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After School, The Y Helps Kids Reach Their Potential

YMCA of Greater Kansas City
July 19, 2018
Photo of a Y Club leader using dice to play a learning game with a student

A new school year is filled with potential—a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids, however—at the end of the school day, 1 in 5 children do not have someone to care for them after school, according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization. 

During the school year, the gap between parents’ work schedules and kids’ school schedules can be as much as 20 hours a week. The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s before and after school programs offer activities in a caring and safe environment to fill this gap.

As families are transitioning from summer to fall, the Y offers programs to school-aged children throughout the metro to keep youth active, safe and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, whether through sports, mentorship, or academic support, the Y nurtures the potential of youth throughout the school year. 

“Over 11 million children are unsupervised between 3 and 6 p.m., an essential time to help increase children’s success in school,” said Savanah Standifer, senior director of program development for the YMCA of Greater Kansas City. “After school at the Y is an opportunity for families to ensure their kids are receiving additional support, continued learning and a chance to participate in meaningful activities that can inspire children’s motivations and help them reach their potential.”

The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development from birth to career. In the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s after school program, youth are in a safe, supportive and fun environment to learn, develop interests and make friends.

One focus is health. The Y employs Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in our after school programs that help build a healthier future for our nation’s children by encouraging healthy eating habits, limiting screen time and providing physical activity to keep every child healthy. Every day students have a healthy snack, go outside to play as long as the weather allows, and stay active with fun physical activities. 

Learning and enrichment are also important. Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are projected to grow 17 percent over the next few years, and the Y is helping youth develop strong problem-solving, planning, analysis and decision-making skills to succeed in the classroom and in high-demand careers through hands-on STEM activities. Youth also explore the arts and humanities, learn about nutrition and have service learning opportunities to learn about social responsibility.  

The Y offers financial assistance to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y. 

For more information about the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s after school program, visit KansasCityYMCA.org/YClub or call 913.345.9622.