ARCHS & St. Louis For Kids are leading an important effort to increase access to after school services to benefit youth, families and the community.

History:

In 2007, ARCHS and St. Louis For Kids (SL4K) entered into a community partnership to lead the After School for All Partnership (ASAP).

In less than one year, ASAP and its partners have ensured that over 1,800 St. Louis city students, who were not enrolled in an after school program, have been able to spend their after school hours in safe, learning-focused environments.

St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay asked ARCHS and St. Louis For Kids to spearhead ASAP to address St. Louis’ lack of after school programs. ASAP reports that on a regional basis, there is currently a need for 5,600 more children to be served to meet the national average of 22% access to five day-a-week after school programs.

“Parents want quality after school programs where they know that their children are safe, enriched and active. Unfortunately, only 1 out of 10 children have access to such programs. ARCHS and St. Louis For Kids are uniquely positioned, through ASAP, to increase the supply, access and quality of after school programs in St. Louis,” said Mayor Slay.

ASAP is working to add new programs, expand current locations and provide expertise to support existing after school services. ASAP will foster after school services that provides both academic and social support for grade school students. ASAP will partner with public and private organizations to secure resources to add the additional 5,600 new after school spaces needed to serve city-based public/private schools and community center locations.

“Quality after school programs are well-known to keep youth safe, improve school performance and help working families. Here in St. Louis, we are in critical need of more after school activities to serve the many children and families who currently have no access to non-school hour programs,” said Jama Dodson, Executive Director of St. Louis for Kids.

“ASAP is positioning St. Louis alongside cities such as Baltimore and New York, who are setting the gold standard for offering vibrant after school experiences,” said

Wendell E. Kimbrough, ARCHS’ CEO.

ASAP's Quality System:

• Licensed & consistent 5 day- a-week programs
• Adherence to Missouri's Quality Standards for After School
• Providers selected via RFP process
• On-going training and technical assistance to educators & after school teams
• Centralized database to measure common outcomes
• Outcomes selected from United Way of Greater St.  Louis' Youth Development Provider Network

ASAP's Core Elements:

• Academic Support/Enrichment
• Social & Life Skills
• Health & Recreation
• Character Development
• Parent & Family Involvement

ASAP's Community Benefits:

• Supports student's classroom learning
• Enhances teacher and school based curricula
• Provides safe & nurturing environment for students
• Fosters stronger sense of neighborhoods
• Allow parents to work and/or attend school
• Prepares students for lifelong learning
• Reduces youth exposure to risky behaviors & possible victimization