FAQ
Q. Does PASA provide after-school programs for youth?
A. PASA does not provide after-school programming directly to youth. Rather, it exists to support Providence's existing after-school program providers as they strive to serve more youth with high quality programs. We are known in the field as an intermediary organization. 

Q. What is PASA's role as an intermediary organization?
A. PASA's role is to help link existing private and city run after-school programs so that they can strengthen their programs and create great, new high-quality programming for youth. In addition, PASA seeks to build the capacity of the programs to secure long-term funding so parents and youth can count on finding a rich variety of great programs each year in their neighborhood. Working closely with all of our after school program partners and City Hall, we hope to create an after school environment where every child and youth has a wide variety of program choices where they can find something exciting to learn, discover new talents, engage in a physical activity or get help with school work in a place that's convenient as soon as the school day ends. Q. How will PASA improve the quality of programs?
A. PASA has worked with the after-school providers, youth, parents and funders to develop quality standards. These standards have been developed primarily to serve as a common language between providers to better inform the development and assessment of quality programs. PASA is not a regulatory body. PASA will aid programs that want to take concrete steps to improve their programs by providing support for professional development, and technical assistance for organizations wanting to assess/evaluate, measure and continually improve their programming.

Q. How does PASA allocate its resources?
A. To date, PASA has received $6 million dollars in private funds to invest in its plan. In the first years of development PASA funded model programs that relate to the quality and systems building efforts. Our initial investments have supported the following:

1.) Building new neighborhood networks for programs - creation of the AfterZones
2.) Helping after school providers improve their quality through professional development, learning opportunities and the application of researched evaluation tools and approaches.
3.) Building the capacity of the recreation centers to offer more quality recreation and sports programs at the 10 recreation centers and with the sports and recreation volunteer programs throughout the City.
In the future, we hope to secure additional funding that will allow us to support and sustain programs that directly serve more youth than are currently served.

Q. What is an AfterZone?
A. Providing safe, caring, youth-centered enrichment and learning opportunities as part of an organized, easy-to-navigate after school system is the essence of the AfterZone concept. PASA, the City of Providence, and community partners are committed to changing the neighborhood landscape for the benefit of youth and families across the city. Afterzones are a new world of after-school opportunities that will require:

- Citywide commitment to quality programming
- Providers learning ways to improve programs and better train their staff
- Local public and private partners coordinating a schedule of varied opportunities
- Sharing of resources, staff, and facilities
- Transportation links to local and citywide programs
- Responsiveness to youth and family needs and hopes
- Strong communication between organizations, youth, and families
- Safe places, safe travel corridors, and caring staff
- Mobilization of college, youth, and adult volunteers

For more information, please visit the AfterZone strategy page.

Q. What is the difference between an AfterZone model and a community school model?
A. Community schools are highly valued components of the Providence community. And the models developed in Providence strengthen and inform much of PASA's work. The Community School model is designed to link after-school programs with one school, while AfterZones are focused on serving youth in a particular geographic area by connecting schools, libraries, recreation centers, and community centers and other after school providers in a virtual campus of program opportunities. The sharing of resources and the inclusion of all partners in the governance of the AfterZones makes this model different from that of a community school model.

Q. How can I help PASA?
A.There are many ways to get involved whether you are a parent, youth, provider, school representative or city official. The PASA advisory committee is open to all members of the Providence community that wish to know more and/or dedicate their time to improving Providence after-school supports. Whether you'd like to volunteer or just learn more make sure to sign up for our online mailing list by clicking here.To find out how to get involved and get contact information, please visit the How to get Involved page.

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