After School Program Collaborative

The Oakland Small Schools Foundation fosters the creation and sustainability of robust comprehensive after-school programs through collaborative fundraising, brokering of partnerships with community-based organizations, and data management and evaluation systems for the participating schools.

Comprehensive after-school programs provide a safe environment: The hours between the end of the typical school day and parents’ return from work are the most vulnerable for young people in the low-income neighborhoods of Oakland. Fun educational after-school programs offer students’ options to participate in a variety of programs everyday during those most dangerous hours.

Comprehensive after-school programs offer academic support: Through after-school programs students complete their homework with help from trained tutors. Lower performing students can work with specialist interventionists one-on-one or in small groups to become proficient in core subjects. Students receive individualized assistance they need beyond their daytime school hours.
 
Comprehensive after-school programs provide access to enrichment, recreation and fitness programs: Students enjoy rich multicultural artistic offerings with professional artists and musicians. Students have the opportunity to perform and exhibit their work and develop creative skills to reinforce multiple intelligences and bolster their enthusiasm for learning. The programs also feature physical outlets, fitness and nutrition training, and skills building opportunities in recreation programs as well as league play. Because of district budget cuts over the years and the demanding academic schedule during the day, these programs are typically only available in the after-school hours.