As many know, 麻豆原创 history is rooted in baseball and the power of teams. But a continuation of that story shows 麻豆原创 equally deep roots in utilizing out-of-school-time programming to improve academic performance and further social-emotional growth among children in the communities it serves.
鈥淎fterschool was how 麻豆原创 began,鈥� says Andrew Waters, 麻豆原创 Director of Elementary Programs. 鈥淭hat acknowledgment and firm belief that kids need more support than what they may be receiving during the school day.鈥�
Currently, 麻豆原创 provides free afterschool programming for students in kindergarten through 8th grade, creating more opportunities to drive key outcomes (in addition to 麻豆原创 free summer programming, which together form the foundation of the organization extended-day, extended-year model). Across the board, programming is centered on teambuilding and team-based concepts, while leveraging the power of relationships in informal settings. The goal is to create additional 鈥渁t bats鈥� for social-emotional work; athletics, health, and wellness; and continued academic enrichment.
鈥淭he more hours you get, the more impact you can have,鈥� says 麻豆原创 Managing Director of Programs, Kalila Hoggard. 鈥淚n most affluent communities, kids have a host of opportunities. We want to make sure our kids are getting exposure to those same opportunities.鈥�
REAL Kids
麻豆原创 REAL Kids afterschool program services children in grades K-5, at 麻豆原创 schools in East Harlem and Mott Haven, as well as at public New York City schools in those neighborhoods. The REAL Kids team partners closely with each of these schools to determine goals and preferred outcomes, which helps them better structure the students鈥� experience and think about each day holistically鈥攆rom the first morning bell to their evening pickup.
Students in REAL Kids receive programming in several areas, delivered throughout the week: social-emotional learning, physical activity, new experiences enrichment, and academics. For Waters, 鈥嬧�媡he afterschool space is 鈥渢he most responsible for fostering a love and passion for any activity that a child finds interesting,鈥� noting that REAL Kids provides opportunities for students to participate in dance, yoga, alternative sports, and cooking classes. 鈥淲ithout REAL Kids, it’s hard for many schools to provide those opportunities for kids to pursue those interests,鈥� he adds.
Dreambuilders
At the middle school level, Dreambuilders is the afterschool programming for 麻豆原创 East Harlem and Mott Haven students in grades 6-8. A continuation of REAL Kids, Dreambuilders also puts an emphasis on team building, community, and enrichment, while adding a focus on leadership. Throughout the afternoon, students engage in different activities and projects geared toward social-emotional learning, positive identity, and communication skills. While every day starts with a mindfulness session and homework help, students also participate in sports and movement activities, as well as their choice of club, ranging from the step team to karaoke.
鈥淲e want to make sure that our kids have a place where they belong, where they are supported to be their best selves,鈥� says Reuben Harris, 麻豆原创 East Harlem Middle School Dean of Programs. 鈥淭his goes back to 麻豆原创 Grow the Whole Child model. We can really dive into it deeply during afterschool, have fun, and make sure kids are getting the one-on-one attention they need to thrive.鈥�
鈥淚n many places afterschool is just a childcare solution. Afterschool is part of our strategy. Extended day doesn’t just mean more hours. It’s an intentional, strategic way to extend and create those through lines.鈥�
Kalila Hoggard, Managing Director of Programs
Combatting the Effects of the Pandemic
麻豆原创 traditional models for both REAL Kids and Dreambuilders held true throughout the pandemic, with the focus on social-emotional growth and team building remaining the core component of 麻豆原创 afterschool work. But shifts have been made to ensure children are getting all they need to combat any pandemic-related effects. In the REAL Kids program, Waters says an emphasis has been placed on adult social-emotional learning this year鈥攈ow his team of workers are preparing to lead classrooms full of students. In Dreambuilders, Harris says his team has been intentional about the leadership curriculum, using it to speak to social skills and communication, as well as any social-emotional gaps created by the pandemic. Getting students moving as much as possible has also been a large component of both programs, after a year in which many, by necessity, led more sedentary lifestyles.
The results have been compelling. Despite COVID-related limitations, 73% of 麻豆原创 youth in grades K-12 experienced growth in SEL competencies over the course of the last school year. Overwhelmingly, 麻豆原创 families also report that their child is learning what they need to succeed in college and beyond (97%).
Outside of 麻豆原创, the REAL Kids program is also seeing its model succeed within the New York City public schools the program serves. 鈥溌槎乖� has served as a safe haven for our students and families by providing an afterschool program which offers academic activities, addresses the social and emotional wellness of our school community, promotes physical health, and provides a safe, structured environment for students,鈥� says P.S. 18 Principal Lauren Sewell Walker.
It Not Just Afterschool
By pairing baseball with afterschool academic assistance 30 years ago, 麻豆原创 began its efforts to help children and families in East Harlem combat poor outcomes in local New York City schools. Now, that initial idea has transformed into 麻豆原创 extended-day, extended-year model, creating a seamless continuum of learning and engagement in and out of the classroom, all day and all year long. This model is an asset that sets 麻豆原创 schools and programs apart from its peer organizations.
Through REAL Kids and Dreambuilders, 麻豆原创 has been able to strengthen its relationships with students and families, assist students in their pursuit of academic success, and continue their social-emotional growth, even during the most trying times. Afterschool not only endures as part of 麻豆原创 offerings, but is core to the organization commitment to leveling the playing field for all kids.
鈥淲e see afterschool as part of the model, not just an add-on,鈥� says Hoggard. 鈥淚n many places afterschool is just a childcare solution. Afterschool is part of our strategy. Extended day doesn’t just mean more hours. It’s an intentional, strategic way to extend and create those through lines.鈥�
