Over the last two decades the emergence of after school programs have grown into its own industry. Initially, thought of a place where kids can stay after school until their parents come home from work, currently after school program are more complexed and can address students and community needs. According to research conducted by Dr. Fashola, with John Hopkins and Howard Universities, her review of research literature on the subject indicates, by attending after-school programs participants can improve their socialization skills, programs can provide students with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives of their life and future possibilities; and after-school programs can help to improve the academic achievement of students who may be struggling during regular school hours.
Today on the Making After School Cool podcast, I had the pleasure of interviewing CASE for Kids staff who are assigned to 21st Century program. This episode features Imyria Bledsaw. who was a high school students participating in the program and currently works on one of the sites, Briana Fips, Kathrine Delatorre, and Deshawn Gibson who are after school program specialist. I also interviewd Keanda Fuller who is a Program Coordinator at Havard Elementary. During our discussion they shared their experiences participating in and working for and out of school time program.