed at helping you create change both personally and professionally. These focused sessions offer participants a deep dive into specialized areas of learning. They are intended to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit as well as build capacity by inspiring you to become an agent for change.
Pre-Conference Academy sessions are either half or full-day events (3-8 hours) and include workshop materials*. Pre-registration is mandatory. Please see individual academy descriptions below for exact times. You must be registered to attend the BOOST Conference in order to attend a Pre-Conference Academy.
NOTE: You cannot register on-site for Pre-Conference Academies. The deadline to register for all Pre-Conference Academy sessions is April 15, 2026.
You cannot switch your Pre-Conference Academy registration on-site. You may only attend the Pre-Conference Academy that you registered for online.
Tuesday, April 28
Youth Mental Health First Aid
9:00AM-5:30PM
$85 per person
(includes 30-minute lunch break, all workshop materials/manual, and Certificate of Completion)
M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
*This course is mandatory for 8 hours to qualify for the MHFA Certificate.
Presenters: Rita Rasuli, MS, Prevention Coordinator; Erin Harrison, MS, Coordinator Expanded Learning Programs, San Joaquin County Office of Education, Stockton, CA
Youth Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges in youth. This training helps adults who work with youth be able to provide initial support to youth ages 12-18 who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and guide them to the appropriate care.
Click here to learn more about our Youth Mental Health First Aid Pre-Conference Academy.
PLANNING FOR IMPACT: TIPS AND TOOLS TO LAUNCH EVIDENCE-BASED SUMMER LEARNING
10:00AM-3:00PM
$75 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
E, ULA, MLA
Presenters: Hillary Oravec, MA, Managing Partner, The Learning Agenda, Akron, OH; Patricia “Pat” Lewis, Ed.D., Senior Consultant, The Learning Agenda, Denton, TX; Jared Scheck, MA, Strategic Initiatives Manager, The Learning Agenda, Chicago, IL
Whether you’re launching a new summer program or strengthening an existing one, this energizing, hands-on Pre-conference Academy will equip district summer learning leaders with evidence-based strategies and proven tools to plan and lead high-impact programs. Using The Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition, we’ll explore real-world strategies that boost engagement, improve outcomes, and build lasting demand. Learn from a district leader, apply adaptable tools, and collaborate to solve common challenges. All attendees will receive a free copy of the Wallace Foundation’s Summer Learning Toolkit and Getting to Work on Summer Learning, 2nd Edition.
Click here to learn more about our Planning for Impact Pre-Conference Academy.
HEART-CENTERED CONNECTIONS: CREATING INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS FOR NEURODIVERSE CHILDREN
10:00AM-4:30PM
$175 per person (includes lunch, all workshop materials, and Certificate of Completion)
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Presenter: Niki Elliott, Ph.D., Director, Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN), University of San Diego, San Diego, CA
The Heart-Centered Connections model supports teachers, community educators, and caregivers in creating trauma-informed, neuroinclusive learning environments. These environments, rooted in adult social-emotional wellness, promote emotional resilience and academic success for neurodiverse youth. By examining the connections between educational neuroscience, neurodiversity, trauma-informed teaching, and social-emotional learning, participants gain practical tools to engage effectively with youth. This holistic approach helps foster environments where all learners, especially those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, mental health diagnoses, or trauma, can thrive.
Click here to learn more about our Heart-Centered Connections Pre-Conference Academy.
NAVIGATING GRANTS WORLD: A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR EXPANDED LEARNING AND OST PROFESSIONALS
1:00PM-5:00PM
$125 per person (includes all workshop materials and Certificate of Completion)
PK, E, M, H, ULA, MLA, CB, DS
Presenter: Gabriela B. Delgado, M.A., M.P.A., GPC, Director, Student Services and Programs, San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego, CA
As our funding environment shifts, building capacity around grant development is essential for sustaining and expanding programs. This session empowers out-of-school time professionals to confidently navigate the changing landscape, strengthening their ability to identify and secure grants that support transformational after-school experiences. Participants will explore ways to discover new funding sources, gain insights into the grant lifecycle, and apply proven best practices for crafting compelling and successful proposals.
Click here to learn more about our Navigating Grants World Pre-Conference Academy.
Pre-Conference Academy REGISTRATION contact
Do you have any questions about registering for our Pre-Conference Academies? Please contact:
Connor Finn, Program Coordinator
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Pre-Conference Academies
Please note: Name badges are required to attend all BOOST Conference events, including all meals and all workshops.
Donate to BOOST to help create change
By donating to BOOST Collaborative you are supporting our mission to provide quality professional development to global educators, building community, and cultivating experiences for change. You are supporting our purpose - thank you for your support.
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