Empower Youth Success 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to Empower Youth Success 2026!
Get ready for an exciting few days of innovative learning, engagement, networking, and fun. Whether this is your first time or you’re a returning attendee, we’re so glad you’re here to help make this event unforgettable!

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1:00pm EDT

Good to Great: Using the QSA Tool in Afterschool

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Governor Ballroom E @ Governor Ballroom E

Learn how to reflect on your practice and program with the Quality Self-Assessment. This workshop will introduce participants to the tool, including how to use it to promote continuous quality improvement. This session will include engaging activities to model key parts of the process.

Moderators

Alicia SalamonePowers

Association Executive Director, Capital District YMCA

Presenters

Timothy Fowler

Project Director, New York State Network for Youth Success

Timothy Fowler has worked with children and youth programs for more than 25 years. Since2002, he has been a trainer, facilitator, coach, and consultant for youth programs in Missouri, Illinois, and New York. His specialty areas are youth development, program development, quality improvement... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom E Governor Ballroom E

Speed Session, BOOST Track

1:00pm EDT

Office of Children & Family Services LEAPS team highlights and updates.

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Governor Ballroom C&D @ Governor Ballroom C&D

Come and meet the OCFS LEAPS team.
The Office of Children and Family Services LEAPS team will share updates and resources. The LEAPS panel we will also highlight some of the great work we have seen through our site visits, program reports and program newsletters. A wonderful opportunity to see LEAPS in action across the state.

Moderators

Lesley Lawrence

CNY Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Lesley Lawrence is a Program Specialist with the NYS Network for Youth Success’s School-Age Technical Assistance Resource Center (SATARC). She provides individualized support to LEAPS and BOOST grantees in program management, grant implementation, program quality, and data systems. With over 20... Read More →

Presenters

Kathleen McGarry

Safiya Ikhlas

Afterschool Program Supervisor, NYS Office of Children & Family Services

Linda Darrah

Child & Family Services Program Manager 1, NYS OCFS

Presentation will consist of the OCFS LEAPS program manager team and special guests. The team has collective experience in OCFS Child Care regulations, initiatives, Direct care services, Child Welfare and family services in addition to OCFS afterschool grants.

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Governor Ballroom C&D Governor Ballroom C&D

Speed Session

1:00pm EDT

Real Science: Resources for Citizen Science with Children and Youth

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT

Kelsey's @ Kelsey's

There are many ways to engage everyday people, including children, in ongoing scientific research. Learn about citizen science and how you can engage young people in participating in actual scientific research efforts.

Moderators

Taylor Esperti

Childcare Director, Capital District YMCA

Presenters

Shania Irby

Eastern Program Specialist, New York State Network for Youth Success

Shania joins Network for Youth Success as a New York State Certified B-6 educator with seven years of teaching experience and many more in varied childcare spaces. She brings two years of experience in varied leadership roles within NAACP Troy Branch, and is currently a board member... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Kelsey's Kelsey's

Speed Session

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

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