AfterZone Programs…
An AfterZone is a system of high-quality after school programs that are held in most Providence public middle schools and surrounding community-based organizations.
Students can do everything from learn to play violin, to exploring local ecosystems aboard a Save the Bay boat. AfterZone programs engage students in their own sense of curiosity and enthusiasm.
AfterZone programs:
- operate Monday-Thursday, after school until 5:15 PM, 26 weeks during the school year, and 4 weeks during the summer
- are free of charge with all transportation provided
- are open to all middle school students living in Providence, regardless of where they attend school
- take place on community “campuses” anchored in middle schools that connect youth to other community locations and resources
- offer a wide menu of high-quality programs recognizing middle school interests and needs
- connect learning to real-world careers, the environment and neighborhoods
- unite students with caring, talented adults invested in enriching students’ education
- tap community members’ talents and expertise to engage youth in learning beyond school walls
- foster social, emotional and intellectual development
- serve over one-third of Providence middle school youth each year.
In the AfterZone, young people can choose from exciting and engaging activities that include arts (dancing, ceramics and jewelry making), academic enrichment and skills building (science exploration, robotics and cooking), and sports (tennis, soccer, boxing and sailing). Students can also do their homework and receive one-on-one tutoring and academic support from college and City Year Corps members.
Learn about the AfterZone model.
Club AfterZone
Club AfterZone serves as a daily learning time where middle school participants can choose between numerous fun, yet structured, opportunities. Balancing choice and the needs of participating youth, from homework assistance to hands-on science experiments, art projects, and physical activities.
These activities are led by part-time AfterZone Youth Engagement Specialists, City Year and AmeriCorps members and college volunteers.
Club AfterZone operates one hour each day, opposite students’ chosen enrichment activity, allowing middle school youth to choose a variety of programs one to four days a week.
Because students are engaged in developing the look and feel of Club AfterZone— through their artwork, displays, music selections, development of ground rules and student-led workshops—Club AfterZone is a place they feel comfortable and welcomed, creating a positive learning environment while improving retention.
Where are AfterZone Campuses?
After studying where the most youth and families lived and figuring out where most facilities (schools, gyms, fields, classrooms, community rooms, kitchens, etc.) were concentrated, PASA and its partners created three neighborhood campuses:
North End/East Side:
Olneyville:
Del Sesto Middle School and John Hope Settlement House
West End/South Side: