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2026 Afterschool Excellence Award: OST Advocate of the Year Award

This award spotlights a standout OST champion who goes above and beyond to strengthen opportunities for young people in their community. The winner of this award:

1. Inspires others, youth, families, and partners to get involved and support impactful OST opportunities.
2. Builds strong relationships that elevate out-of-school time programs and the communities they serve.
3. Demonstrates clear, positive impact on access, quality, or support for OST in their community, region, statewide or nationally.
1.Please provide your information (Name, email, and Phone number).(Required.)
2.Who are you nominating for this award?(Required.)
3.How does the nominee contribute to strengthening the OST sector as a whole - locally, regionally, statewide, or nationally? Consider efforts that expand access, improve quality, increase awareness, build infrastructure, or strengthen alignment across the field.(Required.)
4.In what ways does the nominee advocate for systemic improvements that support the long-term sustainability and growth of OST? Examples may include policy efforts, cross-sector collaboration, elevating community needs, or helping shape broader OST strategies.(Required.)
5.How does the nominee use their voice, leadership, or relationships to influence others in the OST ecosystem (e.g., partners, policymakers, funders, educators, youth leaders)? Share examples of how they inspire others to champion OST or take collective action.(Required.)
6.How has the nominee built or strengthened partnerships that benefit the wider OST sector? Examples may include linking schools and providers, engaging business or philanthropy, supporting networks, or fostering shared learning.(Required.)
7.Describe the nominee’s measurable or observable impact on the OST field.This could include improved coordination, expanded resources, enhanced quality supports, youth leadership opportunities, or increased access.(Required.)
8.How does the nominee champion youth voice, belonging, or equitable access in ways that shape the broader OST landscape—not just a single program?(Required.)
9.Is there anything else you would like to share about the nominee’s contribution to advancing Michigan’s OST ecosystem?
10.Please use this to upload any files that you want to provide as supporting materials (photos, testimonials, letters of support, short videos). (Optional)
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11.Please provide full information of the nominee (Organization Name, Name of Primary contact, email, and phone number).(Required.)