CSIU Program Highlight:2026 Student Art Gallery Reception
Each year in May, CSIU honors regional high school students for their contributions to the arts.
Artists, teachers, supporters, and families attend the CSIU Art Gallery Reception to celebrate the artistic achievements of students from across the CSIU region's 17 school districts. Each teacher-nominated artist received $300 for their artwork, now displayed in the CSIU gallery.
2026 Afterschool Education and Awareness Action Day PA Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) successfully hosted the 2026 Afterschool Education and Awareness Action Day at the Pennsylvania State Capitol on May 6, bringing together youth, afterschool professionals, and advocates from across the Commonwealth to highlight the impact of out-of-school-time programs and workforce-readiness initiatives. Despite weather-related cancellations of the outdoor assembly and press conference, the day remained focused on meaningful legislative engagement and youth advocacy.
The event included 96 staff and program representatives, 93 youth participants, and 61 scheduled legislative visits with Pennsylvania lawmakers. A key highlight was a meeting between three program providers and eight students with the Policy and Legislative Director for Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, during which youth shared firsthand stories about the impact of afterschool programs in their communities. Participants also had opportunities to observe legislators in session, visit the Capitol Interactive Welcome Center, and engage in civic learning experiences inside the Capitol complex.
The event reinforced PSAYDN’s statewide campaign theme, “Investing in Youth, Strengthening Our Workforce,” and showcased the vital role out-of-school-time programs play in preparing Pennsylvania’s future workforce.
Watch local news coverage of the event: Fox 43, CBS 21.
Superintendents' Advisory Council LeadershipConference From May 6-8, 2026, 38 district and Intermediate Unit leaders from IU16/29 participated in the annual Superintendents' Advisory Council Leadership Conference, held in West Point, New York. Over three days, participants engaged in professional development sessions addressing timely topics, including Artificial Intelligence in education, state budget and PASBO updates, and a federal education policy briefing delivered by Noelle Elerson-Ng, AASA's Chief Advocacy & Governance Officer. A full-day immersion at the United States Military Academy on Thursday provided leaders with an opportunity to engage with West Point faculty on character-driven leadership, academic support systems, and the cadet admissions process, culminating in a group lunch with cadets and a guided historical tour of the Academy grounds.
The conference concluded on Friday with a site visit to the Orange-Ulster BOCES Career and Technical Education Center in Goshen, New York, where participants toured CTE programs and participated in a debrief with the BOCES leadership team. The experience offered valuable insights applicable to strengthening career and technical education across our region.
Throughout the conference, intentional networking opportunities allowed leaders to build relationships and share best practices across districts.
Belonging Day The Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit’s 2026 Belonging Day was designed as a meaningful experience focused on connection, storytelling, and community-building among staff across the organization. Through interactive icebreakers, guided story circles led by Susan Jordan of Susquehanna Valley Mediation, and a collaborative art experience with internationally recognized artist and UN Arts Ambassador Ibiyinka Alao, participants were encouraged to share personal experiences, listen deeply to one another, and reflect on what it means to truly belong. The event emphasized that belonging is created through authentic human connection rather than programs alone, culminating in a collective “living tapestry” of watercolor paintings created by staff and overwhelmingly positive participant feedback highlighting connection, courage, gratitude, and community.
For ambassadors who could not attend, Story Circles with Susan Jordan and Painting with Ibiyinka will be breakout offerings at PLD!
The event included 96 staff and program representatives, 93 youth participants, and 61 scheduled legislative visits with Pennsylvania lawmakers. A key highlight was a meeting between three program providers and eight students with the Policy and Legislative Director for Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis, during which youth shared firsthand stories about the impact of afterschool programs in their communities. Participants also had opportunities to observe legislators in session, visit the Capitol Interactive Welcome Center, and engage in civic learning experiences inside the Capitol complex.
