Camp Fire family, we’ve got some exciting news to share that will surely light up your day. Our very own CEO, Mel Hooper, has been chosen as a distinguished participant in the 2023-2024 White-Riley-Peterson (WRP) Policy Fellowship.

This fellowship, facilitated by the revered Riley Institute at Furman University, is all about fanning the flames of positive change in afterschool and expanded learning programs. The WRP Policy Fellowship equips participants with the real-world tools needed to navigate the intricate world of policy-making, shaping the future of youth and families across the nation.

What’s the Buzz About the WRP Policy Fellowship?

If you’re wondering what makes the WRP Policy Fellowship stand out, imagine a dynamic space where passion for youth development converges with the art, science, and infinite possibilities of policy-making. This fellowship is more than just a program; it’s a place where visionaries gather to illuminate the path towards better afterschool opportunities.

Over the next 10 months, Mel Hooper, our unstoppable CEO, will be diving deep into the nuances of policy-making, armed with the insights and expertise she’s gained through her role at here at Camp Fire Alaska. Her goal? To amplify and elevate afterschool programs and opportunities for the youth and families in our beloved state. Having Mel as a WRP Policy Fellow is like adding the finest kindling to our already blazing fire. Her journey through the fellowship will empower our organization to further enrich the lives of our youth and families by integrating thoughtful policies that nurture their potential.

If you’re as excited as we are (and we know you are!), join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement by heading over to www.furman.edu/riley/news/the-riley-institute-announces-2023-24-afterschool-policy-fellows/ to learn more about the fellowship and explore the incredible lineup of seventeen other 2023-2024 fellows who will be joining Mel on this journey.

Stay tuned for updates, stories from Mel’s journey, and more exciting things to come!