ABOUT

 

The Mission of our After School Programs are to provide a safe, enriching, supportive environment for students of all ages to achieve their highest potential. 

 

As a means of meeting the growing need of the families in our communities, Camden's Charter School network provides high quality after school programming free of charge. Within the past 15 years the number of after school programs found across the country has increased dramatically. As the popularity of programming increased, studies seeking to determine positive benefits of programming repeatedly came to the conclusion that high quality after school programming benefits students holistic development in a myriad of ways. In a recent study by the Harvard Family Research Project the following results were confirmed:

 

  A decade of research and evaluation studies confirms that children and youth who participate in after school programs can reap a host of positive benefits in a number of interrelated outcome areas – academic, social-emotional, prevention, and health and wellness. These are the skills that many suggest are necessary for youth to succeed in the 21st Century global economy and world.

 

Wong, Amy Magin. "Secrets of successful after school programs: What research reveals." The Harvard Graduate School of Education. 2009. Web. Sept 2nd 2014. 

 

While touting academic research is impressive and has its place, the more impressive results are hearing first hand how after school programming has helped students holistic development. Consider three of our recent graduates statements regarding the vital role after school programming has played in their overall development and growth. 

 

As a student at Camden's Promise Charter School, the after-school program provided a safe place for me to make new friends while exploring my personal interests.

- Asia Li Pollard -

 

The After School Program allowed me to blossom socially and become more involved with school events. It was also a safe and friendly environment to meet and interact with students from other grades.  

- Walkiria Gonzalez - 

 

I was able to find a place I belong
Outside the classroom and participate in an extra curricular activity that brought out my true creative nature.

- Donovan Smalls -