Weekly Media Roundup: January 15, 2020

Bath Woman Transforming the After-School Scene as She Works to Let Teens Know They Matter, News Center Maine (Maine)

In December, the New England Patriots donated $20,000 to the Midcoast Community Alliance (MCA) in Bath, Maine and named its founder, Jamie Dorr, the Difference Maker of the Year. The MCA facilitates a free afterschool program at the Bath Youth Meetinghouse and Skate Park where teens can skateboard, play games, get homework help, take art and fitness classes, learn about teamwork from a National Guard member, access free hot meals and more. The program also creates ‘wrap-around committees’ of mentors and service providers to support individual students who are struggling with mental illness or substance abuse. "I want every student to understand that they matter, that they have a purpose, that they have something to give to their community,” Dorr told News Center Maine.

Innovation Learning Offers Decatur Students Learning as Fun, Herald & Review (Illinois)

Each day at the Innovation Learning afterschool program in Decatur, Illinois, students participate in fitness activities, get tutoring and homework help, and explore science and technology. Older students support groups of younger students with hands-on projects such as coding and robotics. The program seeks to develop students’ social-emotional and communication skills. “Even though you’re going to spend the whole day at school, you just look forward to [the afterschool program],” second-grader Asher Tyler told the Herald & Review.

Bay Base Builds Future Leaders, Panama City News Herald (Florida)

Nearly 1,100 students at 16 elementary schools participate in service learning and character education activities through the Bay Base afterschool and summer learning programs in Panama City, Florida. Students have collected donations to send to those affected by natural disasters, created blankets for nursing home residents and more. The programs also provide homework help, mentorship, physical activity, gardening, journalism, sewing, and field trips. “We support academic learning, as well as provide students with the opportunities to practice important life skills, such as problem solving, thinking creatively, socializing appropriately, communicating effectively, and cultivating positive relationships,” Director Katrina Evans wrote in the Panama City News Herald.

Quality Afterschool Programs Provided by Haven, Argus Leader (South Dakota)

At the Dell Rapids Community Haven afterschool program in South Dakota, children spend their afterschool hours discovering new foods, creating art, exploring engineering and more. The program has served students for more than two decades. “Our students know that Haven is a safe space for them to explore new interests, develop new friendships, and have fun each day. We also provide an environment where students can work on their social skills in a relaxed atmosphere,” Program Director Lisa Wilber wrote in the Argus Leader.