Weekly Media Roundup: September 7, 2022

After-School Program Blends Tutoring, Circus Training, WBBM Newsradio (Illinois)

At the CircEsteem afterschool program in Chicago, children ages 3 to 18 build their self-confidence by learning aerial arts, tumbling and juggling, alongside academic tutoring and mentorship. The program partners with the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Park District to provide a safe space for students to grow academically and emotionally. “Kids will come in. They’ll advance in our programming. They have been with us for a while. They then have the opportunity to teach other kids. So, the mentee becomes the mentor,” Patty Aikonedo, director of community outreach, told WBBM Newsradio.

Tanager Place Piloting New After-School Program at Roosevelt Creative Corridor, The Gazette (Iowa)

This fall, Tanager Place is opening Iowa’s first Freedom School afterschool program at Roosevelt Creative Corridor middle school in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The afterschool program, created by The Children’s Defense Fund, encourages a love of learning, civil involvement, cultural awareness and healthy habits. “I’m just really excited for our community and young people that this could be another resource to benefit kids in the community,” Tanager Place CEO Okpara Rice told The Gazette. Program staff will include AmeriCorp members and local college students.

Shenandoah 'Levels Up' After School Program Choices, Courier-Times (Indiana)

For the first time, Shenandoah High School in Indiana is offering an esport afterschool program, enabling students to compete on esports teams, learn new computer skills and enjoy playing video games with friends. “We are always looking for new ways to help these students connect to school and their peers. We are able to include students that don’t have interest in traditional sports or our other programs,” Shenandoah Superintendent Dr. Kyle Barrentine told the Courier-Times. The National Federation of State High School Associations states esports is the fastest growing sport in the U.S.

$11.3 Million Awarded for Afterschool Learning, The Sun Times (Arkansas)

Last week, the Arkansas Department of Education allocated $11.3 million in relief funding from the American Recue Plan to 84 out-of-school time programs across the state, including programs at schools, faith-based organization, libraries, community organizations and other sites. The grants were awarded in partnership with the Arkansas Out of School Network and Arkansas State University. “Even before the pandemic disrupted all aspects of student life, Arkansas struggled to meet the demand for afterschool and summer learning programs,” Laveta Wills-Hale, director of the Arkansas Out of School Network, told the Sun Times. “We will continue working tirelessly to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic and to ensure all children have access to quality afterschool and summer learning programs. This funding is a critical resource to communities and programs across our state.”