2025 Utah Afterschool Network Northern Recharge Conference: Lessons to Legacies
UAN’s Northern Recharge was a full day of packed presentations designed to support afterschool professionals with high-quality professional development. The event was held at Glendale Middle School, Salt Lake City, on February 22, 2025. Professional learning events like UAN’s Northern Recharge conference play a crucial role in developing afterschool staff, educators, emerging leaders, and program administrators. This event provided a platform for individuals involved in afterschool programming to enhance their skills, stay updated on best practices, and latest trends, and connect with others in the field.
These sessions provided real-world insights, hands-on activities, and a whole lot of fun!
Blowing off ESTEAM: Behavior Management Strategies Using Entrepreneurial Learning
Session Summary: How does ESTEAM® learning (STEM + Arts + Entrepreneurship) help with behavior management and student leadership development?
Participants came to this interactive session with VentureLab and Davis SD Afterschool to learn proven strategies, play some activities, and leave with a plan to apply for their program!
Session Learning Objectives:
Strategies for behavior management & student leadership using ESTEAM® activities
Take home planning & scheduling resources to apply VentureLab activities
Access VentureLab’s no-cost curriculum
Participants then interacted and ‘played’ with some VentureLab activities. They ended by reflecting on their unique programming and student needs and putting together an action plan to utilize the no-cost resources and support.
Meet Kat, VentureLab Certified Educator
The workshop was facilitated by VentureLab Certified Educator Kat Larget, site coordinator at Lincoln Elementary’s afterschool program. She had been working in afterschool programs for 8 years. She was made the youngest director of a Davis District ASP at the age of 19. Kat is passionate about working with and connecting with students in need! She values diversity, creativity, and empathy.
Kat was presented with her Certified Educator Certificate by Utah Afterschool Network’s Executive Director
Ben Trentelman and VentureLab’s Program Coordinator, Lindly Fernandez. Kat has and continues to make valuable contributions to the Davis SD and greater Utah afterschool community. VentureLab is honored to recognize and support her work to bring high quality afterschool learning to the youth she serves.
What is ESTEAM & Why Does it Matter?
ESTEAM® stands for Entrepreneurship, Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. It’s an integrated educational approach that VentureLab uses to prepare students for the future by combining these critical areas of learning. Incorporating entrepreneurship in STEM education equips students with skills beyond the classroom. Youth learn the art of risk-taking, the importance of resilience, and the value of perseverance. Entrepreneurial education instills in students the confidence to pitch their ideas, understand market dynamics, and even grasp the financial aspects of running a venture. ESTEAM® is about preparing them not just to be job seekers but potential job creators. Read about the Rise of ESTEAM® in STEM Education.
