This collaborative grant will allow the school district to expand its middle school program in three target schools to include afterschool and summer enrichment centers. To achieve this goal, it is important to maintain a strong alignment between the after-school program and the school day. Rather, it means that the program and school parallel one another with content, as allies not as copies. Good after-school programs look, sound, and operate differently than traditional day programs. After-school classes are smaller and more informal, with an emphasis on active student participation.
Activities can be voluntary and they can take place in any setting.
After-school activities enhance and enrich the lessons offered during the traditional day. After school enrichment and summer programming are being provided in 18 elementary school sites to over 1,500 students. Over 150 high school students from across New Mexico and Arizona took part in this incredibly moving activity. A statewide Peace Jam steering committee has been formed and we are hard at work planning the February 2001 event. After six years of success, we are transitioning to a Youth Corps Program, which will serve 14-25 year olds.