When the school day ends, children and teens need opportunities to learn and engage in meaningful activities. Their success out of school can have a positive effect on their success in school. Unfortunately, one in four U.S. children are left unsupervised after 3 p.m., according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness advocacy organization. To help youth reach their full potential, the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut is offering afterschool programming that supports social-emotional, cognitive and physical development.
The Y’s afterschool program offers activities in a caring and safe environment where all youth can achieve, feel like they belong and build friendships. Youth in Y afterschool programs demonstrate improvement in the skills needed for successful living and in academic proficiency. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, and a pioneer in afterschool programs, the Y believes in supporting the holistic processes that all youth experience – from birth to career – to support success in school and life.
When the final school bell rings, continued learning opportunities can have a positive influence on how well youth perform in school. Afterschool programs also fill gaps in schools and communities where some recreational opportunities like art, music and physical activity offerings are limited.
Studies show participation in afterschool programs helps boost school attendance and academic performance and reduces gaps in academic achievement among children from disadvantaged households[1].
In the Regional YMCA’s afterschool program youth help with homework and can also explore arts, music, literacy, STEM and much more. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.
| YMCA Children’s Center | 57 Grassy Plain Street Bethel, CT 06801 |
203 744 4890 |
| Greenknoll Children’s Center | 60 Old New Milford Road Brookfield, CT |
203 775 2840 |
| ESCAPE to the Arts | 293 Main Street Danbury, CT |
203 794 1413 |
[1] Afterschool Alliance, “Afterschool Programs: Making a Difference in America’s Communities by Improving Academic Achievement, Keeping Kids Safe and Helping Working Families”
For Youth Development, Healthy Living, Social Responsibility Brookfield, CT regionalymca.org
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