Community Service Day with Aspire! Afterschool Learning

December 1, 2017

This fall, LGW partnered with Aspire After School Learning for our November Community Service Day, sponsored by IBM. Under the leadership of Executive Director Courtney Reeve ('13) Aspire! Afterschool Learning's after-school program supports upper-elementary students' general academic achievement and social-emotional development, placing a heavy emphasis on helping students to develop both their reading skills and a love of reading.

LGW volunteers toured the Aspire! campus and learned more about their ongoing Capital Campaign. This project will allow Aspire! to expand services to serve more students than ever before - and all in a state-of-the-art space right in the neighborhood where students live.

Following the tour volunteers divided into teams, working with elementary school students in grades 3-5. Each day upon arrival to the Aspire! campus, program staff greet the children for a half hour of recess, allowing for a transition period. Following free play, the children separate into groups for a well-balanced dinner -provided by Aspire! , during dinner, the children are instructed to work on assigned homework with the support of a volunteer or AmeriCorps team members. Homework assignments vary, including math, and writing. Once students have completed their homework and additional worksheets that help reinforce academic content, they can choose a book to read individually or with a volunteer.

Currently, Aspire! Partners with five public schools, reaching 1,000 students per year, In the past four years, 90% of students in grades 3-5 have improved their reading instructional levels, and 82% of English Language Learners made significant gains in their English proficiency.

LGW members had a wonderful time getting to know Aspire! students and staff and participating in engaging games and curriculum. Several LGW volunteers stayed for an additional reading time after the volunteer session ended. 

Thank you to Aspire! for your partnership, our sponsor IBM for making LGW’s Community Service Day series possible, and to our amazing members for volunteering your time and talents.

View pictures from the event here.

Community Service Day with Aspire! Occurred on November 30.

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Community Service Day with Aspire! Afterschool Learning