Weekly Media Roundup: September 4, 2024

Edwardsburg Launches Before and After School Care Program on First Day of Classes, WNDU (Michigan)

Camp Fire River Bend is opening a new before-school and afterschool program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Edwardsburg, Michigan, and it already has a waitlist. “We’re looking to grow the program in the next few years because we have heard that was the need for many families,” Edwardsburg Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Courtney Szucs told WNDU. “So, we’re hoping this year goes really well and then we’ll continue to add slots and get licensed for more.”

YMCA Announces Open Enrollment for 2024 Afterschool Programs, Gwinnett Daily Post (Georgia)

In Gwinnett County, Georgia, students from 53 elementary schools are participating in enriching, educational afterschool programs at one of 11 Y Explore afterschool programs. “Y Explore Afterschool Programs are designed to help students grow their desire to learn, gain critical thinking skills and enhance their social-emotional skills,” Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, told Gwinnett Daily Post. “Through our afterschool curriculum, children will find new opportunities to learn and grow in a welcoming and accepting environment.” The programs focus on social-emotional learning, literacy and creative learning opportunities.

Inclusion Is 'The Way to Move Forward' for Hillsborough After-School Programs, Fox 13 News (Florida)

At Hillsborough County’s afterschool programs in Tampa, Florida, students with physical and intellectual disabilities learn and play side-by-side with students who are not disabled. Program leaders work to make sure all activities are inclusive and say the students’ diversity is a benefit to all who participate. "I enjoy personally seeing the kids helping each other out and then just becoming as well-rounded as possible at this young of an age. It's an experience that not a lot of children get," Assistant Recreation Program Supervisor Ty Mansueto told Fox 13 News. The county runs 17 afterschool programs.

Safe Space: Local Programs Offer Youth a Place for Fun, Learning, De-Stressing During After-School Hours, The Burg (Pennsylvania)

Afterschool programs across Harrisburg, Pennsylvania are providing students opportunities to connect with peers and mentors while exploring their interests and learning new skills. For example, at the B Shop Boys and Girls Club, middle and high schoolers learn construction skills while renovating low-income housing. “I understand the importance of kids having after-school programs to keep them engaged and out of trouble,” founder Joshua Barker told The Burg. “It’s a safe place to go and learn and get knowledge and leave with a skill set. You can go anywhere in the world with skills.” Other afterschool programs in the community include the Link 4 Youth in New Cumberland and the Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg.