Nebraska Afterschool Conference
September 25, 2026
Younes Conference Center South
Kearney, NE
The GetConnected 2026 Nebraska Afterschool Conference provides an opportunity to learn more about planning and implementing a quality afterschool or summer program. Sessions offered throughout the day target a variety of audiences including program leaders, program staff, teachers, school administrators, community partners, and others interested in afterschool and summer learning opportunities for children and youth.
2026 GetConnected Conference
2026 Request for Proposals
Call for Presenters:
We are now accepting proposals for workshops: Interactive sessions that provide practical strategies, tools, and insights for afterschool professionals.
- Session Length: 50 minutes
- Interactivity: Proposals should include interactive elements to engage attendees.
- Deadline to Submit:
May 29, 2026 at3:00 PM Central**Extended: June 12th at 3:00PM CST
Call for Walk N Talk (Vendor) Tables:
We are now accepting proposals for Walk and Talk Tables: A networking opportunity for organizations, businesses, and program partners to showcase their services, share resources, and connect with afterschool leaders.
- Dedicated exhibit time during conference breaks to maximize attendee engagement.
- Opportunity to showcase your resources, programs, or services to afterschool professionals.
- 6-ft table with two chairs provided. Space available for interactive displays upon request.
- Deadline to Submit: July 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM Central
Conference Audience:
Approximately 300 attendees, including:
- Afterschool program leaders and staff
- Community partners
- Administrators
- Business representatives
Please use the following link to submit your proposals: Nebraska Afterschool Conference Request for Proposals. The submission form is the same for both Walk n Talk tables and Workshop proposals. On June 13, 2026, the form will no longer accept workshop proposals. The same link may still be used to submit Walk n Talk proposals until the July 1st deadline.
A block of rooms at the Fairfield Inn has been set up for both Wednesday (9/23) and Thursday (9/24) nights. The group rate is $144.00/night, plus tax (when applicable). The Fairfield Inn offers a suite of amenities, including:
- Indoor pool and whirlpool
- Fitness Center
- On-site restaurant
- On-site laundry
- Free Wi-Fi
- Free buffet & hot breakfast
Reservations can be made by contacting the Fairfield Inn at +1 (308) 236-4200. Make sure to let them know you are with the GetConnected Conference to secure the group rate.
*Note: The group rate is only available for the reserved block of rooms. Once all the rooms in the block are reserved, standard rates and fees will apply.
Registration Link: Nebraska Afterschool Conference: GetConnected | Eventcombo
IMPORTANT: On-site registration on day of conference is limited to regular attendees. All Walk n Talk tables and Presenters must be pre-registered using the link received in your selection email.
Presenters and Walk n Talk Tables must have received confirmation of selection in order to register!
The following is a simple conference schedule. More details, including a list of presenters, will be coming soon!
Registration/Check-In/Breakfast: 7:00-8:30 am (on-site registration will be available but does not guarantee a meal)
Workshop I: 8:30-9:20 am
Break/Networking with Walk and Talk Tables: 9:20-9:40 am
Workshop II: 9:40-10:30 am
Break/Networking with Walk and Talk Tables: 10:30-10:50 am
Workshop III: 10:50-11:40 am
Lunch and Keynote: 11:45 am-1:00 pm
Break/Networking with Walk and Talk Tables: 1:00-1:20 pm
Workshop IV: 1:20-2:10 pm
Awards: 2:15-3:15 pm
Conference ends at 3:15 pm.
Monica Dixon, Senior Director of Solutions- Search Institute
Behavior is a Signal: Reframing Student Behavior Through Developmental Relationships
As Senior Director of Solutions, Monica Dixon leads the design and continuous improvement teams who are dedicated to cultivating and inspiring the youth support ecosystem that provides young people with more equitable access to the relationships and resources they need to thrive. In her role she is focused on creating and improving Search Institute’s solutions portfolio including resources, tools, professional learning experiences, measurement tools and continuous improvement that empowers organizations to make meaningful change in their programs and practices.
Prior to joining Search Institute, Monica led statewide, district and school planning, professional learning, and implementation and evaluation of an Equity-based Multi-Tiered System of Support (EBMTSS) with the SWIFT Education Center. Her passion for youth development began over two decades ago, while working with an out of school time program, supporting youth in under-resourced communities, which led her to become a high school social studies teacher for 17 years, furthering her dedication to improving outcomes for young people.
She spent more than 20 years in a large urban school district as a youth driven and justice focused classroom teacher, school, and district leader, working to close the gap with historically marginalized students in AP and Honors Courses.
Monica has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education and an MS in Secondary Education from University of Nebraska at Omaha, and an Ed.S. in K-12 Superintendency from Northwest Missouri State University. As a practitioner with decades of experience serving youth in and out of school, Monica believes that true expertise rests with listening, learning and using systems thinking and implementation science to organize adults and communities to prioritize a true sense of belonging for youth.
Conference Partners
