Cities nationwide are learning from the work going on in Providence, R.I., to build a system of high-quality after-school programming for middle school youngsters, Wallace Foundation President Will Miller said in remarks at an event marking the formal release of a study about the effort, known as AfterZone. "From Asheville, North Carolina, to Albany, Omaha and Pittsburgh, cities around the country are taking note of lessons from your achievements," Miller said. His comments were cited in a Providence Journal article about the event.
Wallace is a long-time supporter of AfterZone, which is organized by the nonprofit Providence After School Alliance (PASA). PASA this week unveiled a video highlighting one newer aspect of its work, a summer learning program known as Summer Scholars. Whether building solar-powered go-carts or sailing on the Narragansett Bay, the middle school students who are the program's target are being taught science and math concepts through engaging in exciting projects. The hope is that the program can help narrow the achievement between disadvantaged youngsters and their wealthier peers.