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TAMPA – Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay is excited to announce the expansion of the AfterZone Elementary School program that is currently provided at three additional school sites.
The AfterZone program provides out-of-school support and learning opportunities throughout the school year and summer programming for youth from kindergarten through 5th grade.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to expand our Clubs from 22 current locations to 25, thanks to ongoing support from the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County,” says Terry Carter, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay. “In partnership with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Public Schools System, we have a chance to have our programs in Just Elementary, DeSoto Elementary, and Excelsior Prep Charter School.”
In addition, the grant funding provides students opportunities for service-learning projects, STEAM learning, cultural art activities, health & wellness, and leadership development.
The three additional site locations are:
“Our vision at DeSoto Elementary School is to empower every child, every day, through love, learning, and leadership,” says Principal Emily Tirelli. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay directly aligns with this vision and we are so excited for our students to have this opportunity and the experiences the Club will bring.”
“I am excited to empower our kids with knowledge and change the trajectory of their life with education and to have Boys & Girls Clubs of Tampa Bay as a partner to do that,” says Just Elementary School Principal Daphne Fourqurean.
The schools started offering out-of-school programming at the capacity of 60 children each beginning August 10th. Parents interested in signing their children up can visit www.bgctampa.org.
The organization says with the expansion of three new Clubs, they can continue to grow their current programs.
“High-quality afterschool programs are essential to supporting working parents in our community,” says Kelley Parris, Executive Director with the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County. “We are proud to support three new school sites to enhance social-emotional learning and ensure educational support for students.”
Principal Tirelli has already seen the impact the program has had on the Club kids.
“Sometimes when the parents come early, the kids are upset. They don’t want to go,” says Tirelli.
