Weekly Media Roundup: October 9, 2019

Crowell Looking to Expand Boys and Girls Club, Daily Mountain Eagle (Alabama)

At afterschool programs facilitated by the Boys & Girls Club of Central Alabama, more than 75 students participate in an hour of physical activity each day and benefit from homework help, arts and crafts projects, character education, meals and more. This past summer, more than 160 youth participated in Club’s summer learning program, which included a tour of an Alabama Power facility. “A lot of these kids don’t feel like they belong at school … A big thing for us is trying to make sure everyone is included and finds a niche,” Unit Director Cassie Crowell told the Daily Mountain Eagle.

Teens Paint Mural for Upcoming Festival in Smoketown, WHAS 11 (Kentucky)

Teens in the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) Exchange afterschool program in Louisville, Kentucky have been developing their creative talents by working on an original mural every day after school. The completed mural will debut at the first-ever Imagine Mural Festival this week alongside works by experienced muralists. The STEAM Exchange teens are the only youth participating in the festival. The STEAM Exchange program engages teens in new experiences while creating a safe, positive community for them after school. “Nowadays, it’s dangerous to be out here on the streets. This just brings everybody together,” a student told WHAS 11.

State-Funded Teen REACH Makes Difference For Illinois Kids, Advocates Say, Youth Today

Ninety-eight percent of students who participate in the Teen REACH (Responsibility, Education, Achievement, Caring and Hope) program in Flora, Illinois for at least nine months graduate or are promoted to the next grade. The program includes a wide range of activities designed to teach students life skills, spark new interests and help students avoid risky behaviors. Students engage with mentors, perform in a community band, sell snacks through the Business Club, participate in a Bike Club and a Book Club, learn how to perform car maintenance and more. The program is one of 150 Teen REACH sites throughout Illinois funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services. “We know that what occurs when young determines future health,” Susan Stanton, network lead for ACT Now, an Illinois afterschool advocacy coalition, told Youth Today.

Nonprofit Transforms Kids' Lives Through Tennis, KATU 2 (Oregon)

The Portland Tennis and Education afterschool program in Oregon combines tennis, tutoring and enrichment to teach students determination, perseverance and integrity. In the program, students learn to play tennis as well as practice reading and math, cook, play the guitar, create art and more. So far, every participating student has graduated on time, and many have secured tennis scholarships. “In the future, I can help other people accomplish goals, and that’s what I love about tennis,” a student named Alan told KATU 2.