After School Drop-In Program

After School Drop-In Program | Summer Reading and Sports Program

The After School Drop-In program provides 7-14-year-olds with structured after school activities to help them succeed in academics and everyday life during the school year.

The program operates from 2pm-7pm, 5 days a week. Our services are free to the participants. We ask parents to volunteer with the program by taking part in three community service activities and chaperoning field trips.

Selection Criteria

Students must come in with their parents for an assessment test before being accepted into the program. They must bring the child's report cards and evaluations from the previous year as well. This information, the test results and discussions with the parent and child together allows staff to best determine if and how the program can be most beneficial to the child. Students are also required to bring in their report cards throughout the year. Our staff will visit or call their teacher(s) at least once a year for comments and suggestions about the child school performance.

Program Activities

The program emphasizes two main components - homework help and enrichment activities.

Typically, the first order of business for our students is go to their classroom and complete their homework assignments. They receive tutoring and participate in supplementary academic activities. Upon completion of the traditional academic portion of the afternoon, students have snacks and later on partake in enrichment activities such as arts and crafts and workshops on cultural appreciation, prevention and public health related issues.

All activities are designed to introduce students to new opportunities, expose them to experiences they might not otherwise have, ignite their personal growth and support the efforts of parents and teachers. Journal writing allows students to express their feelings and emotions in a positive manner. The arts - painting, dance, drama, poetry, and music - are used to introduce students to the different cultures of Boston and serve as an outlet for their creative expression. Students also participate in outdoors recreational activities and group cooperative games. In addition, the program provides monthly field trips to educational and recreational facilities.

Computer Literacy

YouthBuild Boston is committed to ensuring that its students are technologically proficient. All students take a weekly computer literacy and exploration course using our computer lab. This course allows students to learn about doing research on the Internet for school or personal interests, word-processing and accessing e-mail.

Community Service and Leadership

Students develop leadership skills and personal responsibility through the organization of and participation in community service activities such as community clean-ups, the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative's Multi-Cultural Day, and volunteering with different community organizations such as The Strand Theatre.