Community-Specific Program Examples

See how afterschool programs are serving diverse populations and communities near you with our program spotlights.

Rural

Raiders Ark

Because Raider’s ARK (Academics Reinforcing Knowledge) predominantly serves a population of low-income students, students with disabilities, and English language learners (ELL) in grades K-5, a social and emotional learning (SEL) approach is embedded within the program’s design to serve youth in their rural community.


Read Afterschool Spotlight

Native Population

Hornets of Character

As the only afterschool program in the area located in the heart of Cherokee nation, Hornets of Character serves an important role in the community, providing academic supports, mentorship, substance abuse counseling, health and wellness classes, and other social services to support skill development and students’ overall wellbeing


Read Afterschool Spotlight

Afterschool All-stars, Hawaii Life Service Action

Civic engagement starts with our nation’s young people. The afterschool field is an essential partner in ensuring that all children have the ability to participate in relevant, experiential civic engagement opportunities. Involvement in civic engagement has been linked to both short and long-term positive outcomes, including improvements in academics, behavior, and connection to the community and a lower likelihood of arrest. As 3 in 4 superintendents agree that preparing students for engaged citizenship is a challenge for their district, afterschool and summer learning programs are critical partners in strengthening student civic engagement and helping them become informed, involved, and conscientious individuals.


Read Afterschool Spotlight

Public Housing

The Bridge Project

The Bridge Project (Bridge), an afterschool program serving 80 percent ELL and 100 percent students from low-income families, was created as a partnership between the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Denver, the Denver Housing Authority (DHA), and community representatives. Located within DHA’s public housing—to help facilitate students’ participation—Bridge builds students’ reading and writing skills, works closely with school day staff, and encourages family engagement.


Read Afterschool Spotlight

Refugee/Immigrant populations

ourBridge for Kids

More than 4 million English language learners (ELL)—students who receive language assistance, such as bilingual education and High Intensity Language Training—attend public schools nationwide. This growing and diverse population faces myriad challenges and needs a coordinated system of support to help them build literacy skills and thrive. Afterschool programs are uniquely positioned to serve both ELL students and their families


Read Afterschool Spotlight

Urban

Evolution Youth Services

In the United States, involvement with the juvenile justice system can have a long-lasting negative impact on one’s life. For young people placed in detention facilities, their education, their ties to society, and their lives are disrupted. Involvement with the justice system— regardless of incarceration—can have implications for one’s future earning potential and career trajectory, limiting access one has to educational opportunities, career fields, and available supports.


Read Afterschool Spotlight