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After-school resources for Detroit youth

Education continues far beyond the school yard

You Ain’t Got To Go Home, But…

Detroit offers a variety of after-school programs designed to support and enrich the lives of young people, including academic support, sports, and arts programs. Here’s a glimpse into the options available

1. Academic enrichment and support

  • 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC): These programs, often linked with schools, offer academic support, tutoring, and recreational activities with a focus on social-emotional learning and character development.
  • Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD): Many schools within DPSCD offer after-school tutoring and credit recovery programs in core subjects like math and English.
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit: Provides after-school care with homework assistance, literacy activities, and academic support.
    • Find more information on their Afterschool Care program at YMCA Detroit.

2. STEM programs

  • Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP): Offers STEM enrichment through after-school programs, summer camps, and college preparation initiatives focused on robotics, computer programming, and engineering.
    • Explore their offerings at DAPCEP.
  • DPSCD STEM Enrichment Programs: Several schools within the district provide Academic Games, Chess, and Robotics after-school programs designed to boost interest and achievement in STEM fields.
  • Detroit Public Library: Hosts events like “Lit Lab Pop Up” which involves immersive Literacy & STEM activities. The library also offers specific STEM programs like “Polymer Playtime: Slime, Shapes, and Science” aimed at different age groups.
    • Check out the Detroit Public Library Kids Zone section for details on current and upcoming STEM events.
    • See details about “Lit Lab Pop Up” at this link.

3. Arts and cultural programs

  • Detroit School of Arts (DSA): Offers after-school programs encompassing various arts and music disciplines, including vocal, band, dance, and theater.
  • Detroit Public Library: In partnership with ProjectArt, offers free art classes for children and teens at several library locations.
    • Find details and register at ProjectArt.
  • Detroit Excellence in Youth Arts (DEYA): A collaborative effort aimed at expanding access to various art forms for Detroit youth.
  • Hope for Flowers by Tracy Reese: Offers free youth art enrichment classes with a focus on creativity and sustainability for ages 7-12, as well as workshops for older youth and adults.

4. Sports and recreation

  • i9 Sports: Provides organized youth sports leagues for various sports like flag football, soccer, baseball, basketball, and volleyball, emphasizing fun and development.
  • Offers recreation centers with various facilities and activities, including basketball, boxing, dance, and swimming.

    • Explore centers like the Adams Butzel Complex at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-parks-recreation/recreation-centers/adams-butzel-complex, or the Patton Recreation Center at https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-parks-recreation/recreation-centers/patton-recreation-center.
  • YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit: Offers various sports and recreation activities, including programs like “Y on the Fly” which provides free sports sampling and structured play in communities.
  • Features sports fields, an outdoor hockey rink, and other facilities for recreational activities.

    • Find more information on the Clark Park Coalition website at https://clarkparkdetroit.com/.

5. Character and social development

  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan: Provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to develop life skills, build confidence, and engage with peers through various programs and activities.
  • Various School-based Clubs: DPSCD schools offer clubs like the Blushing Rose Club, Word is Bond Mentoring, Business & Drones Club, Anime Club, Archery, World Language, Knitting & Crocheting, Dance Squad, Pride Club, FIRST Robotics Team, Chess Club, Student Government Association, Male Mentoring Club, Food Club, and Video Gaming Club. 
Note: Availability and schedules of programs may vary. It’s recommended to contact the individual organizations or schools for the most up-to-date information on program offerings, registration, and eligibility requirements.
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