Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Welcome to the FAQ page for the OUSD Expanded Learning Summer Institute 2025!

We've compiled answers to the most common questions to help make your experience as smooth and rewarding as possible. Whether you're wondering about registration, transportation, workshop, accessibility, or support elements, this page is designed to provide quick and clear information at your fingertips.

1. What is the purpose of the Expanded Learning Summer Institute?

- The Expanded Learning Summer Institute is an annual launching pad for Expanded Learning Program Coordinators and Agency Directors to feel prepared, inspired, and aligned for the new school year. Summer Institute provides youth practitioners with compliance training, district support resources, youth and staff development workshops, and opportunities to develop partnerships with other leaders in Oakland's after-school field. Learn more on the about page.

2. When is Summer Institute?

- This year, the Summer Institute is July 28th through July 31st. You can find a more detailed schedule on the Events & Workshops page.

3. Where will Summer Institute take place?

- On July 28th through July 30th, SI will be at the California Endowment, 2000 Franklin Ave, Oakland.

- On July 31st, SI will be at Brookfield Elementary, 401 Jones Ave, Oakland.

4. Can children be present at Summer Institute '25?

Summer Institute '25 events are for Expanded Learning partners only. All four days contain key programming and compliance information that will require participants' full attention. Liability coverage is only provided for lead agency and OUSD staff; these legal protections are not extended to the presence of minors for the duration of the Summer Institute. Please plan accordingly.

1. How do I register?

- To register, go to the Registration page linked at the top navigation bar.

2. Can I invite my Program Assistant to SI'25?

- SI'25 primary participants are Site Coordinators and Agency Directors, and space is limited. Please contact ExLO Program Manager Laila Jenkins-Perez immediately to confirm there is adequate space to invite your program assistant.

3. Is my attendance mandatory?

- It is mandatory for all site coordinators to attend each day of SI'25. Agency Directors are required to attend on July 30th and are invited to attend all SI'25 events. Newly hired Agency Directors are expected to attend July 29th for both Attendance workshops.

1. What is the main purpose of the app?

OUSD Expanded Learning leaders, including Site Coordinators, Program Directors, Agency Directors, and other partners, can use this official mobile app to: Review the agenda for Summer Institute 2025, Register for Summer Institute workshops

- View all event information and updates offline

- Build your own personal agenda with automated reminders

- Connect with attendees through interests & chat

- Share videos, photos, and other fun moments with attendees

- Receive real-time announcements

2. How do I download the app?

- You can download the app from the App Store if you have an iPhone, or from the Google Play Store if you have an Android device. Look for the mobile phone app called "OUSD ExL SI 25" or click here for App Store or here for the Google Play download links.

3. How do I log into my account?

- To log in: Open the app and click login on the home page on the app. Input the email you used to register and click Next. Input the OTP (One Time Passcode) sent to your email address, and this will give you access to your account.

4. Is it necessary to download the app to participate in SI'25?

- While it's not necessary, we do highly encourage the use of it so that you may RSVP, easily track, and rate the workshops.

5. How can I receive help if I'm having technical difficulties with the app or my account?
- Please email OUSDSummerInstitute@gmail.com to receive technical support with the app or your account.

1. How do I get to Summer Institute?

- Visit the Venues page for driving directions, public transportation information and more.

2. Where can I park throughout Summer Institute?

- For Cal Endowment: Visit the Venues page for parking options.

- For Brookfield: There is a small parking lot on the right side of the school building, on Jones Ave, and plenty of street parking available. Visit the Venues page for more details.

3. Will meals be provided?

- Light breakfast snacks, lunch, and various refreshments will be provided throughout Summer Instititute. Feel free to supplement with your own as well. Please bring your water bottle.

4. Will there be a place to securely store my travel bag?

- Yes, California Endowment provides a secure locker room with limited space to store travel items.

5. Are pets/animals permitted?

- Guide dogs and assistance animals for people with disabilities are permitted but must be on leash at all times and muzzled, if necessary.

No other animals are permitted.

6. Is smoking permitted?

- Smoking and vaping are prohibited in all areas of the California Endowment and Brookfield Elementary School.

7. Is cell phone use permitted?
- While we encourage the use of cellphones to engage with the app, phone calls are restricted to the lobby and outdoor areas to minimize disruption to meetings and working staff.

1. How do I RSVP to workshops?

- To RSVP to workshops, download the app and log into your account, or log in through the website by using the email you registered with. A verification code will be sent to your email to access your account. No password is needed. Once logged in, select the Agenda from the navigation bar, select the workshop you want to RSVP to, and then select the RSVP toggle so that it switches to "Yes."

2. Is it necessary to RSVP to workshops?

- While not mandatory, it is highly encouraged as some workshops have a limited capacity based on the meeting room and the structure of the workshop. Once you RSVP to workshops, you will be able to see all your sessions together in one place.

3. Can I RSVP to any workshop?

- There are some workshops that will be available to all and some that are crafted for specific roles. These will be labeled on the agenda with the appropriate audience labels. On the app, you can use the filter tool to see the available workshops that apply to your role.

4. What topics will the workshops for SI'25 cover?

- Learn more about the workshops on the "Events and Workshops" page on the website or the "Agenda" tab on the app.

1. What is Joy Fest?

JOY FEST decodes CDE’s expanded learning expectations by providing OUSD youth service practitioners with 3 hours of immersive professional development, engaging in a diverse array of indoor & outdoor activities mirroring robust after-school programs. Attendees select from activities guided by instructors/coaches to those that are self-led, fostering independence & confidence with opportunities to practice SEL skills. The Joy Fest adventure amplifies the importance of empowerment where participants demonstrate voice and choice in crafting their ASP journey - IRL.

Joy Fest is a reset and a rally. The intention is to honor the passion and purpose of expanded learning champions who impact over 16K OUSD youth - daily, to calibrate as a community, ignite motivation, and launch the year embodying inspiration, momentum, and excitement.

. Learn more on the Joy Fest page.

2. When is Joy Fest happening?

- Joy Fest is on the last day of Summer Institute, Thursday, July 31st. Learn more on the "Joy Fest" page.

3. Who is invited to Joy Fest?

- Expanded Learning Program Coordinators, Agency Directors, and partners who registered for Summer Institute are all invited to attend this afternoon filler with fun activities, opportunities to connect, and lots of Joy!

4. Can children be present at Joy Fest?

- As a part of ExLO Summer Institute '25 events, Joy Fest is a festivity for OUSD Expanded Learning partners only. Though this event provides celebratory activities, it still counts as working hours. Liability coverage is only provided for lead agency and OUSD staff; these legal protections are not extended to the presence of minors for this event. Please plan accordingly.