Spotlight on Eisenhower Afterschool: Building Brighter Futures through Community and Enrichment

At Eisenhower Elementary in Green Bay, an afterschool program is making a big difference for kids through its dynamic blend of academic support, creative enrichment, and strong community partnerships. This 21st Century Community Learning Center is a collaborative effort between the Green Bay Area Public Schools and the YMCA of Greater Green Bay. Offered free to all students at the school, it’s a shining example of how afterschool programming can extend learning beyond the classroom and connect students with their community.

According to Samantha Gerzcak, the program’s experienced coordinator, this partnership blends structure and creativity in powerful ways. “We integrate the Y’s core values with district guidelines and our federal grant to provide kids with an experience they might not otherwise have,” she explains.

Building for Kids Children’s Museum: An Amazing Opportunity for Growth

When most people think of children’s museums, they envision colorful play spaces, hands-on exhibits, and a fun outing space for young families. But what many don’t realize is that museums like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI, are also hubs for out-of-school time (OST) programming, providing enriching experiences for children beyond the school day.

"Building for Kids’ Explorer Camps include afterschool and summer programming at the museum." explained Beth Vanderloop, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Building for Kids. "We serve kindergarten through fourth grade during the school year and include 4K in the summer."

Multi-Age Collaboration Shines at UWSP Marshfield Summer Theatre Camp

As summer winds down, the Laird Theater in Marshfield is buzzing with excitement. This year marks the 18th annual UW-Stevens Point Theatre Camp, a beloved tradition for young performers in the community. During the summer, this camp provides a unique opportunity for participants aged 9 to 18 to immerse themselves in the world of theater, with this year's production being the enchanting "Frozen."

Celebrating Youth Creativity at the Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase

The Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase on May 30th at Turner Hall was a lively celebration of young talent and creativity in the Milwaukee community. Organized by Leighton Cooper, the Recreation Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the event showcased the dedication and hard work of youth in the arts.

"The Art Showcase is our premier recreation art show," Leighton Cooper explained. "It gives us a chance to highlight the talent, creativity, and effort our young people have put into their art. This event brings together all our community arts partners from across the city. We have groups involved in visual arts, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, and literature. The showcase allows young people to take the stage, display their talent, and show the community the amazing work we're doing to support arts enrichment and education in the city."

Art and the Human Experience

Meet Craig Knitt, Creative Arts Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay Lakes Region in Northeastern Wisconsin. Craig specializes in filmmaking and has had youth create, act in, and produce their own films. According to Craig, art and creation are a “...healthy and positive experience because that process is so in tune with what it is to be human…” Listen to a deep dive into art, creating, and the impact the artistic experience can have on youth in this episode of the Beyond the Bell with WOSTA podcast.