Children learn even when they’re not in school. Afterschool hours, weekends, and breaks from school are opportunities for kids to learn in creative ways. Some Star City Reads partner organizations specifically support children during out of school time, including:
Big Brothers Big Sisters Southwest Virginia pairs kids with mentors. Bigs take their Littles on enrichment experiences all over town and help with their emotional growth. You can enroll your child to be a Little, or sign yourself up to serve a child as a Big. https://www.bigslittles.org/
Kids Soar offers an after school literacy program for students enrolled in select Roanoke City schools. To learn more, visit https://www.communityoutreachroanoke.org/.
Roanoke Public Libraries: The Roanoke Public Libraries offer youth programs after school and on weekends, including science activities and arts and crafts. RPL also serves afterschool meals Mondays-Fridays and meals on Saturdays. https://www.roanokeva.gov/1239/Youth-Services
West End Center for Youth offers afterschool and summer programs for children, with tuition aid available. https://www.westendcenter.org/
YMCA of Virginia’s Blue Ridge offers afterschool and summer activities for children for a fee, including physical fitness programs. http://ymcavbr.org/main/enriching-kids-inside-out/
Resources:
Afterschool Alliance: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/
Out of School Time Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/ost.htm
Youth.Gov: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/afterschool-programs