Created in 2002 in response to a civic outcry for help with activities
for the city’s youth during the critical unsupervised hours after school,
ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships has provided after school recreational
and enrichment activities to Philadelphia kids in some of the poorest
and most dangerous areas of the city.
The need is great. An estimated 45,000 kids citywide spend between 20-25
hours a week alone after school – with the most dangerous hours between
3 pm and 6 pm. These unsupervised young people are much more likely to
be the victims of crime or become involved in risky behaviors. Additionally,
lack of after school activity could be contributing to the rise in overweight
children. Recent reports that Philadelphia has both the highest crime
and poverty rates of the ten largest cities in the nation provide strong
impetus for improving the lives of the city’s kids.
From its inception, ASAP staff has taken a grassroots approach working
with schools, community, faith-based organizations, senior centers, colleges
and universities and police districts targeting areas of the city most
affected by violent crime to recruit volunteers and establish safe, stimulating
after school activities.
ASAP’s president, Dr. Marciene Mattleman has been the founder and executive
director of five non-profit initiatives, one of which – Philadelphia Futures
– was honored at the White House by President Clinton. In addition, she
is a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the American
Red Cross, City Year, and the Free Library of Philadelphia Foundation.
She is also an education reporter on KYW Newsradio, Philadelphia’s CBS
affiliate. To read some of her recent reports, click here.