After School and Summer Programs
A quality after school and/or summer program must include between one and four of the
following components:
- 1) academic enrichment activities;
- 2) quality physical activity;
- 3) quality nutrition education;
- 4) STEM and/or ELA initiatives and activities.
The goal of the program is to promote and support critical thinking and collaborative techniques that allow students to successfully develop academic skills, pursue useful knowledge and develop healthy habits. A
quality after school and/or summer program provides safe, structured environments for students
outside of the regular school day through extended learning. Such programs are housed in
schools and are often staffed with both school and community-based personnel. A quality after
school and/or summer program clearly connects with district/school efforts around Common
Core State Standards (CCSS) for the purpose of closing the achievement gap.
