We believe that all young people should have the opportunity to experience transformative learning opportunities. That’s why we focus on ensuring that all of our AfterZone and Hub program providers operate their programs with the highest possible level of quality. We’ve created a recipe for consistently high-quality programs that get young people excited about learning and inspire them to keep coming to our programs and to school.
Our strategy is rooted in positive youth development practices, which are designed to engage our middle and high school youth in constructive ways. Our community-based program partners focus on realizing positive outcomes for our young people by ensuring all of their AfterZone and Hub experiences provide meaningful learning opportunities, foster positive peer-to-peer and adult-to-youth relationships, and build on our young people’s strengths.
We want all of our youth to “graduate” from their AfterZone and/or Hub experiences with five social and emotional competencies that serve as the foundation for academic and personal growth, and that more closely align with the skills prized in contemporary professions of all stripes:
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Engagement in learning
- Perseverance
How do we make sure that each student meets this graduate profile? By focusing on three key program quality ingredients:
- Ensuring a high standard of program instruction
- Providing extensive professional development and support to instructors
- Setting forth clearly defined and measured goals for youth participants
The result? Improved school attendance. More engagement in learning. Better social and emotional skills. And happy, motivated youth!