Maryland Youth Development Institute
The Maryland Youth Developing Institute serves as the umbrella for all MOST’s program quality initiatives. A commitment to continuous program quality improvement should be driven by data including program observation and examining program outcomes relative to program goals.
There are three main components of the Maryland Youth Development Institute
Current Professional Development Opportunities
Getting ready for Lights On Afterschool on Oct 22? Join MOST on Oct 8 @ 12 PM ET for Genomics Learning Journeys—plug-and-play DNA/genomics activities, materials lists, and facilitation tips you can use right away. Free + practical.
Register: https://bit.ly/LightsOnGenomics
Career-Connected Learning Training Series for Out-of-School Time Educators
STEM Next is accelerating our efforts to advance career-connected learning in afterschool and summer learning programs with the introduction of our Career-Connected Learning Framework for Out-of-School Time Providers. This new tool is for out-of-school time providers and staff who want to design and implement career-connected STEM learning experiences in afterschool and summer programs. Throughout the series, program providers will learn about the four foundational strategies of career-connected STEM in OST and how to implement simple tactics and strategies to make your activities more aligned with careers. REGISTER FOR ALL TRAININGS HERE
Career-Connected Learning: Building Broad Skills to Support Youth in the Workforce
Date: October 8, 2025, 3–4 p.m. ET / noon–1 p.m. PT
Facilitator: Sheila James, Teen Science Café Manager, STEM Next Opportunity Fund
Developing Career-Connected STEM Activities for Afterschool and Summer Learning
Date: November 5, 2025, 3–4 p.m. ET / noon–1 p.m. PT
Facilitator: Sabrina Gomez, STEM Advisor, STEM Next Opportunity Fund
Engaging Families and Communities in Career-Connected Learning Part I
Date: November 12, 2025, 3–4 p.m. ET / noon–1 p.m. PT
Facilitators: Bunmi Esho, Consultant, and Sheila James, Teen Science Café Network Manager, STEM Next Opportunity Fund
Engaging Families and Communities in Career-Connected Learning Part II
Date: November 19, 2025, 3–4 p.m. ET / noon–1 p.m. PT
Facilitators: Bunmi Esho, Consultant, and Sheila James, Teen Science Café Network Manager, STEM Next Opportunity Fund