Overview:
CARECEN’S after-school programs serve youth in 2nd through 8th grades in the Pico Union area by offering academic support utilizing popular education methods. Through this methodology we seek to support education, promote social change, provide youth with knowledge that is significant and relevant to their community and promote the integration of family & school.
Structure:
The after school program serves 50 students from the Pico Union area for the entirety of the school year. Students attend the program four days a week from 3:00-7:00 pm. In addition, parents meet every other work to receive informational workshops and also to learn of their students’ academic progress and needs.
Students are divided into three age groups, and are taught and supported by two educators per group. Each group has, at most, a 10/1 student/ educator ratio. During the first hour and a half of the program students’ receive direct homework assistance. In the second half of the program, students engage in lessons designed by CARECEN educators. All activities fall within three areas each with their own objectives:
- Science & Nature: “The Earth Will be Whatever the People Are”
To develop students’ awareness of how the environment impacts our life and our communities, and for students to become familiar with nature and learn to respect the natural process.
Literature & Performing Arts: “The best way to learn about history is through novels and art”
To enrich students’ self confidence and the critical thinking through the learning and practice of the visual arts and literature as a way of expression, reflection and participation in life..
Culture History & Communication: “Read the Reality to write history"
To empower students through the knowledge of their history, their culture and different ways of communication and to be ready to contribute with the development of their own skills and tools to understand, engage and participate in social change.
- Activities and lessons rotate regularly through the areas to ensure that students are exposed to all areas equally. In addition, these areas are guided by thematic units in which students explore in depth issues of importance to them and their communities, sample themes are:
- IDENTITY
- IMMIGRATION
- ENVIRONMENT COMMUNICATION & CULTURE
- ROAD TO COLLEGE
- SEX, DRUGS, & OTHER TOPICS
- PERSONAL STORIES AND PASSIONS
- Throughout the school year all lessons plans and activities build toward major projects, such as planning Dia de los Muertos events or creating presentations about students’ neighborhoods. At the end of the school year, students design and carry out their own projects, building student ability to set and reach their goals and objectives.