Berkeley LEARNS Afterschool Program

Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students.

Berkeley LEARNS Mission Statement

Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs support children in reaching their full potential by providing academic support, recreational activities, and enrichment classes in a safe and structured environment. Located at the school sites, we strengthen the link between the schools and families and strive to provide a seamless day. By working directly with teachers, staff, families, and school based programs we are better able to advance student learning.

What We Do

Berkeley LEARNS programs provide academic support, cultural enrichment and recreation from the time the traditional school day ends until 6:00pm during the academic year.

The programs are in operation at nine elementary school sites (Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont, Emerson, Sylvia Mendez, Malcolm X, Oxford, Rosa Parks, Thousand Oaks, and Washington), and at all three middle schools.

LEARNS also has morning programs before school at Berkeley Arts Magnet, Cragmont and Rosa Parks.

All BUSD students are eligible to participate in a Berkeley LEARNS After School Program.  Students can ONLY enroll at the program located at the school they attend. Students and siblings who are currently enrolled in a program receive priority placement for the following year. Additional spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Programs receive grant reimbursement for students who attend the program five days a week for three hours a day. Full-time enrollees and students meeting immediate placement consideration will receive priority in registration. Every effort will be made to accommodate parents seeking part-time enrollment. Drop-in students are not allowed.

Berkeley LEARNS programs are primarily funded by the California Department of Education After School Education and Safety Programs (ASES) grant, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grants, parent fees based on a sliding scale, and various mini-grants.

Berkeley LEARNS After School Programs consist of four major components:

1. Academic Support

The academic component supports academic success by creating links to classroom learning by offering homework support, small group or individual tutoring, and mentoring.  The program staff is in continual communication with the classroom teachers to stay informed of students’ academic challenges and strengths, which enable the staff to provide appropriate academic activities.

2. Enrichment Opportunities

The enrichment component offers both traditional and non-traditional activities designed to build knowledge and enhance creative expression. These opportunities are offered by program staff and contracted specialists. The range of classes include: Visual and Performing Arts, Music, Life skills, STEAM, and many more.   Multiple sessions are offered per year.  While participating in these components, students have the opportunity to sharpen and/or learn skills and discover new ways to express themselves. We have found that when children are offered the chance to excel in enrichment activities, their self-esteem and confidence soars, which leads to academic success.

3. Recreational Activities

4. Community Building

Berkeley LEARNS programs instill a sense of community among the students that foster pride in their program, school, and community. Building intentional communities, with a focus on serving the social-emotional needs of our students. Some of the related activities include community circles, leadership programs, Be The Change team and community building activities, community service projects, and restorative justice models. In addition, the programs serve as a resource to families and the community. The programs encourage and value all forms of parent/guardian involvement and offer multiple opportunities for parents/guardians to engage in their children’s education.

Registration Information

For the 2023-2024 School year, registration is starting Monday, April 17th at 9:00 a.m.  We will accept applications through May 19th. All families currently LEARNS must complete registration for next school year

Register Online

Completing the application does not guarantee enrollment. Priority is given to full-time students, students currently enrolled and their siblings, and students meeting immediate service criteria as listed within our fee scale notice. Additional space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students are then enrolled in the program on a space-availability basis in the order applications are received.

Once the application for your student is submitted, your student will be placed on the wait list. By the end of the current school year, you will be notified of the application status by the Program Specialist at your school. The Program Specialists can be reached at their site until the last day of school in June and will return to work when school begins in August.

LEARNS Program Fee Scales