Traci Critser became the new program director of Tiger Academy this summer, after 15 years with the Hollister School District, 10 of them with the program.
She did not attend an afterschool program growing up, which may be one reason she feels so drawn to it.
“My parents both worked. It was a different time, I get that,” Critser said. “But I didn’t like being home alone.”
Tiger Academy is typically funded by the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant, but when distribution of funds was interrupted by the pandemic, the program was able to secure American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to keep their doors open. Tiger Academy students would have suffered learning gaps and families would have scrambled to find childcare without them.
At Tiger Academy I, II, and III, students of all grade levels have a safe space to go once the school day ends.
“It’s hands on so it’s different than the school day. We’re not babysitting. We are actually going deeper,” Critser said. “They’re still learning and they love it.”
Throughout the school year and during summer school the program, typically at capacity, runs afterschool until six p.m. In July, the program is held for an entire 10-and-a-half-hour day. In addition to providing academic enrichment, the program also supports parents and guardians struggling to find childcare in the area.
“There’s just not that much out there. To have a program where they can sign them up to come here and be safe and fed is pretty desirable,” Critser said.
When parents arrive to pick students up, they’ll sometimes ask to stay longer, determined to finish their projects.
Elementary students attend Tiger Academy I, which focuses on STEAM activities and homework support. Homework is not sent home at Hollister Schools; it’s sent to Tiger Academy.
“They don’t realize it, but it is academic. They’re just having fun,” Critser said. “When I hear a fifth-grade class laughing while they’re doing a lesson, something is going right.”
A big hit over the summer was ‘Totally Gross’, curriculum that taught kids about the human body. Students were even able to take a field trip to a sewage plant.
“It’s weird but the kids loved it,” Critser said. “They loved it and went home talking about what they learned in Tiger Academy. ‘Did you know your body could do this? Did you know your body could do that?”
Tiger Academy II is made up of several different clubs and is designed for middle schoolers. Students play esports, Dungeons and Dragons, and, starting this year, will be able to join Lego Robotics Club.
Once students start high school, they can start leadership courses and service learning in Tiger Academy III. 220 Leadership, a company that seeks to teach young people how to be leaders and entrepreneurs, provides the curriculum. With the help of a grant from Hollister Area Chamber of Commerce, the program is set to expand further this year.
“We are introducing a partnership with area businesses and our high school juniors and seniors,” Critser said. “We’re connecting them with a business that they might be interested in to start that mentorship.”
After being mentored, students will be able to start an internship at their mentor’s business, potentially leading to employment or a college career direction.
Tiger Academy III aims provide students with the skills and confidence to become future leaders in their community.
Aside from academic support and focused career development, Tiger Academy also provides crucial emotional nourishment for students.
“One child stops by my door almost every day and says, ‘Can I have a hug before I go home?’” Critser said. “And he comes in and I hug him and I say, ‘You’re going to be okay. I’m going to see you tomorrow. Oh, I love you.’ He knows without a doubt we love him.”
Tiger Academy, in collaboration with the school, helps provide families with clothes and food when they’re in need.
“If you let it get in your heart, the afterschool world, it can change your life while you’re changing a student’s life,” Critser said. “You’re always thinking, what can I do? How can I help? And it changes your life. Because how can it not, right?”
