YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on Offering After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live

Yadmin — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 21:49:42 +0000

YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on Offering After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live Yadmin Wed, 12/16/2015 - 15:49

On my way to visit Minnetonka Heights last year, it’s hard to ignore what’s literally on the other side of Minnesota State Highway 101.

Million-dollar homes.

Children on that side of the road in Minnetonka are provided an abundance of activities, programs and tutors. Children on the other side of the road, in the low-income apartment complex, don’t have access to the same options and opportunities.

That’s why I’m proud of the enrichment opportunities we’re providing at low-income apartment complexes in the Twin Cities.

Before and after school, many students in low-income households have nowhere to go, which increases the risk of falling behind, both intellectually and socially.

At Minnetonka Heights, Joanne Robinson, our program director, convinced the owner of the property to turn an unused room into an active, vibrant community space, where kids come in before and after school. They read for 30 minutes, do arts and crafts, play sports and games. But, most importantly, they get tutoring support, specific to their individual need.

During the summer, this helps the students avoid learning loss. During the school year, this helps them stay with the pack and, in fact, thrive and excel.

Caring adults, some of whom live in the apartment complex, invest in these children.

It’s a very resourceful approach.

Ionna, 13, is an example of this unique program’s impact at another low-income apartment complex called Maple Pond Homes. Initially, she was shy and angry.

“I didn’t really care about my grades when I was younger,” Ionna says. “They helped me a lot. It improved my grades.”

She shows her big, beautiful smile.

“She has done a full 360,” reports Amber Woitalla, the Y youth development director.

Adds Ionna, “It made me a better person.”

Imagine what might have happened to Ionna if she wasn’t busy realizing her potential.

William Moore, a Y youth support specialist, has seen confidence build in Doreon, 10.

“Doreon has high potential, and we want to help him realize that potential,” William says. “By providing different opportunities, it awakens the hunger inside them to want to do more, to want to see more and be more.”

Curt Carpenter is the principal at Clear Springs Elementary, just a few blocks from Minnetonka Heights, and he’s seen the impact our program has on students who live in that complex. “The partnership between the YMCA and Minnetonka Heights has been integral to success of our students,” Curt says. "No doubt in my mind that our students are more successful academically thanks to the program.”

When I was at Minnetonka Heights, I was struck by the affection that our team members and volunteers have for the students. It’s clearly a safe place for the kids. They have access to snacks and fruits, music and lots of enriching activities.

You can feel the children each realizing: “I matter, I can contribute and learn, and I belong.”

The Y currently serves 200 students in the after school enrichment program at apartment complexes. But there’s an estimated 200,000 students in kindergarten through 12^th grade who do not have a safe place to go after school ends.

We want to continue to expand this program so we can reach more and more students, and ensure they have a safe place to learn, play and, ultimately, thrive.

YMCA Fosters After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live

Yadmin — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 22:48:38 +0000

YMCA Fosters After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live Yadmin Tue, 12/01/2015 - 16:48

The YMCA of the North (YGTC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, provides educational and enrichment programs for young people and families who qualify for low-income housing, right in their own apartment complexes.

In Minnesota, over 200,000 young people in kindergarten through 12th grade have no safe place to go after the school bell rings.
Nearly 40 percent of kids from low income backgrounds don’t attend after school or summer learning programs.
Studies show an achievement gap between students from low-income families and their peers. This gap culminates in low high school graduation and college attainment rates, limited job prospects and negative economic impact for the community.

Students achieve more, academically and beyond, when they have a safe place to go before and after school. Y team members walk the children to and from school, staying with them during the day and providing additional support once the final bell rings. In addition to homework help, students have time to discover enrichment activities like art or music, play with their neighbors and enjoy a healthy snack.

“The Y is committed to providing opportunities for all young people in our community, whether in our facility or in their schools and homes,” said Kate Whitby, community program director at the Y. “Our team of youth development experts provides support to help young people explore and learn through activities that promote academic success, social interaction and character development.”

Whitby added that the YMCA connects young people not only to academic resources and enrichment opportunities, but to caring adults who serve as role models, including Y team members and community volunteers. These mentors cultivate a safe environment, where kids can grow academically in reading or math, develop healthy habits, engage with others through play, gain self-confidence and simply be themselves.

The Y’s apartment programs are an integral part of the communities they serve. The program, which continues through the summer months, supports working families and nurtures the potential of every child. The impact of these programs can be seen every day. Children who learn, grow and thrive with the Y experience improved school attendance records, decreased bullying instances and increased academic motivation.

Discover how the Y gave Ionna opportunities to engage and give back to her community – Ionna’s Story.

Learn how the Y helped Doreon to gain confidence in his academic abilities – Doreon’s Story.

The Y provides similar outreach to suburban communities across the Twin Cities, from Minnetonka to Maplewood. While each program is unique, the unifying goal is to address the needs of low-income families in the Twin Cities area. Offerings include before and after school programs, all-day or part-day summer programs, teen outreach centers as well as programming that includes adults and seniors. Having convenient access to education opportunities, enrichment activities, social engagement, physical activity and nutrition initiatives has helped hundreds of community members in the Twin Cities thrive at each stage of life.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all young people thrive, financial assistance is available to those in need to ensure all have the opportunity to participate in Y programs. Learn more about the Y’s education and enrichment opportunities for young people.

YMCA News Archive

YMCA CEO Glen Gunderson’s Perspective on Offering After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live

On my way to visit Minnetonka Heights last year, it’s hard to ignore what’s literally on the other side of Minnesota State Highway 101.

YMCA Fosters After School Enrichment Opportunities Right Where Students Live