Y After School Programs Provide Safe, Fun Environment

As part of the YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s ongoing commitment to youth development, the YMCA encourages parents to enroll their children in afterschool programs.

According to the Afterschool Alliance, nearly 15 million children in the United States are unsupervised after school between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day.  During these hours, youth are at a greater risk of involvement in crime, drug abuse and other destructive behaviors. YMCA Afterschool programs not only provide enhanced learning opportunities outside the classroom, but also provides a safe environment where they can learn, grow and thrive.

“We provide youth with the skills they need to achieve academic success, interact with their peers and develop interpersonal skills – skills that are often lost when left unsupervised every day,” says Lisa Muntz YMCA Senior Vice President of Child Care and Education. “By nurturing their potential, we give youth the confidence to learn and grow to be competent and responsible individuals.”

The YMCA of Greater Kansas City’s afterschool programs aim to keep youth motivated and provide extended learning opportunities that enrich their lives. Fun and enriching programs for youth throughout the school year include healthy snacks, physical activity, reading, math, art, music, science, homework support and friendship

As one of the leading providers of afterschool programs, YMCAs have been engaging children in afterschool programs for more than 50 years. Today, YMCAs serve nearly half a million youth in school-age care programs and millions more in afterschool programs.

YMCA after school programs promote healthy living, social skill development, emotional development, character development, sports and service.

Nationally, JCPenney and the JCPenney Afterschool Fund have supported YMCA afterschool programs since 1999. The JCPenney Afterschool Fund awards grants to YMCAs across the country, enabling them to provide children with safe, life-enriching afterschool programs that inspire them to be smart, strong and socially responsible. During the 2008-2009 school year JCPenney Afterschool Fund grants to local YMCAs provided financial assistance to more than 10,000 students nationwide.

To learn more about YMCA after school programming, contact the YMCA School Age Services at 913.345.9622.