Weekly Media Roundup: January 12, 2021

ACE Clubs Offer Unique After-School Activities, Academic Support, Herald Bulletin (Indiana)

Each afternoon, students at ACE Clubs in Anderson, Indiana enjoy a variety of activities, including publishing their own books, leather crafting, cooking classes and painting. “We’re always looking to offer unique clubs and opportunities for students who might not feel plugged into some of the traditional activities,” ACE Clubs Director Grant Fulton told the Herald Bulletin. ACE Clubs receive funding through a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant and participants have shown improvements in their English and math grades as well as class attendance and participation.

Longview Offers Virtual Reality in After-School Program, Patch (New York)

Starting in February, fifth through 10th grade students at Longview School in Brewster, New York will benefit from a robust afterschool program that leverages new technologies to inspire students to learn. For example, students will learn about physics and engineering and practice social and emotional skills through a Minecraft curriculum. They will also develop critical-thinking skills and physical fitness through virtual reality activities. "Longview has been pioneering the use of technology in the classroom for much of its 20+ years of operation," Longview Co-Founder and Director Mark Jacobs told Patch. “Students need deep engagement in their learning experiences that helps them build crucial critical-thinking and social-emotional skills that they apply in a range of contexts. Virtual Reality technology can be an integral part of 21st century education."

New After School Mentoring Program Launches in Austin, Austin Weekly News (Texas)

At the new YourPassion1st afterschool program in Austin, Texas, students will connect with mentors, learn how to transform their interest in cooking, arts, sports and music into careers, and get support from mental health professionals. The program is free thanks to funding from several grants, including a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, and program leaders say it is especially important as teens cope with the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. “We all go through mental health challenges, so our program has the base framework of mental health,” Founder Chris Thomas told Austin Weekly News.

Honors, 4-H Team on ‘Winternship’ STEM Outreach, Nebraska Today (Nebraska)

During their winter college break, eleven University of Nebraska honors students led science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming at several 4-H afterschool programs in eastern Nebraska. The university students are part of Huskers After-School and Summer Learning Opportunities program, a partnership between Nebraska 4-H and the University Honors Program. “For students who are interested in social justice and who want to make a difference in their community, this is a perfect partnership,” Patrice McMahon, director of the University Honors Program, told Nebraska Today. “I was delighted and amazed so many gave up their breaks to do this. It’s kind of a hard ask.”