AfterZone Model
Unlike traditional after-school programs, the AfterZone programs are more than single programs housed in one building. Rather, each “campus” in the AfterZone is anchored by one or more schools, and includes programming at recreation centers, libraries, museums, arts organizations and youth centers. Programs in arts, sports and skills-building are led by program providers and some middle school teachers, supported by AfterZone staff members, AmeriCorps members and college volunteers.
A coordinating council of community representatives leads each "campus" in the AfterZone and makes decisions about staffing, budgets and grant funding for program providers. The result is an accessible, coordinated schedule of programming year-round, allowing youth to have out-of-school opportunities and explore beyond the familiar, while also developing deeper relationships within their schools.
Since its inception in 2006, over 4,000 middle school youth throughout Providence have participated in the AfterZone, with approximately 1,600 youth participating in AfterZone programs per year.
View our AfterZone Data Page for more detailed information or like PASA on Facebook to keep up with the latest AfterZone program news,pictures, and more!
Unified Schedule
Increasing the accessibility of after-school programming is essential to the AfterZone. Part of this accessibility relies on a unified program schedule. If programs operated without coordinated schedules, calendars or publicity, youth would be severely limited in their choices and enrollment opportunities. Through the use of a unified schedule and calendar, the AfterZone:
- provides a single recruitment and registration process
- eliminates redundancy, overlap and scheduling conflicts
- maximizes the number of programs
- maximizes program range and variety
- allows providers to offer programming in multiple AfterZones
- coordinates transportation for participating youth
This results in a system that is more easily accessed by youth and families—and that increases the quality and frequency of communications between families and program providers.
