FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, D.C., Feb. 23, 2022 – The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders has selected Hannah Patterson, Evaluation Manager at Camp Fire National Headquarters as one of NAA’s 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
In selecting its 2022 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders.
Since 2019, Hannah has been overseeing outcome measurement and continuous quality improvement at Camp Fire, supporting a network of over 45 affiliates and 650+ program sites. She is a champion for youth voice in afterschool and goes beyond her role and responsibilities to serve as a staff liaison for the Youth Advisory Cabinet, ensuring Camp Fire is honoring the power of young people. Hannah has created multiple trainings and tools to enhance afterschool professionals’ understanding and implementation of youth-centered evaluation and is a member of the American Evaluation Association. She also recently co-facilitated a discussion with peer evaluators on centering antiracism in evaluation practice.
“Hannah is the embodiment of what a NextGen leader in afterschool should be: a self-reflective listener and learner; a deeply committed champion of young people and their abilities to create change; and a model for high-quality youth development practices who centers equity in all that they do,” said Nikki Roe-Cropp, Director of Program Effectiveness at Camp Fire National Headquarters who nominated Hannah for this honor.
Honorees will be profiled in the Spring 2022 issue of NAA’s AfterSchool Today magazine. View a digital edition of the magazine here after March 15, 2022.
“My hope is that I can continue to collaborate with others and create ways to elevate youth perspectives in out-of-school time programs.” Hannah shared. “I want to be a part of a greater process where power is shifted to young people, so they can design programs and organizations that center on their priorities. My goal is to continue to advance methods that embed youth voice in evaluation and to support the interpretation of that data in order to drive change. By collecting and listening to youth feedback, program leaders can co-create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. I also hope that I can continue to learn in partnership with my colleagues about equity so that I can continue growing.”
An estimated 10.2 million young people participate in afterschool programs each year and the industry employs an estimated 850,000 professionals and leaders. The National AfterSchool Association is the professional membership association that fosters positive youth outcomes by supporting, developing, and advocating for afterschool professionals and leaders.
“The National AfterSchool Association knows that strong afterschool leaders develop the skilled professionals and teams that run strong organizations and quality programs that result in positive youth outcomes,” said Gina Warner, President and CEO of NAA. “These emerging leaders will help shape the afterschool field and profession for years to come.”
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Contact: Gina Warner
504.460.5107
