CHEYENNE – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow has been named one of the 2016 Most Influential in State & Local Government honorees by the National AfterSchool Association (NAA). The prestigious award recognizes state and local officials who are strong advocates for afterschool and out-of-school time programs.
“Afterschool and summer programs enhance learning and help fill gaps for students who are behind,” said Superintendent Balow. “The Wyoming AfterSchool Alliance (WYAA) has focused on key areas such as STEM and summer learning loss. We are fortunate to have WYAA advocating for Wyoming kids. I’m honored to be recognized.”
Superintendent Balow was nominated by the WYAA, a non-profit organization affiliated with NAA. Their nomination noted that Superintendent Balow has attended WYAA conferences as a speaker to discuss the value of afterschool and summer learning, has supported financial funding for afterschool, understands the connection and advocates for alignment between the school day and afterschool, and makes an effort for inclusion.
Superintendent Balow was honored at an NAA convening earlier this week, and also participated on a panel to update AfterSchool partners on implementation of the Every Student Succeeds Act at the state level.