Afterschool programs play a crucial role in supporting the development and well-being of students across Missouri. With funding from organizations like the Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN), these programs can offer enriching experiences beyond the classroom. One shining example is the Adventure Club in the Kirkwood School District, which benefits from grants that significantly impact its summer programs.
Jen Hahn, Program Manager for the Kirkwood School District Adventure Club, oversees five elementary school sites for their combined summer program. This summer, the program embraced the theme “Out of This World,” sparking excitement and creativity among the students. Each homeroom adopted names like “Martians” and “Apollo 24,” adding a fun and immersive element to the program’s structure.
The heart of their Adventure Club’s summer program is its enrichment offerings. Thanks to an ARPA Summer Enrichment Grant, Kirkwood Adventure Club enhanced its offerings without additional costs. Over the summer, students could choose from various classes, attending two classes over two weeks. This setup allowed for deep engagement in subjects like math, science, and even yoga, with experienced teachers leading the way.
The funds provided by MASN have allowed the Kirkwood Adventure Club to expand its offerings significantly. Hahn shared how the grant has been instrumental in providing more materials and supplies, ensuring that more students can participate and benefit from the program. The additional resources have also allowed the program to invite guest speakers and experts, enhancing the students’ learning experiences.
Moreover, the program has created calming corners and emotional regulation tools, addressing students’ social and emotional needs. This holistic approach to education helps students manage their emotions and build resilience, qualities vital for their overall development.
One of the highlights of the summer was a field trip to the St. Louis Science Center, funded by the grant. This experience was not only educational but also provided a memorable and enjoyable outing for the students, further reinforcing the value of hands-on learning.
Hahn, with her experience in grant writing, praised MASN’s grant process for its simplicity and support. Unlike many other grants that have strict eligibility requirements and extensive paperwork, the process here was straightforward and accessible. The responsive and helpful team ensured applicants understood the process and could easily navigate it.
The positive feedback from parents gathered through end-of-summer surveys underscores the program’s success. The students’ great experiences reflect the thoughtful planning and resources invested in the Kirkwood Adventure Club.
The success of the Kirkwood School District Adventure Club highlights the critical role that grants from the Missouri AfterSchool Network play in enriching students’ lives. These grants fund essential resources and programs while also opening up new possibilities for learning and growth. By supporting afterschool programs like the Kirkwood Adventure Club, MASN is helping to shape a brighter future for Missouri’s children.
Funding for the ARPA Summer Enrichment grant was made possible through a contract with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to distribute a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) 1% Set-aside for Summer Enrichment to youth-serving programs across the state.
