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Through four citywide initiatives

Chess, Debate, Drama and Scrabble – ASAP helps more than 5,000 youth each year discover passions and friendships that can last a lifetime.

Who we are

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Partner

ASAP helps schools, libraries, and recreation centers provide fun, enriching out-of-school time activities and experiences to engage, encourage, and inspire youth in Philadelphia

Our Model

Community-builder

ASAP organizes dozens of citywide events and competitions to challenge young minds and connect youth to communities of like-minded peers and caring adults.

Our Calendar

Advocate

For nearly two decades, ASAP has championed the vital role out-of-school time programs play in supporting the well-being of children, families, and their communities.

Our History

What we do

Find a program

Chess

ASAP Chess teaches youth to focus, problem-solve, and build strategies for success

Debate

Through ASAP Debate, students learn to appreciate different perspectives and speak with confidence on key issues

Drama

ASAP Drama nurtures young people’s powers of expression, teamwork skills and cultural knowledge

Scrabble

ASAP Scrabble strengthens the building blocks of literacy and mathematics for participating youth

Why we do it

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200 schools

ASAP partners with more than 200 schools, libraries, and recreation centers support provide out-of-school time enrichment programs each year

93 %

of ASAP club leaders, mostly school teachers, believe ASAP has helped their students develop skills that are important to their academic success

91 %

of ASAP club leaders believe ASAP has given their students a sense of belonging

90 %

of school principals agree ASAP helps provide their students with opportunities they could not otherwise offer

95000

ASAP has served more than 95,000 Philadelphia youth since its inception

We live in this world where kids struggle to express who they are. But once ASAP came into their lives, they were so open with who they wanted to be.
George McGriff III, ASAP Drama Teaching Artist
I wanted Daphne to feel she was part of something greater. Chess gave my daughter a second family.
To-Lan Hughes Mother of Daphne, age 8
Debate taught me that the other side has solutions that could work. Being able to listen and have a conversation — that strengthens you as a person.
Mekhi ASAP Debate alum
Performing lets people see who I really am without the shyness. I embrace myself and let others see the real me.
Ceanni 8th grade, cast member of the 2019 bilingual production of Fame Jr.
Scrabble has helped me find friends who share a love of words. It’s a community.
Heather 9th grade, Myers Rec Center
As a woman of color, our voices are often drowned out. Debate gives me the confidence to speak up and voice my opinion.
Tatyana Academy at Palumbo, 11th grade
After school, they could be anywhere. But these are middle school kids saying: I want to be a part of THIS.
Ms. Kelly Andrews ASAP Scrabble Coach, AMY Northwest
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    You can help!

    Volunteer

    A little time can make a big difference. Join ASAP’s community of caring adults who are committed to helping young people discover new passions and new friends after school.

    Start a Club

    ASAP provides free trainings and supplies to help get clubs up-and-running and organizes events and competitions to keep kids engaged year-round.

    Donate

    Support ASAP and help us make Philadelphia a safer, healthier and smarter city one chess, debate, drama and Scrabble club at a time.

    Donate now