EW afterschool programs provide a safe place for students grades K-12 to strengthen and reinforce regular school day academics, recreational and personal skills. They are engaged in active, hands-on learning activities that are not typically available during the school day.
All students in EW's afterschool programs participate in:
Academic/Literacy Enrichment: daily homework assistance followed by 100 Book Challenge, reading, and math activities.
Visual and Performing Arts: reading and writing activities framed in a visual and performing arts curriculum using a variety of media including paper, clay, paint, resulting in books, sculpture, music and movement, and murals.
Social Development: weekly activities focused on conflict resolution and anti-bullying activities, recreation, clubs such as poetry, computers, and service learning projects centered on national days of service.
Programs typically operate from 3-6 p.m. five days a week. In Philadelphia, when there is early dismissal, programs operate from 1-6 p.m. Students participating in the School District of Philadelphia's Extended Day program also participate in this program, joining us after their Extended Day Program ends, typically around 4 p.m.
EW's programs are possible through the support of state and local resources; 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Children's Investment Strategy, Youth-Net, and NJ After 3.
21st Century Community Learning Centers
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) are a key component of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act. 21st CCLCs provide an opportunity for students attending low performing schools and their families to learn new skills and discover new abilities after the school day has ended.
EW received 2 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Education to support three additional centers in 2 high schools and 5 elementary school.
Involving parents in their children's education is an important component of the program. Parents are encouraged to visit, observe and participate with their children in activities, e.g., accompany their children on program sponsored trips, serve side-by-side in community service projects, and participate in family reading activities.
Programs begin immediately at close of the school day. When school closes early, e.g., for parent teacher meetings, or are closed for holidays and the summer, 21st CCLC programs are open.
The After School Initiative (ASI)
ASI, a strategic endeavor of Philadelphia Safe and Sound, is a citywide initiative to improve the academic and personal well being of children and youth, and their families. The goal of CIS is to increase the number and availability of after school programs for the estimated 100,000 children in Philadelphia who spend after school hours unsupervised. EW manages 15 of the almost 140 programs funded throughout Philadelphia .
During the academic year, EW's CIS programs operate when school is open and full days during the summer.
Youth-Net
Youth-Net Centers are an initiative of the School District of Philadelphia. They are for students in good standing in their schools in the areas of behavior, school attendance and academic performance. The Centers are designed to be a respite area for students to enhance their intellectual and emotional development.
EW manages the Youth-Net Center at Steel Elementary School, one of four in the city. The center is open from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and until 6 p.m. on Fridays. It is outfitted with state-of-the-art technology capable of broadband video conferencing, and the latest Intel-based Apple computers. Students are able to attend media literacy programs provided by Comcast, join the Young Home Energy Action Team, a 10 week project with Philadelphia Gas Works to create video PSAs on home energy assistance, play games, communicate with children in seven other countries, attend a book club and mentoring program.
The Center is also available to parents and community members for programs such as parent workshops, book clubs, and community block captain meetings.
Local faith-based organizations play a vital role in the center, providing mentors, volunteers, tutors and group leaders for many activities and programs.
NJ After 3
New Jersey After 3, Inc., formed in 2004, is the nation's first statewide public/private partnership to fund after school programs. New Jersey After 3 is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established to make resources available to afterschool programs throughout New Jersey. It was conceived as a public-private partnership in an effort to maximize resources, community input, flexibility and accountability for after-school programming. Through this model, public institutions leverage private support and greater community input.
EW sponsors two programs in Trenton which operate during the school year when school is open. Each enrolls 100 students. Included in the program are certified teachers to guide basic skills test preparation for some students.
