Filling the "gap hours" after school with enrichment

Children from lower income families face a number of challenges to academic and personal success. For many students, the hours between the end of school and when their parents come home from work fail to provide opportunities for enrichment. The lack of supervision can lead to behavioral problems and poor academic performance, while an inability to obtain basic necessities can also be difficult to overcome.

The Higher Achievement Program helps middle school students harness their energy and potential in a positive direction by providing after-school and summer academic programs which include homework help, additional academic classes, community service projects, cultural and artistic activities, and recreational time. Participants in the Higher Achievement Program have increased test scores, higher grades, elevated GPAs, and decreased tardiness or absenteeism. All participants are placed into college preparatory high schools.

The Fishing School provides similar programs for students between the ages of six and sixteen. Their after school and summer programs help students with homework, tutors them in academic subjects, leads self-esteem building discussions, brings students on field trips, and teaches subjects like math, reading, music appreciation, financial and computer literacy. They also have job training programs, a Female Youth Enrichment Program, and resources for parents and the community.

Thirty percent of DC-area children are eligible for free or reduced lunch; this inability to afford things like food, clothing, or school supplies make it very hard for these students to do well academically or socially. The Neediest Kids is an organization that addresses the more basic needs of students: school supplies, healthcare, clothing, glasses, transportation, and meals. Donations are used to purchase these things at the lowest possible price.

For more information, contact:

Neediest Kids, Inc.
8283 Greensboro Drive
McLean, VA 22102
703-917-2158
www.neediestkids.org

Higher Achievement Administrative Offices
317 8th Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 544-3633 (phone)
(202) 544-3644 (fax)
www.higherachievement.org

The Fishing School
1240 Wylie Street, N.E.
Washington, D.C. 20002
202 399-3618
www.fishingschool.org