The Berkeley LEARNS* After School Programs celebrated Lights On Afterschool – a nationwide call to attention to the importance of after school programs for America’s children, families and communities. On Thursday, October 20th, our after school programs celebrated with dance parties, performances, ice cream socials and other special activities. Read more. (*Links Enrichment, Academics and Recreation to the Needs of Students)
In America today, 1 in 4 youth — 15.1 million children – are alone and unsupervised after school. After school programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. Berkeley LEARNS provides homework support and enrichment classes to approximately 2300 students each day in 9 of the elementary schools, all 3 middle schools and B-Tech.
At Cragmont Elementary, Lights On was celebrated with ice cream sundaes and a rockin’ DJ dance party. Fourth grader Elijah talked about the after school program, “It’s really fun. We get to play a lot, get ice cream, get homework done so we don’t have to do it at home and the teachers help us.” Malia, a third grader echoed his feelings by saying, “I like ice cream. I like it when the Cal people (tutors) come – they help us with our homework.”
While Thursday was a fun celebration, Berkeley LEARNS After School program supports students everyday. LEARNS strengthens the link between the schools and families and strives to provide a seamless day. Click here for more information about the Berkeley LEARNS program.
