Professional Development & Networking
Managers Cohort
Are you a newer OST program manager looking to gain knowledge and skills that will help you be more effective within your own organization and to advance professionally within the OST field?
APOST offers the Managers Cohort to out-of-school time program managers looking to gain knowledge and skills that will allow them to expand their impact within their organization and advance professionally within the OST field.
The Managers Cohort is a newer APOST program, established in 2024 with its inaugural cohort of 17 individuals from local out-of-school time programs. Over the course of six months, cohort members participate in monthly workshops focused on various topics related to OST program leadership. The program culminates with participants sharing their Impact Project, a presentation on their reflections, take aways and action steps from their time in the program and how they intend to bring it to their organizations.
Benefits of Participating:
Develop leadership skills that focus on your growth within the field
Strengthen your professional network through mentorship and peer collaboration
Access resources, tools and templates from subject area experts and collaboration among cohort members
How Can I Join?
Applications for the 2025-2026 Managers Cohort are now open! Deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday, October 21.
From November 2025 through April 2026, APOST will run its 2nd learning cohort for at least 15 people who identify as newer managers within OST programs. Cohort learning will consist of seven sessions, including a closing celebration. The sessions will be a mix of in-person and virtual and will cover a wide range of topics.
Session Dates & Topics
Monthly sessions will take place on the 3rd Tuesday from 10am-12pm, unless otherwise noted.
Overview & Community Building
Tuesday, November 18 (in person)
Leadership, Management & Coaching
Facilitated by Jo Ellen Parker, Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management
Tuesday, December 16 (Zoom)
Program Evaluation
Facilitated by Dr. Tom Akiva, University of Pittsburgh School of Education
Tuesday, January 20 (Zoom)
Crafting Impactful Stories
Facilitated by Heather Hopson, Motor Mouth Multimedia
Tuesday, February 17 (in person)
Nonprofit Financial Management
Facilitated by Mike Printz, Nonprofit CFO
Fundraising 101
Facilitated by Mahogany Thaxton
Tuesday, March 17 (in person) from 10am - 2:30pm
Closing Celebration & Impact Project Presentations
Tuesday, April 21 (in person)
Time Commitment
The expected time commitment is approximately 30 hours between November 2025 and April 2026. This estimation includes the virtual and in-person sessions as well as homework assigned in between sessions.
Participation Requirements
Assignments: There will be work assigned in between sessions (totaling no more than 1 hour a month). This includes reflections on the month’s content and continuous work on the OST Impact Project.
OST Impact Project Presentation: All participants will deliver a 5-minute presentation at the closing celebration about their OST Impact Project due at the culmination of the program.
Attendance: APOST is offering this at no cost and encourages attendance at all 7 sessions. Official completion of the cohort is defined as a participant that attends at least 5 of the 7 sessions, with one of the sessions being the Closing Celebration to present their OST Impact Project.
Monthly Surveys: Participants will be asked to complete a post-session survey on a monthly basis to provide feedback to help APOST staff determine the efficacy of the Managers Cohort program and its continuation and development.
Applications are due by 5pm on Tuesday, October 21.
Applicants will be notified of their selection status by Monday, November 3.
Questions about the Cohort & whether it makes sense for you? Contact Kelly Rottmund, Partnerships Manager, at krottmund@afterschoolpgh.org.