“I’m surrounded by adults who care about me; they encourage me to act responsibly.”

These were among the words shared by Armani, a fifth-grade afterschool participant from our Out of School Time (OST) program at Alain Locke Elementary. Armani recited her praised poem for Mayor Kenney and other city officials during a press conference earlier this month, bringing the mayor to tears.

 

Video courtesy of the Mayor’s Office of Education (MOE)

 

Since 2001, our goal has been to give youth a wide range of choices and opportunities that will promote academic and social achievement and cultivate healthy lifestyles.

These programs utilize a STEAM curriculum that integrates science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics—naturally fitting into a project-based learning model.

“Because you are here, I must attest, I am striving to do and be my best,” Armani poetically added.

Many former OST participants credit the program with helping them master subjects they had trouble within the classroom, while also providing a wonderful environment full of exploration and fun.

With Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week running through Friday, April 26, we would like to honor our team of more than 70 OST staffers.

Without their dedication and compassion working with nearly 1,000 youth at seven OST sites throughout the region, we wouldn’t have been able to build such a highly-regarded program that both stimulates and engages the mind of youth—just like Armani—preparing them to become lifelong learners.