◇ Program Summary
1. Washington, D.C. promotes more than 120 free after-school programs
Parents and their school-age children filled the gymnasium on Saturday to browse information about more than 120 after-school programs offered free to D.C. youth. There’s dance, tutoring, soccer, writing, performing arts. Recently, the District agreed to spend $25 million to fund numerous nonprofits to run after-school programs. One popular program is “Words, Beats & Life,” an after-school program organized by St. Stephen and Incarnation Episcopal Church in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood that has been in operation for more than 20 years. Classes are held in church buildings, but also in school buildings and virtually online. Classes offered include breakdancing, DJing, graffiti, chess, poetry, photography, podcasting classes…comic book creation, African drums, dance steps classes, entrepreneurship classes.
After-school activities aren’t all fun and games. Some of the programs include counselors who work with kids on homework. “We pay teachers to come in and work with them one-on-one for two hours, or we can go online and treat each teen as an individual case,” said Amos Drummond, operations manager for the foundation. “I was one of those kids who got help… I was exposed to geometry and became a chemist because of it,” Drummond said.
Parents and children scrambled to explore the tables, collect brochures, and sign up for more information. For information on the many extracurricular activities in Washington, D.C., visit learn24.dc.gov。
2. Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia receive more funding for home visits for mothers and babies
The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) announced an additional $23.1 million in federal assistance to the agency’s National Home Visiting Program in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. The program is designed to provide improved home visits and health care for pregnant women, new parents, and infants. The additional funding is the first increase in federal funding for the program in a decade.
These resources can provide support to nurses, social workers, and trained home visitors and help them through those first days of parenthood. The program’s success depends on convenient health screenings in the comfort of home. When you were a parent, if you had to take time off work and take a few buses to go to an appointment, many people might not go. But having someone come to your home with resources and knowledge will make a huge difference.
The Rockville, Maryland-based Human Resources Administration leads the nationwide initiative and works with local health organizations to target parents. Family health care workers can provide breastfeeding support, safe sleep advice and infant development screenings. They can even help parents find critical services, such as affordable child care or jobs and educational opportunities.
President Joseph Biden signed bipartisan legislation in 2022 to double funding for the program over five years. The move was part of a campaign promise to reduce risks associated with pregnancy and improve maternal health, especially for women in rural, tribal and low-income communities.
The national home visiting program will receive $440 million, with Maryland’s local programs receiving $10 million of that. Virginia will receive $11 million, and Washington, D.C., will receive $2.5 million.
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Table of Contents
Free After-School Programs in Washington, D.C.: A Comprehensive Guide
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes providing them with opportunities to grow and develop outside of the regular school hours. Washington, D.C. has taken a significant step in promoting the well-being of its youth by offering over 120 free after-school programs. These programs cater to diverse interests and needs, ranging from dance and sports to tutoring and performing arts.
Variety of Programs to Choose From
One popular program is “Words, Beats & Life,” an after-school program organized by St. Stephen and Incarnation Episcopal Church in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood. This program has been in operation for over 20 years and offers a range of classes, including breakdancing, DJing, graffiti, chess, poetry, photography, podcasting, comic book creation, African drums, dance steps, and entrepreneurship classes. The classes are held in church buildings, school buildings, and even virtually online, making it accessible to all.
More Than Just Fun and Games
While after-school programs are often associated with fun and games, they also provide valuable support for students who need extra help with their homework. Many programs, like “Words, Beats & Life,” employ counselors who work one-on-one with students to help them with their assignments. Amos Drummond, operations manager for the foundation, testifies to the effectiveness of this approach, stating, “I was one of those kids who got help… I was exposed to geometry and became a chemist because of it.”
Partnering with Local Organizations
Several local organizations, such as the YMCA and KIPP DC, are partnering with schools to provide before and after-school care options for students. For example, KIPP DC is partnering with the YMCA to offer before and aftercare for the 2024-25 school year [[2]]. Similarly, DC Prep has partnered with Champions to provide on-site aftercare options for students in PK3-6th grade for the 2023-24 school year [[3]].
Finding the Right Program for Your Child
With so many options available, finding the right program for your child can be overwhelming. Fortunately, the District has made it easy for parents to explore the various programs available. You can visit learn24.dc.gov to learn more about the many extracurricular activities in Washington, D.C.
Supporting Families Beyond After-School Programs
The District’s commitment to supporting families extends beyond after-school programs. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced an additional $23.1 million in federal assistance to the agency’s National Home Visiting Program in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. This program provides improved home visits and health care for pregnant women, new parents, and infants.
Conclusion
Washington, D.C.’s investment in after-school programs is a testament to its commitment to providing opportunities for its youth to grow and thrive. From dance and sports to tutoring and performing arts, there’s something for every child. By partnering with local organizations and providing support beyond after-school programs, the District is helping to create a brighter future for its families.
References:
<a href="https://www.yelp.com/search?finddesc=After+School+Programs&findloc=Washington%2C+DC”>[1]
Keyword tags: after-school programs, Washington D.C., free programs, extracurricular activities, youth development, education, family support.
Empower Hope AI
The Voice of Hope: Empowering Communities and Individuals through Education and Healthcare
As we reflect on the significance of September 9, 2024, we are reminded of the importance of empowering our communities and individuals through education, healthcare, and support. The Voice of Hope, a program dedicated to promoting positive change, needs our support and donations to continue its vital work.
Empowering Youth through Education
In Washington, D.C., a remarkable initiative is underway, offering over 120 free after-school programs for local youth[[[1]]. These programs, funded by a $25 million investment, provide a range of activities, including dance, tutoring, soccer, writing, and performing arts. One standout program is “Words, Beats & Life,” a 20-year-old initiative that offers classes in breakdancing, DJing, graffiti, chess, poetry, photography, and more. This program not only provides a safe space for students to learn and grow but also offers individualized support through counselors who assist with homework.
Supporting Mothers and Babies through Home Visits
In a significant development, Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia have received a substantial funding boost for home visits for mothers and babies [[2]]. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has announced an additional $23.1 million in federal assistance for the National Home Visiting Program, which provides vital support to pregnant women, new parents, and infants. This program’s success depends on convenient health screenings in the comfort of home, making a huge difference in the lives of families.
The Voice of Hope: A Call to Action
As we celebrate the successes of these initiatives, we are reminded that the work of the Voice of Hope is far from over. The program relies on donations and support to continue its mission of empowering individuals and communities. Please donate to Voice of Hope and help make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Other Interpretations of Voice of Hope
While the Voice of Hope program is dedicated to empowering communities and individuals, the term “Voice of Hope” also inspires hope and resilience in various contexts. For instance, Camille Thomas’s album “Voice of Hope” is a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire [[3]]. Similarly, Gaetano Donizetti’s “Voice of Hope” album is a celebration of the human spirit [[2]]. In another context, “Voice of Hope” is also the name of a Christian book, symbolizing the hope and faith that guides us through life’s challenges [[3]].
the Voice of Hope is a beacon of hope and empowerment, reminding us of the importance of supporting our communities and individuals. As we reflect on the significance of September 9, 2024, let us come together to support this vital program and make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
References:
[1] Camille Thomas, Voice of Hope album
[2] Gaetano Donizetti, Voice of Hope album
[3] Voice of Hope, Christian book
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