COMMUNITY CENTERS PROVIDE A SETTING FOR STUDENTS TO DEVELOP INDIVIDUALLY, HAVE AN ESTABLISHED COMMUNITY TO WHICH THEY BELONG, AND EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITIES THAT WILL STEER THEIR LIFES TRAJECTORY. THE ORGANIZATION EMPLOYS TARGETED INTERVENTIONS THAT HELP CLOSE THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP, IMPROVE STUDENT SKILLS, AND PROMOTE A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO ADULTHOOD. CENTERS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A SAFE PLACE FOR CHILDREN TO GROW SPIRITUALLY, ACADEMICALLY, PHYSICALLY, AND SOCIALLY. PROGRAMS INCLUDE TUTORING AND HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE, LITERACY AND FINANCIAL LITERACY INITIATIVES, MENTORING, ORGANIZED RECREATIONAL SPORTS, LIFE SKILLS COURSES, AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE TO HELP SUPPORT SCHOOL AGED YOUTH. STUDENTS WHO ATTEND EFFECTIVE AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS BENEFIT FROM: IMPROVED ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, ENHANCED SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIFESTYLES, AND PREVENTION OF HIGH-RISK BEHAVIORS.
