Research is clear: the single most important factor in a child’s afterschool experience isn’t the facility, the curriculum, or the technology—it’s the person standing in front of them.
As we kick off Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week (April 20–24, 2026), we are taking a moment at Operation Xcel to pull back the curtain on the incredible work happening during out-of-school time (OST). In partnership with the National AfterSchool Association (NAA), we are proud to celebrate the 850,000 professionals nationwide who serve as the heart of our communities.
The Power of the "Backbone"
"Research shows that skilled and knowledgeable program staff are the backbone of program quality and are key to positive youth outcomes," says Charlene Gladney.
These professionals do more than supervise; they are mentors who bridge the gap between school and home. They support academic growth, foster social-emotional resilience, and provide a safe harbor for the 10 million children who participate in afterschool programs each year.
Addressing the Workforce Challenge
Despite their essential role, the afterschool field faces a critical crossroads. In 2026, we continue to see significant challenges in recruitment and retention. For every child currently enrolled in a program, two more are waiting to get in. To meet this demand, we must address long-standing issues in job quality. We cannot expect high-quality outcomes for our children without providing high-quality support for our educators. This means moving beyond a simple "thank you" toward meaningful advocacy for livable wages, professional recognition, and clear career pathways.
The Solution: Professionalizing the Path
Operation Xcel is proud to support the National AfterSchool Association in its effort to strengthen the profession. A key part of this evolution is the forthcoming National Youth Development Foundational Practices Credential.
This credential is designed to:
- Empower Professionals: By providing a framework to build and demonstrate core practices.
- Ensure Quality: By guaranteeing that youth experiences are driven by evidence-based methods.
- Build Careers: By transforming a "job" into a recognized and respected professional career path.
A Call to Advocacy
As we celebrate our team this week, we invite our partners, parents, and community leaders to join us. Celebrating afterschool professionals means investing in them.
Every young person deserves access to high-quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. Skilled professionals make those experiences possible. They deserve our recognition this week—and our investment every week.
How to Join Us:
Advocate: Support policies that prioritize funding for OST staff development.
Appreciate: Take a moment to thank an afterschool educator who has impacted your family.
Share: Help us spread the word about the vital role of the #HeartOfAfterschool.
To our Operation Xcel staff and OST professionals everywhere: Thank you for making a profound difference every single day.
About Operation Xcel
Operation Xcel is dedicated to promoting eXcellent Communities, Education, and Leadership by equipping youth from kindergarten through middle school with the tools to excel in every area of their lives. Through our future-focused afterschool and summer programs, we provide a foundation for lifelong learning, diversity of thought, and career mindfulness. A cornerstone of our impact is the 3 Steps Ahead Summer Enrichment Program, a five-week, full-day academic experience where certified teachers facilitate engaging lessons in Math, Reading, Science, STEAM, Robotics, and Social-Emotional Learning. Beyond the classroom, our students grow physically and socially through weekly swimming, mentorship, and unique field trips across North Carolina. At Operation Xcel, we believe in providing equal access to quality resources and fostering the civic engagement necessary for our students to make meaningful changes in the world.
To learn more about our mission or to enroll your student in our upcoming programs, visit https://operationxcel.org/about-us/.
