Quality Afterschool Programs are Key to Developing Youth
For many in the Tampa Bay area school starts August 10 or 14. That also means when the school day ends, children and teens need opportunities to learn and engage in meaningful activities. Their success out of school can have a positive effect on their success in school. Unfortunately, 19%[1]of children in Florida are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization.
To help youth reach their full potential, the YMCA of the Suncoast is offering afterschool programming that supports social-emotional, cognitive and physical development.
The Y’s afterschool program offers activities in a caring and safe environment where all youth can achieve, feel like they belong and build friendships. Youth in Y afterschool programs demonstrate improvement in the skills needed for successful living and in academic proficiency.
As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, and a pioneer in afterschool programs, the Y believes in supporting the holistic processes that all youth experience – from birth to career – to support success in school and life.
“When the final school bell rings, continued learning opportunities can have a positive influence on how well youth perform in school,” said Beth Gettig, Vice President of Youth Development, YMCA of the Suncoast.
“Afterschool programs also fill gaps in schools and communities where some recreational opportunities like art, music and physical activity offerings are limited.”
This summer the YMCA of the Suncoast set out to help kids have the Best Time Ever. Our summer camp reader’s programs helped our campers gain on average 2.3 months in reading.
Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households[2].
In the YMCA of the Suncoast’s afterschool program, youth receive homework help, tutoring and they can explore a number of enrichment activities like the arts, music, STEM and youth sports.
Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
School Starts August 10: Citrus Hernando Pinellas and August 14: Pasco
[1] [Please note: For local data on afterschool participation in your state, visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/policyStateMap.cfm to access the Afterschool Alliance’s “After 3 PM” survey.]
[2] Afterschool Alliance, “Afterschool Programs: Making a Difference in America's Communities by Improving Academic Achievement, Keeping Kids Safe and Helping Working Families”