DO-GOODER Spotlight: ASAP

The Do-Gooder Spotlight is GroundSwell's blog post spreading the word about individuals and organizations working to better their communities. Today we are giving a shout-out to our friends at After School Activities Partnership (ASAP)!

 

ASAP was created in 2002 at the request of city leaders to bring public awareness to the dangers unsupervised youth face during after school hours. Since its inception ASAP has rallied the Greater Philadelphia community to recruit volunteers, teachers and organizations to lead enrichment clubs across the city, with an emphasis on areas with high rates of poverty, crime, and truancy.

ASAP’s dual goals are 1) to increase the number of after school enrichment programs for school-aged youth to improve academic achievement and provide alternatives to unsupervised out-of-school time, and 2) to disseminate information on these programs to parents and caregivers – including an after school directory that appears in the Philadelphia Daily News.

ASAP understands that in order for youth to stay out of harm’s way, classes and activities have to be offered that not only provides a safe space but also engages youth. Today, the organization offers everything from: drama classes to Scrabble tournaments, all shown by research to increase academic achievement.

“We know we are helping young people grow intellectually and socially and are grateful for the assistance and encouragement that will enable us to continue to broaden horizons for our city’s youth.”

The organization is currently looking for volunteers to lead, co-lead or assist drama clubs for students. ASAP’s drama master class aims to promote communication skills, creativity, performance, and self-discovery. The minimum requirement for volunteers is one hour per week for one "semester" (approximately twelve weeks). Volunteers can lead their activity any time between 3:00 and 6:00pm. The semester will culminate in a student performance for family and friends.

The ASAP staff works with their volunteers to set them up at a time and location that is convenient for them in Philadelphia. Locations include: schools, recreation centers, community centers, other non-profits and libraries.

For more information on how you can volunteer: contact Kenya Gayles, at

215-545-2727x10 or email her at Kgayles@phillyasap.org 

 

The work of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance is made possible through the generous support of committed individuals and institutions.