About Us
Our Mission
The Alabama Expanded Learning Alliance (AELA) works to ensure Alabama youth, families, and communities have access to high quality programming during Out-of-School time that promotes positive development and life-long learning.
Our Goals
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Create a sustainable structure of statewide, regional and local partnerships, particularly school-community partnerships, focused on supporting policy development at all levels.
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Support the development and growth of statewide policies that will secure the resources that are needed to sustain new and existing school-based/school-linked afterschool programs
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Support statewide systems and partnerships to ensure programs are of high quality.
Our Staff
Dr. Tracye Strichik
AELA Director
Cherry Penn
Director of Professional Development, Regional Community Hub Coordinator
Tiarra Stevenson
Southern Region
Felicia Simpson
Director or Children's Affairs
Andrea Bridges
Northern Region
Dr. Christine Spear
Director of STEM Education
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Lindsey Blevins
Central Region
AELA is the Alabama Affiliate of the National AfterSchool Association. NAA and its State Affiliates share a mutual purpose and agreement to support, develop, and advocate for Out-of-School Time professionals and the profession. NAA and its State Affiliates build connectivity among stakeholders and create opportunities for engagement to ensure a vibrant future for the Out-of-School Time profession.
OST professionals who are not paid NAA members and reside in Alabama, our state affiliation, and hold an ACEA Conference registration are eligible for a free NAA membership. If you prefer, NAA membership can be purchased directly from NAA on a sliding scale, ranging from $25 to $150.