SUCCESS THROUGH COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
Learn After School Programs
Communities In Schools is passionate about creating safe havens for kids during the after-school hours. In partnership with Columbus and Whitehall City schools, Communities In Schools facilitates after-school programs that provide student enrichment opportunities during out-of-school hours, including the summer.
The Harvard Family Research Project (2006) found that young people benefit when they spend time "engaged in structured pursuits that offer opportunities with adults and peers, encourage them to contribute and take initiative, and contain challenging and engaging tasks that help develop and apply new skills and personal talents."
Research also shows that young people who are involved with a caring adult are 52% less likely to skip school, 46% less likely to use drugs, and 27% less likely to use alcohol. The hours between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. are the peak hours for juvenile crime and experimentation with drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and sex.
Communities In Schools facilitates after-school programs that provide a safe environment where students can explore their hopes and dreams. Each program includes a nutritious meal; daily tutoring; prevention education; and health and wellness activities. CIS offers enrichment opportunities for the students that they would never experience otherwise.
The CIS Impact
Our data shows that students greatly benefit by participating in our after-school programs:
- 91% of students increased their leadership development skills
- 82% of the students improved their awareness of fitness and nutrition
- 62% of students increased their math scores on standardized tests
- 55% of students increased their reading scores on standardized tests
CIS has staff at each of the schools providing support before school, after school and in the summer who have the crucial role of coordinating the activities, services, volunteers, and resources that are brought into the buildings. We work with social service agencies and community organizations in central Ohio that want to impact kids and their parents.
Success Stories
Columbus is home to the second largest population of Somali immigrants in the United States - more than 50,000 people. Many of the children are entering Columbus Public schools with little or no English-speaking skills. CIS started an after-school program at Eakin Elementary School to support academics learned during the school day. Over 40 students participate in the program.
Students in the after-school program at Cassady Elementary School have received individual tutoring from volunteers from Westerville Central United Community Church. Not only has their academic achievement greatly improved, but the students also have developed meaningful, ongoing relationships with the church volunteers.
One of the health and wellness activities offered in the after-school program at East Linden Elementary School involved learning gymnastics and cheerleading. The participants trained so well that they entered the Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic and won second place in their age category.
These types of activities allow students the opportunity to expand and explore their hopes and dreams.
