According to After-School All-Stars North Texas advocate Gina Betts,
“After-School All-Stars’ name recognition is growing in North Texas and, as a former board member and advocate of the charity, I am eager to demonstrate the need for the programming that After-School All-Stars provides.
“Thanks to a generous grant, totaling $596,000, from the 2023 Crystal Charity Ball Committee, ASAS will help launch and sustain a comprehensive after-school program at Alex. W. Spence Middle School for three years. ASAS will provide free, high-quality after-school programming to 125 students and a full six-week summer program for 75 students, serving approximately 200 children annually.
“The students do not have to pay to be members of ASAS nor are they charged annually dues to fees to receive programming and services. Their programs only take place at Title I schools where more than 50 percent of students qualify for federal Free and Reduced Lunch program, a proxy for poverty.
“ASAS is the largest national organization, with a strong local presence, that specifically focuses on serving middle school age students. Studies show that 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. is the prime time when unsupervised students are most likely to become involved with gangs, crime, drugs and unsafe sex. ASAS does not incur costs for daily transportation to and from our facilities or put students in a position where they have to travel to programs alone.
“Every day, this organization’s program initiatives work to address the most prevalent and pressing issues facing our youth. ASAS inspires students to be healthy, graduate high school and go on to college, find a career they love and give back to their community. Please visit asasnorthtexas.org to find how you can become a part of the ASAS solution.”
* Graphic courtesy of After-School All-Stars North Texas
