Dear friends,
A Message from Our CEO
One of our favorite places to spend time as a family and take in nature is Mammoth Lakes. Interestingly enough, I was introduced to this majestic part of the Eastern Sierras through my work in out-of-school-time.
Every April we would bring up middle and high school youth for a two-day leadership experience. Through skiing, snowboarding, and stepping out of their comfort zones, young people went from never having seen snow, to some becoming intermediate snowboarders over the span of a weekend! The intent was to design a confidence-building experience through experiential learning and mentorship. In hindsight, it served as a bridge between youth and adults, opening new avenues for learning, connecting, and community-building.
Reflecting on our journey in 2023-2024, this experience embodies the stories, data, and impact featured in our inaugural Mizzen Education Impact report. Our philosophy of bridging, connecting, and operating “at the middle” stands out in our collaboration with dedicated educators, programs, and organizations to transform learning into an awesome adventure for young people.
Dear friends
Message from Our CEO
One of our favorite places to spend time as a family and take in nature is Mammoth Lakes. Interestingly enough, I was introduced to this majestic part of the Eastern Sierras through my work in out-of-school-time.
Every April we would bring up middle and high school youth for a two-day leadership experience. Through skiing, snowboarding, and stepping out of their comfort zones, young people went from never having seen snow, to some becoming intermediate snowboarders over the span of a weekend! The intent was to design a confidence-building experience through experiential learning and mentorship. In hindsight, it served as a bridge between youth and adults, opening new avenues for learning, connecting, and community-building.
Reflecting on our journey in 2023-2024, this experience embodies the stories, data, and impact featured in our inaugural Mizzen Education Impact report. Our philosophy of bridging, connecting, and operating “at the middle” stands out in our collaboration with dedicated educators, programs, and organizations to transform learning into an awesome adventure for young people.
In our first full year as a newly established nonprofit, we proudly connected nearly 9,000 new educators with dynamic resources; all told, our community now reaches close to 560,000 youth nationwide. We nurtured capacity with our content as a centerpiece for dozens of in-person and virtual adult learning experiences; and greatly improved our ability to understand and quantify how educators use and what they need from our platform.
We kicked off our Beyond the Booth initiative, where Mizzen’s commitment to positive learning environments helped refashion youth program areas and student and staff lounges with partners in Missouri, Florida, and Texas.
And we forged stronger ties with communities in Kansas, Maine, South Carolina, California, and Oklahoma, further strengthening our resolve to broaden our reach, and improve our technologies to better serve and support youth development professionals.
Our organization was proud to cross over into a whole new world of content development as we launched an exciting new partnership with Nickelodeon featuring Mizzen’s own collection of engaging resources that celebrate Worldwide Day of Play. This effort called on our young people to become the next generation of “funologists,” innovators of play and champions of just getting outside!
As we look ahead to the future, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to our board, funders, partners, and the 23,000 educators that have come to see us as a trusted partner and resource in 2024! We can’t wait to experience new roads ahead and the bridges we will cross to get there!
Carlos Santini, CEO
Mizzen Education
Mizzen Education is on a mission
We partner with the out-of-school time field to spark curiosity, cultivate joy, and inspire a love of learning among children and youth.
In everything we do, we strive to be human-centered, collaborative, purpose-driven, and creative. Our name, Mizzen, speaks to our commitment to working "at the middle," connecting educators with content, quality with equity, and passion with innovation.
Learn how our mission and values are anchored in our story.
“Your story has completely inspired me and has me energized for OST this year. During my day job I work in a 7/8 Resource Room supporting students with learning disabilities and in OST I work on reading/literacy with K-4. I was in your session yesterday about play and it inspired me to add in and create so much more play time. I am looking forward to using Mizzen for its content and also to help us bridge our grant goals for ELA, math, STEM, and visual/performing arts.”
— Theresa "TMak" Makowski, participant, Maine Afterschool Network Conference
“Your story has completely inspired me and has me energized for OST this year. During my day job I work in 7/8 Resource Room supporting students with learning disabilities and in OST I work on reading/literacy with K-4. I was in your work session yesterday about PLAY and it inspired me to add in and create so much more play time. I am looking forward to using Mizzen for its content and also to help us bridge our grant goals for ELA, math, STEM, and visual/performing arts.”
— Theresa "TMak" Makowski, participant, Maine Afterschool Network Conference
Growing leaps and bounds
Growth, momentum, and impact. Mizzen Education is making major strides forward through trailblazing collaborations, content, and educator experiences. Incorporated in October 2023 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit—a spinoff of Mizzen by Mott—we have expanded our team, forged new partnerships, created a roadmap to grow our platform, and provided capacity-building resources to youth-serving professionals nationwide.
Mizzen users, with access to 1,800 learning resources and more than 90 curated collections, reach nearly 560,000 children and youth.
On a bright day in L.A., After-School All-Stars (ASAS) students cluster around a storyboard, discovering the “Art of the Interview.” In Dallas, Youth Guidance counselors mentor teens in a reimagined space that equips them to thrive. In White Pine, Tennessee, Boys & Girls Clubs’ members explore music and math as they build a sound-making machine. Behind the scenes, thousands of educators discover a platform packed with carefully-curated learning resources for the out-of-school time space. And in nearly 30 states, youth-serving professionals join capacity-building sessions that are buzzing with energy, creativity, and the joy of learning.
“In the community-based organizations that we're working with, we have staff members that are really strapped in terms of time, energy, resources ... Mizzen provides them a resource directly in their hands with real, valuable content that's going to leave an impression on a young person's life.”
— John Hamilton, Alliance for Camp Health
“In the community-based organizations that we're working with, we have staff members that are really strapped in terms of time, energy, resources... Mizzen provides them a resource directly in their hands with real, valuable content that's going to leave an impression on a young person's life.”
— John Hamilton, Alliance for Camp Health
Fresh look, lasting connections
To celebrate creativity, community, and connection, we kicked off 2024 with a rebrand and refreshed website. Our new logo, crafted with input from our community, features Zs and dotted lines that symbolize our role as a connector and bridge, and the journey of learning itself. Our color story (purple, orange, turquoise, and yellow) strives to be as alive as the ingenuity of the out-of-school time field. Our SEO-optimized website is connecting educators with a myriad of resources, events, and experiences that foster learning and inspire joy.
Fresh look, lasting connections
To celebrate creativity, community, and connection, we kicked off 2024 with a rebrand and refreshed website. Our new logo, crafted with input from our community, features Zs and dotted lines that symbolize our role as a connector and bridge, and the journey of learning itself. Our color story (purple, orange, turquoise, and yellow) strives to be as alive as the ingenuity of the out-of-school time field. Our SEO-optimized website is connecting educators with a myriad resources, events, and experiences that foster learning and inspire joy.
Building on a strong foundation
Mizzen Education established a robust foundation for growth, marked by a successful 2024 audit—no adjustments—and the creation of our Audit Committee and Finance Working Group. We enhanced our capacity with key hires like Head of Product and Head of Engineering, and improved staff benefits. We secured nationwide solicitation status to strengthen our fundraising efforts and have earned Candid’s Platinum Seal of Transparency. In 2024, we proudly allocated over 75% of our budget to programs, exceeding our 70% target and advancing our vision of performance and sustainability.
Championing change in all 50 States
We work with educators across the country to expand possibilities for children and youth in every state. As a community, we're expanding the quality, reach, and impact of out-of-school time learning.
In 2023-2024, we partnered with the 50 State Afterschool Network, supported by the Mott Foundation, to broaden the reach and impact of out-of-school time programs for youth. Together, we brought transformative experiences to educators (in-person) in Louisiana, DC, South Carolina, Hawaii, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Michigan, West Virginia, Indiana, Georgia, New Jersey, Florida, Texas, Maine, Kansas; (virtually) in Minnesota, New Mexico, Delaware, Florida, California, Ohio, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Vermont, North Dakota, Mississippi; and through national conferences, including BOOST (Palm Springs), National Afterschool Association (Dallas), and Beyond School Hours (New Orleans).
Stories of impact
Empowering Educators in Delaware
Regina Sidney-Brown, Director of the Delaware Afterschool Network, is dedicated to elevating education quality for all Delaware children. With over three decades of experience in the out-of-school time sector, she fosters innovative solutions for educators and youth statewide. As a grantee of the Million Girls Moonshot initiative, her network rolled out a two-year mini-grant program to promote STEM equity in seven community organizations. With DEAN and Let’s Play Events in Wilmington, each organization is empowering educators with lesson plans, learning content, and pro tips from Mizzen Education.
Catalyzing STEAM Camps in Schenectady
Kayla Ambesi is passionate about teaching STEM—from rocketry and 3D to Earth’s seas and distant galaxies. Providing students with enriching STEM experiences during out-of-school time, she says, is “paramount to their holistic development, academic success” and being “equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.” This commitment prompted Kayla and her colleagues to adopt Mizzen for Teams for districtwide STEAM camps at six school sites. The results were catalytic.
Reimagining Spaces for Youth in Texas, Missouri, and Beyond
For Michael Berry, building belonging is at the heart of quality youth programming in any setting. In 2024, his program, Youth Guidance – Dallas teamed up with Mizzen Education as an inaugural partner on Beyond the Booth, an initiative we first piloted in Missouri to ensure that the furnishings and people-centered sensibility Mizzen brings to exhibits lives on beyond the booth to benefit the communities we serve. Working with Michael and other OST leaders, partners like the National Afterschool Association, and youth, we’re reimagining safe spaces where students are seen, heard, and flourish.
Stories of impact
Empowering Educators in Delaware
Regina Sidney-Brown, Director of the Delaware Afterschool Network, is dedicated to elevating education quality for all Delaware children. With over three decades of experience in the out-of-school time sector, she fosters innovative solutions for educators and youth statewide. As a grantee of the Million Girls Moonshot initiative, her network rolled out a two-year mini-grant program to promote STEM equity in seven community organizations. With DEAN and Let’s Play Events in Wilmington, each organization is empowering educators with lesson plans, learning content, and pro tips from Mizzen Education.
Catalyzing STEAM Camps in Schenectady
Kayla Ambesi is passionate about teaching STEM—from rocketry and 3D to Earth’s seas and distant galaxies. Providing students with enriching STEM experiences during out-of-school time, she says, is “paramount to their holistic development, academic success” and being “equipped to thrive in an ever-evolving world.” This commitment prompted Kayla and her colleagues to adopt Mizzen for Teams for districtwide STEAM camps at six school sites. The results were catalytic.
Reimagining Spaces for Youth in Texas, Missouri, and Beyond
For Michael Berry, building belonging is at the heart of quality youth programming in any setting. In 2024, his program, Youth Guidance – Dallas teamed up with Mizzen Education as an inaugural partner on Beyond the Booth, an initiative we first piloted in Missouri to ensure that the furnishings and people-centered sensibility Mizzen brings to exhibits lives on beyond the booth to benefit the communities we serve. Working with Michael and other OST leaders, partners like the National Afterschool Association, and youth, we’re reimagining safe spaces where students are seen, heard, and flourish.
“Mizzen has been a game-changer for the field… it offers free content vetted by practitioners across the nation.”
— Liliana G. Murphy, Executive Director, Florida Afterschool Network
Igniting discovery
Our new partnerships
In 2023-2024, we significantly expanded Mizzen Education’s strategic partnerships, introducing a vibrant array of new learning resources to the out-of-school time community. Fueled by research and a deep understanding of community needs, each new collection is injecting fresh perspectives into our field, helping adults grow their practices, enriching youth learning, and igniting a passion for discovery.
Mizzen Education + Nickelodeon: The Power of Play
At Mizzen Education, we believe learning should be an exhilarating adventure for all young people. Our premiere partnership with Nickelodeon has allowed us to craft a unique learning journey for younger students, focusing on STEM, social-emotional learning, and youth voice. The resulting module, Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab, calls on young people to become Funologists, dream big, and invent unique games in celebration of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play. It’s also our first foray into writing curricula for a name-brand partner. Together, we’re harnessing the transformative power of play and connecting educators and youth in the U.S. with communities worldwide.
<Quote from Nickelodeon>
Mizzen Education + Learn Fresh: Supercharging STEM Learning
We knew we wanted to expand Mizzen Education's STEM learning library, especially for adults who work with middle schoolers, while infusing every lesson with the thrill of games and sports. Partnering with Learn Fresh was a perfect match. When Team Mizzen experienced Learn Fresh’s NBA Math Hoops module firsthand, the impact was undeniable. By blending real world math skills with the fast-paced fun of basketball, NBA Math Hoops turns learning into an engaging experience for everyone. Implemented with more than 30 NBA and WNBA partners, this Learn Fresh program consistently delivers remarkable results in student engagement and math. Through STEM experiences that spark creativity and promote teamwork, our community is opening the door to boundless opportunities for youth.
<Quote> <“Learn Fresh is excited to launch a long-term partnership with Mizzen Education. Our partnership is the realization of a shared vision for supporting students in the out-of-school time space. We're excited to collaborate with their fantastic team and further expand our national reach.” — Nick Monzi, Learn Fresh CEO>
<vignette> <Leaning intently over her work with a green marker and a purple star sticker on her cheek, a student races through quick calculations to get her team’s last shot on the board. Seconds later, the clock stops and everyone erupts in cheers. Harnessing the blood-pumping fun of basketball, this is NBA Math Hoops in action.> <Image or video: MEI/LF Activation in LA>
Mizzen Education + Pulitzer Center: Inspired by Educators
Across all of our strategic partnerships, we strive to cultivate the growth of youth-serving professionals, and engage young people on a journey of discovery. Our collaboration with the Pulitzer Center embodies this vision. Through its ‘1619’ Afterschool Partnership, the Pulitzer Center works directly with educators nationwide, who inform content design. This input led to the Center’s creation of an inspiring new collection for early grades on Mizzen Education, centered around 'The 1619 Project.' Just like its acclaimed collections for grades 7-12, these activities encourage youth to delve into history, centered in the experiences of Black Americans, through research, reflection, art, and writing. We’re also proud to feature collections by the Center on journalism and digital media literacy. The News and You engages youth in critically navigating the news as they step into the roles of journalists and editors and explore how news can illuminate the stories that matter to them most.
<Quote> <“Out-of-school time educators do so much to support students in their exploration of self and their place in the world. This collection aims to support those efforts by connecting students with stories of Black history, culture, and resistance. Digging into these scaffolded resources from ‘The 1619 Project’ can help young learners better understand their world and recognize the contributions of Black Americans all around them. We are glad to partner with Mizzen Education to publish this new collection of racial justice resources for elementary students.” — Hannah Berk, Senior Program Manager, the Pulitzer Center
Mizzen Education + Nickelodeon: The Power of Play
At Mizzen Education, we believe learning should be an exhilarating adventure for all young people. Our premiere partnership with Nickelodeon has allowed us to craft a unique learning journey for younger students, focusing on STEM, social-emotional learning, and youth voice. The resulting module, Nickelodeon Our World: The Play Lab, calls on young people to become “funologists,” dream big, and invent unique games in celebration of Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Play. It’s also our first foray into writing curricula for a name-brand partner. Together, we’re harnessing the transformative power of play and connecting educators and youth in the U.S. with communities worldwide.
“Nickelodeon strives to ensure all kids have access to quality resources that increase their sense of agency through our global prosocial initiative, Nickelodeon Our World. In partnering with Mizzen Education, Nickelodeon Our World is excited to create opportunities for kids around the country to participate in engaging and enriching Worldwide Day of Play activities in their out-of-school programs. The curriculum invites kids to become “funologists,” helping to create wild, new games by utilizing everyday materials.” — Nickelodeon
Mizzen Education + Learn Fresh: Supercharging STEM Learning
We knew we wanted to expand Mizzen Education's STEM learning library, especially for adults who work with middle schoolers, while infusing every lesson with the thrill of games and sports. Partnering with Learn Fresh was a perfect match. When Team Mizzen experienced Learn Fresh’s NBA Math Hoops module firsthand, the impact was undeniable. By blending real world math skills with the fast-paced fun of basketball, NBA Math Hoops turns learning into an engaging experience for everyone. Implemented with more than 30 NBA and WNBA partners, this Learn Fresh program consistently delivers remarkable results in student engagement and math. Through STEM experiences that spark creativity and promote teamwork, our community is opening the door to boundless opportunities for youth.
“Learn Fresh is excited to launch a long-term partnership with Mizzen Education. Our partnership is the realization of a shared vision for supporting students in the out-of-school time space. We're excited to collaborate with their fantastic team and further expand our national reach.” — Nick Monzi, Learn Fresh CEO
Mizzen Education + Pulitzer Center: Inspired by Educators
Across all of our strategic partnerships, we strive to cultivate the growth of youth-serving professionals, and engage young people on a journey of discovery. Our collaboration with the Pulitzer Center embodies this vision. Through its ‘1619’ Afterschool Partnership, the Pulitzer Center works directly with educators nationwide, who inform content design. This input led to the Center’s creation of an inspiring new collection for early grades on Mizzen Education, centered around 'The 1619 Project.' Just like its acclaimed collections for grades 7-12, these activities encourage youth to delve into history, centered in the experiences of Black Americans, through research, reflection, art, and writing. We’re also proud to feature collections by the Center on journalism and digital media literacy. The News and You engages youth in critically navigating the news as they step into the roles of journalists and editors and explore how news can illuminate the stories that matter to them most.
“Out-of-school time educators do so much to support students in their exploration of self and their place in the world. This collection aims to support those efforts by connecting students with stories of Black history, culture, and resistance. We are glad to partner with Mizzen Education to publish this new collection of racial justice resources for elementary students.” — Hannah Berk, Senior Program Manager, the Pulitzer Center
“It was an exciting year of growth and expansion with our partner community. As we continue to connect with the out-of-school time field, the Strategic Innovation and Partnerships team will be focusing on inclusion and belonging throughout all our partnerships. Our goal in 2025 and beyond is to ensure youth and educators have the opportunity to grow and thrive through our learning experiences and resources no matter the environment or circumstances.”
— Angelina Garner, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Mizzen Education
Tech for teams
Mizzen for Teams (M4T), our enterprise solution, streamlines planning and coordination for organizations of all sizes. In 2023-2024, we welcomed dozens of new school districts and program providers to the M4T community, including Denver Public Schools, Durham Public Schools, Egg Harbor City Public School District, and the Flint Center for Educational Excellence. In partnership with the After-School All-Stars National, we’re piloting a new capacity-building feature that allows ASAS to add their own activities to the Mizzen platform and distribute them to every chapter in the country.
“Mizzen gives my shyest staff the opportunity to shine. They provide all the tools and resources they need to build their classroom and their confidence.” — Amber Floyd, Program Coordinator, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles
Tech for teams
Mizzen for Teams (M4T), our enterprise solution, streamlines planning and coordination for organizations of all sizes. In 2023-2024, we welcomed dozens of new school districts and program providers to the M4T community, including Denver Public Schools, Durham Public Schools, Egg Harbor City Public School District, and the Flint Center for Educational Excellence. In partnership with the After-School All-Stars National, we’re piloting a new capacity-building feature that allows ASAS to add their own activities to the Mizzen platform and distribute them to every chapter in the country.
“Mizzen gives my shyest staff the opportunity to shine. They provide all the tools and resources they need to build their classroom and their confidence.” — Amber Floyd, Program Coordinator, After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles
A learning lab
The out-of-school time space is a tremendous learning lab for innovation. We created Mizzen Meets as a virtual gathering place to explore bold ideas and real solutions with changemakers across our community. Among other guests in 2023-2024, we hosted acclaimed scholar, Dr. Chris Emdin; STEAM advocate, Kam Green; Cope Notes CEO, Johnny Crowder; Learn Fresh CEO, Nick Monzi; and visionary youth entrepreneurs, Noah and Emma.
Adventures ahead
Harnessing our momentum, we’re forging new partnerships and expanding curricula that empower educators and spark joy for children and youth. Ushering in a renaissance of new user-centered features, we’re making the Mizzen Education experience more intuitive, responsive, impactful, and fun than ever. A new Mizzen for Teams feature—debuting in 2025— will allow for private curriculum sharing within teams, all while we revolutionize our platform with advanced tools, analytics, and AI capabilities tailored to out-of-school-time educators’ needs. We're also strengthening our presence in schools, libraries, and communities, and growing our team, while remaining agile to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Together, we’re creating enriching, adventure-filled experiences for youth all across the country.
.gif)
Adventures ahead
Harnessing our momentum, we’re forging new partnerships and expanding curricula that empower educators and spark joy for children and youth. Ushering in a renaissance of new user-centered features, we’re making the Mizzen Education experience more intuitive, responsive, impactful, and fun than ever. A new Mizzen for Teams feature—debuting in 2025—will allow for private curriculum sharing within teams, all while we revolutionize our platform with advanced tools, analytics, and AI capabilities tailored to out-of-school-time educators’ needs. We're also strengthening our presence in schools, libraries, and communities, and growing our team, while remaining agile to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Together, we’re creating enriching, adventure-filled experiences for youth all across the country.
Team Mizzen
In 2023-2024, our dedicated team of staff, contractors, and board members expanded partnerships, deepened community connections, and grew our reach and impact.
Staff
Carlos Santini (he/him/él), CEO
Janine Krause (she/her/ella), Director of Operations
Alex Jergensen (he/him/él), Head of Product
Kyle Swank (he/him/él), Software Engineer
Hailee Moehnke (she/her/ella), Community Engagement + Experiences Manager
Angelina Garner (she/her/ella), Vice President of Strategic Innovation + Partnerships
Sarah Mellon (she/her/ella), Manager of Resource Innovation
Kristin Stayer (she/her/ella), Vice President of Engagement + Educator Experiences
Anton Nikolov (he/him/el), Head of Engineering
Contractors
Mike DuVarney (he/him/él), Business Development
Sandra Havelka (she/her/ella), Administrative and Mizzen for Teams
Lauren González (she/her/ella), LBG Educational Solutions, EduExpert
Jenn Conner (she/her/ella), Cng Learning LLC, EduExpert
Meygan Ngo (she/her/ella), Marketing
Stephanie Bermúdez (she/her/ella), Graphic Design
Gabe Ogilvie (he/him/él), Video
Laurie Posner (she/her/ella), Communications
Michael Bell (he/him/él), Engineering
Abraham Chukwuka (he/him/él), Engineering
Imogen Schofield (she/her/ella), Data Analysis
Board of Directors
Carlos Santini (he/him, él), President
Joe Davis, Secretary
David Wong (he/him, él), Treasurer
Benita Melton (she/her/ella)
Dr. Jennifer Berry (she/her/ella)
Omekia Snider (she/her/ella)
Richard Reyes (he/him, él)
Ridgway White (he/him, él)
Thank you!
Our work is made possible thanks to out-of-school time educators and partners, statewide networks, our board, and the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and other funders.
Join us to sustain and grow Mizzen Education's impact in the out-of-school time community!
