GELYDA’s First In-Person Conference: Connections, Learning, Momentum

By Kristin Lewis-Warner, Senior Manager of GELYDA

Follow Kristin´s journey to Iceland to dive into what GELYDA´s first in-person conference ignited in her. From rethinking the boundaries of learning and making meaningful connections, to being able to take part in driving forward the field of extended education. Practice, research and policy meeting in a beautiful scenery to collaborate. 

#extendededucation #GELYDA #Iceland #youthdevelopment #collaboration #community

Touching down in Iceland ahead of the Global Extended Learning and Youth Development Association’s (GELYDA) inaugural in-person conference, I was welcomed by gray skies and brisk, rainy air - a refreshing contrast to New England’s early summer heat. Over the next few days, I explored the southern coast, where rain gave way to sunlit waterfalls, volcanic beaches, towering green cliffs and lush pastures dotted with sheep. Truly awe-inspiring landscapes as far as the eye could see. The next few days were filled with hiking, glacier climbs, strolls on black sand beaches, puffin sightings and lively conversations over delicious meals. I capped off this rejuvenating chapter by visiting Þingvellir National Park where one can see the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates visibly pull apart and soaked in Hvammsvík’s geothermal pools nestled beside the sea. Refreshed and recharged, it was time to say farewell to friends and shift into professional mode for the much-anticipated GELYDA conference.

Hosted by the University of Iceland’s Department of Education and co-led by GELYDA founding member Dr. Kolbrún Pálsdóttir and her team, GELYDA’s first-ever in-person conference - The Science and Practice of Extended Learning, Youth Development, and Wellbeing - launched with hands-on, real-world learning experiences.

Before the formal kickoff, participants had the chance to explore Iceland’s vibrant extended education system through visits to local leisure and youth centers. These afterschool programs serve children ages 6–9 and 10–16 and are shaped by national policies focused on education, leisure, and child wellbeing. At the same time, a hands-on workshop - Designing Effective Learning Environments, led by Ludwig Stecher and Sabine Maschke - invited attendees to dive into the theory and practice behind impactful out-of-school learning spaces.

Later that day, the conference officially commenced with a joyful performance by a talented area musician and extended education professional performing traditional Icelandic songs as well as a classic English-based Neil Diamond hit with an encouraged sing along - a moment I couldn't resist joining in! Dr. Kolbrún Pálsdóttir and Dr. Gil Noam, GELYDA’s Chair, followed with warm welcomes and powerful words about why extended education and youth mental health matter more than ever - both in Iceland and across the globe - and how the three-day conference planned to address these areas through the lens of policy, practice and research. Dr. Noam emphasized GELYDA’s mission to expand opportunities for youth to learn, grow, and thrive in schools, out-of-school-time programs, and communities worldwide and how the conference would elevate this work globally.

The evening wrapped up with a inviting welcome reception where global colleagues connected in person - some reuniting, others meeting for the very first time with hardy handshakes and embraces. For me, after nearly a year of Zoom collaboration, it was especially meaningful to sit down face-to-face with my GELYDA colleagues, sharing insights, laughter, and plans for the exciting days ahead and next steps in the growth of the Association.

With Iceland’s midnight sun casting nearly 24 hours of light across Reykjavík, I jumped into Day 2 of the GELYDA Conference energized and inspired. The day began with the privilege of co-presenting alongside Dr. Noam to an engaged group. Our session, “A Holistic Approach to Extended Education: Advancing Academic, Social, and Emotional Development for Career and Life Readiness,” explored how youth programs can integrate social emotional development (SED) and career readiness using our established youth development Clover Model. Afterward, I had the chance to participate in a range of dynamic breakout sessions throughout the day with topics spanned the full landscape of extended education. During the networking lunch, conference participants had the opportunity to stroll through the engaging poster session featuring global innovations in mental health, family engagement, literacy and data use, teacher training, peer mentoring, and gamified learning in higher education and speak to presenters firsthand about their work. If there was one downside to the day, not being able to attend all the dynamic, informative sessions the program had to offer (full program).

Later, the energy in the auditorium rose for a keynote address by Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). He spoke passionately about the global importance of learning, mental wellbeing, and the evolving role of extended education through his call to action to focus on “from school as the world to the world as the school.” The GELYDA team was honored to have the session chaired by Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Iceland’s former Prime Minister and former Minister of Education, Science, and Culture, who brought insight and thoughtful leadership to the Q&A portion. To close out the day, my colleagues and I hosted the GELYDA Business Meeting - a moment to reflect on the Association’s shared progress, highlight key milestones, and hear directly from members, new and returning, about our collective path forward.

Closing the synergistic, thought provoking day with a quick walk to the city center and a moment to refresh, I made my way with fellow conference attendees to the stunning Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Center for the conference dinner. From the top floor, we took in breathtaking harbor views, shared a delicious meal featuring local dishes, and enjoyed laughter, meaningful conversations, and forward-looking plans for GELYDA’s continued growth.

Day 3 marked the final chapter of the GELYDA convening and my unforgettable time in Iceland. The morning opened with powerful keynote presentations from Dr. Ragný Guðjohnsen and Dr. Jakob Þorsteinsson, Associate Professor & Adjunct Lecturer at the University of Iceland’s School of Education. Dr. Guðjohnsen spoke passionately about how extended education can empower children and youth to discover their passions and shape their identities as engaged members of society. Dr. Þorsteinsson invited us to rethink the boundaries of learning, exploring the transformative potential of outdoor education and “what kind of extended education happens outside the door.” Following, breakout sessions that continued the deep dive into policy, practice, and research were hosted to round out the conference. Simultaneously, members of the GELYDA Steering Committee met for the editorial board meeting of the International Journal for Research on Extended Education (IJREE), helping to guide the scholarly future of the field.

The conference closed with an interactive dialogue facilitated by Dr. Noam, Dr. Pálsdóttir and Dr, Helen Malone, Co-Chair of GELYDA’s Advisory Board and elevating the voices of conference attendees from the extended education field. Through panel discussions participants reflected on key insights, shared real-world experiences, and explored collective visions for the future of extended education. Sparking connections and leaving us energized to drive impact across diverse educational contexts and communities worldwide. Followed by a brief closing the conference ended with palpable energy and shared gratitude for knowledge, resources and connections made.

I returned to the U.S. energized and with my mind vibrant with ideas as we prepare to launch Year 3 of GELYDA and look forward to our next conference in South Korea in 2026 (stay tuned, date to be announced soon). I look forward to working with the GELYDA Steering Committee and Advisory Board members, conference participants and our expanding global membership to lean into lessons learned in Iceland, lift up our community’s collective knowledge and expertise and be guided by the needs of the extended education field as the Association continues to grow and evolve. 

If you have not already become of member of GELYDA please join us by visiting our membership page.    

Kristin is the Senior Manager of GELYDA and the Senior Consultant of STEM Partnerships at Partnerships in Education and Resilience (PEAR). She holds a B.A. in Developmental Psychology and a M.Ed. in Learning, Cognition, and Development. She is a research, evaluation and partnership professional with over 25 years of experience in the education sector, with a focus in STEM learning, out-of-school time (OST), student-centered learning and resiliency and wellbeing. Please feel free to reach out to Kristin at gelyda.association@outlook.com.