The Competency Learning Collaborative is a learning community for youth-serving organizations looking to embed future-ready competencies into their programs. Participants will explore how to define, support, and assess the competencies young people need to thrive. Topics are shaped by participant needs, such as, aligning to competency frameworks (e.g. NYC’s new Portrait of a Graduate and SSN’s Future9), developing staff alignment, and creating assessment tools. 

Who Should Attend

Teams of 2-4 staff from youth-serving organizations, including program leaders and student-facing staff (e.g. advisors, coaches, facilitators), who are interested in strengthening how their programs build and measure student competencies.

Time & Location

Five sessions throughout the school year, primarily at Student Success Network (25 Broadway), with one virtual session. Virtual office hours are available between sessions.

Next Steps

• Attend an info session on August 27, 2026 or September 9, 2026 to learn more about the Competency Learning Collaborative

• Submit an interest form by September 23, 2026  to express interest in joining the Competency Learning Collaborative

Questions? Contact Marieme Diouf at marieme@ssn-nyc.org.

The Data Pack is a collaborative learning community for nonprofit staff responsible for data. Through peer learning, member-led discussions, collaborative problem solving, and occasional guest speakers, participants explore practical strategies for collecting, analyzing, and using data to strengthen programs and improve outcomes. Topics are driven by participants and have included data culture, youth voice, surveys, dashboards, AI, equity, and continuous improvement.

Who Should Attend

Program leaders, evaluators, data managers, and others who collect, analyze, or use data to improve programs and organizational learning.

Time & Location

Six gatherings during the school year, primarily in person at Student Success Network (25 Broadway), with one virtual session. Dates will be shared with participants and may be adjusted based on availability.

Next Steps

Complete the interest form by September 1, 2026 to express your interest in joining the Data Pack

Questions? Contact Ali Holstein at ali.holstein@ssn-nyc.org.

Whether you're excited about AI, skeptical of its impact, or simply unsure where to begin, this cohort will help you make thoughtful decisions rooted in your mission, your values, and the experiences of the young people you serve.

As AI rapidly changes how we learn, work, and connect, this Community of Practice will convene postsecondary readiness and youth development leaders to navigate those changes together, informed by experts and youth voice. Rather than focus on tools or technical skills, participants will unpack the real opportunities and challenges of responding to AI thoughtfully while strengthening the human skills and relationships that will matter most for preparing all students, especially those with historically marginalized identities, to thrive in a changing world.

Who Should Attend

Program directors and managers (ideally in teams of 2-4) of youth development and postsecondary readiness organizations. First preference will go to Summerfield grantees. 

Time & Location

Five gatherings during the school year, with a mix of in-person (at 25 Broadway) and virtual sessions, followed by a convening open to the larger Network where we will share out learnings. Dates will be shared with participants and may be adjusted based on availability.

Next Steps

Interest form to come!

Questions? Contact Lucy Herz at lucy@ssn-nyc.org