Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) San Diego -- $30,000 After-School Achievement Academy
Program Description:
The After-School Achievement Academy (AAA) Program focuses on two equally important initiatives. First, by providing extended-day childcare for military families, the military spouse can join the workforce, thereby contributing to the economic stability of the junior enlisted families. In addition, by providing powerful youth development programming, the program supports the academic, social/emotional, and mental health needs of the military child.
Results:
The project aimed to support the military family in many ways. Providing homework support and ensuring that children had access to healthy food during program hours also increased the family’s overall health and well-being. Easing the burden of completing homework at home made a huge impact and allowed families to focus on spending quality time together in other ways.
The AAA Program achieved significant outcomes:
- Employment and Economic Stability: 90% of military spouses whose children attended the AAA Program were employed. This support was provided to single military parents in 10% of the families.
- Academic Improvement: 88% of military children in the program met academic standards by the end of the school year, with 100% showing academic improvement.
- Social and Emotional Development: 84% of children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, 86% enhanced relationship skills, and 85% exhibited better behavior and coping mechanisms.
- Family Well-being: The program reduced the homework burden on families, allowing them to spend quality time together. Parents expressed gratitude for the program’s positive impact on their children’s education and overall family life.
One challenge the program faced was transportation capacity, which limited the number of children it could serve. To address this, the organization is seeking support to purchase a second bus. Additionally, a staff member recently obtained a Commercial Driver’s License, increasing transportation capacity.
Future Plans:
ASYMCA plans to double the number of children and families they are serving. They pride themselves on fiscal responsibility and ensure the sustainability of their work through diverse streams of revenue. They also keep the cost of programs low and the quality very high. This is done through the work of engaging important community partners like Liberty Military Housing, which provides some of the program’s space needed to implement the programs.
