Free Event Strengthens Afterschool Programs

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Afterschool programs offer working parents a welcome service to fill the hours between the end of school and the end of the workday. But just how are those hours spent? A partnership of local non-profits is working to support afterschool programs and improve the quality of educational opportunities for the 13,000 children in area afterschool programs.

Nationally renowned trainers from the Center for Afterschool Education will provide a full day of free training for 100 afterschool providers in Berkeley, Charleston, and Dorchester counties. All registered area afterschool centers were invited. The session takes place in the Stern Center at the College of Charleston on Wednesday, March 5 from 7:30 am to 3 pm.

Speakers will be available the afternoon before the program and variously during the event.

“The Charleston community realizes that we can no longer think of afterschool programs as baby-sitting services,” said Bonnie Bella, vice president of children and youth services for Trident United Way. “Afterschool teachers are key teachers in our children’s lives, and we are proud to help support their vital contributions to Charleston families and our community at large.”

The event is sponsored by Trident United Way, the Center for Partnerships to Improve Education at the College of Charleston, the Mayor’s Office of Children & Families, School’s Out, and Trident Technical College.