Professional Development & Networking
Managers Cohort
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.
Managers Cohort Participants:
Develop leadership skills that focus on your growth within the field
Strengthen your professional network through mentorship and peer collaboration
Gain access to resources, tools and templates from subject area experts and collaboration among cohort members
How Can I Join?
From the late fall through the spring, APOST runs the managers cohort for individuals who identify as newer managers within OST programs. Cohort learning consists of several sessions, including a closing celebration, covering a wide range of topics.
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.