Success For Each Child & Eliminate the Opportunity Gap by Leading with Racial Equity

Student Activities

Both sites offered a wide range of programming to students over the years.  The range of areas and example activities included:  

  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math): Environmental Science, STEM Design Challenge (simple machines, tiny house), Crazy Concoctions, Computer Club, Lego Build, Math Games, and Girls Who Code 
  • Arts/Crafts/Music: Art Appreciation, Art with a Heart, Art of Science, Cyanotype, Art mediums, colors and drawing, “DIY (Do It Yourself)” crafts, and “Now trending” activities 
  • Leadership: BROTHAS Mentoring, Sisterhood, and Boys’ and Girls’ Groups 
  • Academics: Homework help, English Language Learning (ELL) Support, Literacy and Reading  
  • Physical Activity: Gymnastics, Movement, Track, Team Sports 
  • Games: Pokémon, Leadership through games and gaming; Virtual Games; Chess Club 
  • Cooking Club 

STEM activities were consistently offered throughout the years, and each year had at least one or two Arts and Crafts- and Physical Activity-related offering.  Activities were more limited during virtual programming, with a focus on cooking, games, or crafts that allowed for participation from home. In 2021-22 with the return to some in-person programming, there was a broader range of activities, including youth leadership and academic supports.   

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, both sites prioritized responding to student needs and providing social emotional supports and activities.  For example, in 2020-21 the program provided student supports for technology, food, transportation, all of which were significant needs with the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift to virtual programming. The program also focused on social emotional learning, including expectations for the online program format, and how to interact and participate. This focus was important in response to students’ need to feel supported and be a part of a community.   The program also provided care packages to students and families, which were deeply appreciated by all families.    

In describing the Summer 2021 program, one site coordinator noted “Due to all the extenuating circumstances, it felt like the students and staff were extra caring this year. Everyone seemed interested in keeping each other safe, physically and emotionally, more than ever. Everyone was so respectful of and grateful for each other. We really focused on communal activities; talking even more about feelings and things we can do to get along with each other.”