Growing up as an inner-city kid in Los Angeles during the late 70’s and early 80’s, I was exposed to environments of all kinds, but one thing has never changed…. The number of kids that are left to fend for themselves after school lets out. There are varying reasons for this, whether the parents must work a job, or multiple jobs, to eke out a living, or the kids come from somewhat dysfunctional family units, or childcare was just not affordable. No matter the case, after-school programs, even then, were instrumental in getting those kids off the street. We were offered intramurals, crafts, and extracurricular sports. Here in the Midwest, 40+ years later, the importance of after-school programs is just being realized. In Missouri alone, 32% of Missouri’s K-12 children (318,282) are left to take care of themselves after school.[moafterschool.org]

 

School-age children and youth spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside of school, while 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are alone after the school day ends.1 High-quality afterschool programs promote positive youth development and offer a safe space where youth can explore their potential. Effective afterschool programs provide learning settings that bring a wide range of benefits to youth, families, and communities. Afterschool programs can support social, emotional, cognitive, and academic development, reduce risky behaviors, promote physical health, and provide a safe and supportive environment for children and youth.

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Nearly 62% of school-age children qualified for free or reduced

meal program in 2020

(MO.GOV)

 

Consistent participation in afterschool programs has shown lower dropout rates and has helped close achievement gaps for low-income students. For older youth, regular participation in an afterschool program may also reduce risky behaviors and help them gain college and career-needed skills (NCSL.ORG)

 

We at Aurora Martial Arts Outreach Inc believe that an effective after-school program should offer an extension to education, physical fitness, character development, and all-around life-building skills. We believe we have built a well-balanced program around this concept and have helped nearly 300 kids and adults alike. We want to make martial arts and our programs more affordable and available to those that can’t otherwise afford it. Your donations will help us get more kids off the street and give them more opportunities to grow.

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Your partnership is valuable and helps us further the mission of effective character building of young students and adults. If you would like to partner with us, please click on the donate button below.

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