A Guide To LA's Public After-School Programs
Woodcraft Rangers
Various Schools Throughout L.A. County
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This is probably the oldest after school program in Los Angeles; it's been operating on LAUSD campuses since 1922. Participants follow a daily pattern from the end of the school day until 6 p.m. -- a 45-minute homework clinic, followed by a fitness period and snacks. The after school session concludes with activities designed to meet the interests of the student body.
These can include drama, fine arts, dance (from Folklorico to Hip-Hop), team, individual fitness activities (e.g., bicycling, martial arts and yoga), and technology-based clubs (e.g., photography, videography, animation, robotics, multimedia, etc.).
LA's BEST
Various Schools Throughout L.A. County
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BEST is an acronym for Better Educated Students for Tomorrow. Founded in 1988 by Mayor Tom Bradley in response to the trend of latchkey children, this program is now one of the district's most popular and has served as a model for after-school programs in other districts. It is currently available on 180 elementary school campuses, more than 50 of which are located in the San Fernando Valley.
The program's mission is to "provide a safe and supervised after-school education, enrichment and recreation program for children ages 5 to 12 in the city of Los Angeles." They accomplish this with a wide ranging variety of curricula tailored to the needs of the student body at each host school.
These run the gamut from the usual academic, athletic and cultural enrichment programs one would expect, to "KidTech" and "KidType," which teach children computer skills and "Junior Achievement," which focuses on financial literacy and business and economics concepts…on to "Adventures in Peacemaking," which teaches tolerance and conflict resolution skills.
The program is funded through a partnership between the city, school district and private sector.
L.A.'s BEST has suffered its own share of the budget cuts that have plagued other state and city programs. They are currently in the running for a $50,000 grant from the Pepsi Refresh program, which would be used for buses so they can reinstate field trips for its young participants. You can help them obtain this funding by voting for them here: refresheverything.com/lasbest (Votes accepted daily through September 30.)
Beyond The Bell's Youth Development Program
Various Schools Throughout L.A. County
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This is LAUSD's own supervised after-school program, providing academic assistance, recreation and enrichment.
The enrichment component can include performing arts, arts and crafts, grooming, music, science, nutrition, computer skills, videography and music recording. Day trips and other excursions are also a part of the mix of activities.
A full listing of Beyond the Bell offerings at individual LAUSD campuses can be found here: http://btb.lausd.net/btbfinder/Operating_Sites_FINAL_08-2010.pdf
STAR Education
Various Schools Throughout L.A. County
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STAR Education began in 1986 on one campus in West Los Angeles and now serves students on over 100 campuses throughout California school districts. Its enrichment, academic and athletic programs opportunities include Gifted And Talented Education (GATE) curricula. Offerings depend upon the needs of the individual student body and can include art, music, theatre, chess, sports & fitness, woodworking, capoeira, smart games, science, math, and literacy.
Los Angeles Conservation Corps
Various Schools Throughout L.A. County
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The LA Conservation Corps is best known for its community environmental and service projects, which provide valuable work experience and training for at-risk adults and youth. They can also be found on elementary and secondary school campuses throughout LAUSD, where they offer after school enrichment and mentoring programs.
Program components include homework assistance, activities (with an emphasis on environmental studies), special interest clubs, and field trips.
Donna Schwartz Mills blogs at SoCal Mom.
