A letter from ASAP’s New Executive Director

Dear Friends, 

I am excited to share that ASAP’s Board of Directors has formally selected me as the organization’s Executive Director.  During a time of much change in Philadelphia, I am honored that the Board has entrusted me with leading the organization, ensuring that ASAP can remain a constant source of community for our students and partners. 

Sara Morningstar with husband Rich their son

Nearly thirteen years ago, I came to Philadelphia hoping to make my new home a better place, first working with City Year Philadelphia and then several School District of Philadelphia schools through the Gear Up program. My passion for building connections with Philly students and educators is what led me to ASAP, where over the past decade I’ve had the pleasure of serving in various roles, including the last six months as Interim ED.  Throughout my tenure I’ve deepened my roots here, becoming both a true Philadelphian (Go Birds!) and mother to a tenacious almost-three-year-old.  And while my son is not yet old enough for ASAP’s programs, navigating childcare has only deepened my commitment to ASAP’s mission. I know that soon enough, I’ll need a safe space for my child to continue learning after school lets out, while I’m still finishing up my workday. 

I believe ASAP’s greatest strength is our ability to build relationships and a strong community of like-minded kids and caring adults across Philadelphia.  Our staff are experts at creating and sustaining the partnerships that make our work possible. Whether speaking with students’ families, reconnecting with club leaders, meeting new partners who share our passion for after school, or catching up with students on their post-graduation plans – it’s clear that relationships play a key role in unlocking the inherent potential of our city’s young people. 

Photo Credit: Rachel Utain Evans ft. Sara Morningstar and Keeya Branson Davis of Peco at the ASAP-PECO 17 Annual Checkmate Violence Chess Marathon
November 6th 2014 GSK Impact Award Recipient: ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships. Photograph by Alan Brian Nilsen/ABNphotography.

But despite all of the wonderful growth I’ve witnessed over the years, there is still so much work to be done for Philly kids. Navigating a post-pandemic world, our students continue to struggle with feeling connected to their school communities, and too many of our children are falling victim to the city’s ongoing gun violence epidemic. And with pandemic relief funds expiring soon, the School District of Philadelphia is facing yet another fiscal cliff, likely forcing drastic cuts to programming that our children so desperately need to reach their full potential. 

Still, there’s a sense of optimism in the city.  Philadelphia is under the leadership of our first Black female mayor, Cherelle Parker – another mother who understands the significant role of out-of-school time activities to keep kids safe and engaged in learning, all year long.  Just last week during her remarks at Superintendent Watlington’s inaugural State of Public Education, Mayor Parker emphasized the critical importance of investing in the city’s youth; stating that her number one priority heading into budget season is funding education and ensuring the safety of all our children across the city (Photo Credit: School District of Philadelphia). 

Looking ahead, ASAP is excited to meet this moment – to tap into this renewed sense of commitment.  We stand ready to partner with the City and the School District to dramatically expand access to enriching, year-round out-of-school learning opportunities for our kids. What I love most about Philadelphia is this enduring sense of community – despite being a city of diverse neighborhoods, Philly ultimately sticks together.  

And ASAP kids stick together, too – across different clubs and schools, year after year.  As always, we are most grateful for your support; it’s what makes our vision a reality. 

Stick with ASAP – our kids deserve nothing less. 

Yours in partnership, 

Sara Morningstar
ASAP Executive Director

If you have questions regarding ASAP’s new leadership team, please contact Sara Morningstar at smorningstar@phillyasap.org or ASAP’s Director of Development & Communications, Tori Bakey-Urban at vbakey@phillyasap.org

Learn more about how ASAP meets the needs of Philadelphia students across the city.

Learn more!

The Latest Plans & Policies for the 2021-22 School Year

Suffice to say, the first half of this school year presented many challenges for youth-serving organizations throughout our city. We thank you all for your patience as we’ve tried to adapt and respond to the many hopes, needs, and concerns of our network of school and community partners within the ever-evolving nature of this pandemic. 

As we look ahead to the spring months we are excited to envision a return to the many large in-person events and competitions that have been a hallmark of ASAP’s mission over the last two decades. And while we are encouraged by the availability of vaccines for younger students and the recent decline in new cases, we will continue to implement safeguards and closely follow public health guidance to ensure the health and safety of our students, partners, and their families. 

To this end, ASAP’s staff have been hard at work updating our COVID policies for the spring. As we all know by now, this guidance is subject to change with the course of the pandemic but we strongly believe it represents our best path forward for providing our city’s young people a variety of enriching out-of-school time experiences under the current circumstances and in the event of any future resurgence of the virus. 

Thank you again for your patience and cooperation with our new regulations while we the prioritize health and safety of the ASAP community.    

Events & Competitions 

ASAP’s events traditionally bring together students from many different schools and neighborhoods. Given the current public health guidance, this interaction of different student populations may require ASAP to take different steps to mitigate risk factors, including limiting the number of participants to allow for social distancing, as well as masking and vaccination requirements.  

Large In-Person Events (defined as bringing together three or more clubs and/or 50 or more students):

ASAP will resume hosting large in-person events in March 2022. ASAP will continue to organize various virtual events to engage students throughout the remainder of the school year. 

IMPORTANT: As of March 14, 2022, students (K-12) and adults who wish to attend one of ASAP’s large in-person events must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination. This vaccination requirement does not apply to ASAP’s small in-person events described below.

Please note, participants must follow any additional requirements for in-person participation stated by each event’s venue. 

Small In-Person Events (defined as hosting one or two clubs, no more than 50 students total):

To accommodate the circumstances and needs of our different partners, ASAP will continue to organize small matches or workshops between at most two clubs or within one club (not to exceed 50 participants). All participants will still be asked to comply with the in-person event requirements listed below (universal masking, no visitors). Proof of vaccination is not a requirement for these small events and workshops. 

Please note that ASAP’s staff capacity to organize these types of matches or workshops is limited, but we are doing our best to equitably support our students and clubs across the city. 

In-Person Event Requirements for Participants

IMPORTANT: As of March 14, 2022, students (K-12) and adults who wish to attend one of ASAP’s large in-person events must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination. This vaccination requirement does not apply to ASAP’s small in-person events described elsewhere.

All staff, consultants, program partners, club leaders, and participating youth at ASAP events are required to wear a face mask at all times unless eating or drinking in a designated area.  Masks are required of all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. 

ASAP asks that any students, staff, consultants, club leaders, or partners refrain from attending an ASAP event if they:  

  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last seven (7) days, OR;  
  • Have experienced COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea) in the past 24 hours, OR;  
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven (7) days, OR;  
  • Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test and are experiencing symptoms  

We ask all our ASAP community members – students, partners, club leaders, consultants, and staff – to abide by these rules in order to protect each other.  Repeated violations of these policies will result in community members being asked to leave, and repeat offenders may be barred from participation in future ASAP events.  

Registration for Events 

Youth participants will only be allowed to attend ASAP events if they have pre-registered and have submitted a Consent & Enrollment Form signed by a parent or guardian.  This form includes family contact information and demographic information that will be used for contact tracing purposes by ASAP and the City of Philadelphia’s Public Health Department in the event of a COVID-19 exposure at an ASAP event.  

IMPORTANT: As of March 14, 2022, students (K-12) and adults who wish to attend one of ASAP’s large in-person events must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination. This vaccination requirement does not apply to ASAP’s small in-person events described elsewhere.

ASAP-Sponsored Trips 

Any ASAP-sponsored trips to out-of-area events (i.e., state and national tournaments) will be treated as a Large In-Person Event and will follow the same Event Requirements as listed above. 

IMPORTANT: As of March 14, 2022, students (K-12) and adults who wish to attend an ASAP-sponsored trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and must show proof of vaccination. This requirement applies to participating youth and chaperones who receive sponsorship dollars from ASAP and/or use ASAP-organized bus seats or hotel accommodations.

All staff, consultants, program partners, club leaders, and youth participating in ASAP-sponsored trips are required to wear a face mask at all times unless eating or drinking in a designated area.  Masks are required of all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. 

ASAP asks that any students, staff, consultants, club leaders, or partners refrain from attending an ASAP-sponsored trip if they:  

  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last seven (7) days, OR;  
  • Have experienced COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea) in the past 24 hours, OR;  
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven (7) days, OR;  
  • Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test and are experiencing symptoms  

Youth participants will only be allowed to attend ASAP-sponsored trips if they have pre-registered and have submitted a Consent & Enrollment Form signed by a parent or guardian.  This form includes family contact information and demographic information that will be used for contact tracing purposes by ASAP and the City of Philadelphia’s Public Health Department in the event of a COVID-19 exposure at an ASAP event.  

Contact Tracing 

In the event that we learn of a COVID-19 exposure at an ASAP event, ASAP will notify the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health and work with their staff to notify close contacts of the exposure.  In the interest of transparency, we will also notify all club leaders and partners and post relevant information on ASAP’s social media pages, without disclosing the identity of any impacted individuals.  

Thank You 

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, patience, and cooperation as we strive to return to large in-person events and competitions while keeping ASAP’s community of students, families, partners, and staff safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  If you have any questions or concerns about ASAP’s COVID-19 policies, please email or call us at 215-618-6057.

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Last modified 2/23/2022 

The latest plans & policies for the 2021-22 school year

As classrooms and community centers across Philadelphia reopen for the 2021-22 school year, ASAP is eager to work with school and community leaders to provide young people in Philadelphia with opportunities to resume the things they love to do after school and reconnect with their peers. To account for the evolving nature of the pandemic and the unique circumstances of our many partners, ASAP has envisioned a hybrid model for the 2021-22 school year that will allow the organization to pivot between in-person and virtual programming as needed.  In the meantime, we ask our partners to take a few moments to review our current plans & policies for the year so that you may begin to plan accordingly. 

In-person vs. virtual clubs: 

ASAP will follow its partner sites’ policies to determine whether after school clubs will meet virtually or in-person.  This means that ASAP will support both in-person and virtual clubs in FY22.  As the year goes on, some programs may begin meeting in-person but shift to virtual meetings during the school year.  ASAP will make every effort to flexibly support these sites and share best practices for keeping youth engaged in online programming. 

Events & Competitions: 

Over the last 6 months, our community of partners has shared a lot of enthusiasm for resuming in-person events and competitions safely and responsibly. For the 2021-22 year ASAP will make every effort to host modified in-person events, as long as public health guidance suggests these events do not put students, staff, and club leader partners in danger.  To allow for social distancing and contact tracing when needed, these events will be limited to no more than 75 youth participants.   

Public health guidance related to events: 

Please note, if either the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view) or the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health (https://www.phila.gov/programs/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/updates/the-latest-news/) identifies Philadelphia as an area with high transmission of COVID-19, ASAP will not hold in-person events but will shift its citywide events to an online format.  ASAP will make this determination two weeks prior to a scheduled event, but we ask partners and families to understand if last-minute cancellations are necessary to keep everyone safe. 

To meet the needs of our students during times of high community transmission, ASAP may, at its discretion, organize small matches or workshops between at most two clubs or within one club. All participants will still be asked to comply with the requirements listed elsewhere in this policy (universal masking, pre-registration, no visitors). Please note that ASAP’s staff capacity to organize these types of matches or workshops is extremely limited, but we are doing our best to equitably support our students and clubs across the city.

Event requirements for participants: 

All staff, consultants, program partners, club leaders, and participating youth at ASAP events are required to wear a face mask at all times unless eating or drinking in a designated area.  Masks are required of all attendees, regardless of vaccination status. 

ASAP asks that any students, staff, consultants, club leaders, or partners refrain from attending an ASAP event if they: 

  • Have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 in the last seven (7) days, OR; 
  • Have experienced COVID-19 symptoms (fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea) in the past 24 hours, OR; 
  • Have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past seven (7) days, OR; 
  • Are awaiting the results of a COVID-19 test and are experiencing symptoms 

We ask all our ASAP community members – students, partners, club leaders, consultants, and staff – to abide by these rules in order to protect each other.  Repeated violations of these policies will result in community members being asked to leave, and repeat offenders may be barred from participation in future ASAP events. 

Registration for Events: 

Youth participants will only be allowed to attend ASAP events if they have pre-registered and have submitted a Consent & Enrollment Form signed by a parent or guardian.  This form includes family contact information and demographic information that will be used for contact tracing purposes by ASAP and the City of Philadelphia’s Public Health Department in the event of a COVID-19 exposure at an ASAP event. 

ASAP will not allow visitors to attend our events and competitions until further notice.  We know that watching your child compete or perform has traditionally been a highlight of ASAP’s programming, but in order to limit potential COVID-19 exposures, we are limiting our events to only students and club leaders who have pre-registered for an event. 

Contact tracing: 

In the event that we learn of a COVID-19 exposure at an ASAP event, ASAP will notify the City of Philadelphia Department of Public Health and work with their staff to notify close contacts of the exposure.  In the interest of transparency, we will also notify all club leaders and partners and post relevant information on ASAP’s social media pages, without disclosing the identity of any impacted individuals. 

We appreciate everyone’s flexibility, patience, and cooperation as we strive to return to in-person programming while keeping ASAP’s community of students, families, partners, and staff safe during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.  If you have any questions or concerns about ASAP’s COVID-19 policies, please email us at info@phillyasap.org or call us at 215-545-2727. 

Thank you! 

Last modified 9/13/2021 

Dear Friends,

Yes, we all want to put 2020 in our rearview mirrors. But where do we go from here?

In times of crisis, we’re supposed to turn to our leaders for guidance, for hope. But with consensus and compromise in short supply these days, who should we be listening to?

“People in power make big decisions that impact our future, which they really won’t be there for.”
― Ernest Simpson, 11th grade

For Ernest and Brenae, ASAP Debate partners at Academy of Palumbo High School in South Philly, it seems promises about the future should seek a little insight from those for whom the promises are intended.

“Student voice is about letting leaders know what we care about and what we think our world should be shaped around.”
― Ernest

Suffice to say, Brenae, Ernest and their peers have a lot on their minds these days, navigating a world mourning great loss and preparing for further social strife.

This makes the work of ASAP and your support more important than ever to create healthy outlets for young people and to foster a sense of community even when we are apart.

For Brenae and Ernest, ASAP Debate is an opportunity to be more than a spectator in the moments and decisions that will define their generation.

“Most debate topics are centered on what’s happening and the status quo.”
― Ernest

Fortunately, years spent crafting pro and con arguments on complex issues like Medicare for All and cybersecurity has also given them tools to challenge the status quo.

“When you do your research, you’re able to have conversations. Debate has allowed me to become more informed about the things I’m facing.” – Brenae

And unlike how it plays out on cable news, ASAP Debate is about more than proving a point.

“I’m more open minded, because in debate you have to be able to argue both sides.” – Ernest

As ASAP begins a new school year, Ernest and Brenae’s words remind us of the acute toll the recent crises have taken on the young people of our city – the feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, isolation, economic hardship, and exhaustion that impact their daily lives and threaten their well-being.

But their words also give us great hope that by providing young people opportunities to grow, to be seen, and to be heard, that we might actually figure out where to go from here.

“A leader is someone who creates their own path.”
― Brenae

By adapting our programs to virtual formats and launching new efforts to safely engage students, ASAP is committed to helping kids throughout Philadelphia forge their paths through these uncommonly difficult times.

“Debate has helped me to understand people and get a better view of the world, and that really helps me in my day-to-day life.”
― Ernest

No doubt, this year students’ day-to-day life will be unlike any in history. But together we can do our part to make 2020 just a minor detour on their road to health, happiness, and success.

In this important work, we are most grateful for your support.

Sincerely,

ASAP

Make your donation here!

P.S. Your support makes a difference! 96% of principals agree ASAP provides their students with opportunities they couldn’t otherwise offer. Help us give Philly students the opportunities they deserve!

Click here to support today!

For ASAP, like many non-profit organizations, the coinciding crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and racial injustice has both reaffirmed the vital importance of our work and made clear the urgent need for us to do better. As we begin a new school year, we are reminded of the acute toll these crises have taken on the young people of our city – the feelings of fear, uncertainty, anxiety, isolation, economic hardship, and exhaustion that impact their daily lives and threaten their well-being.

As leading advocates for the importance of out-of-school time in the region, we know that ASAP’s work and the work of our peer organizations is needed now more than ever to mitigate the effects of these crises – to create healthy outlets for young people, to provide relief for working families, and to foster a sense of community even when we are apart.

No doubt, things will look different this school year. Yet, we at ASAP remain steadfast in our commitment to giving young people in Philadelphia the out-of-school time opportunities they deserve to keep them enriched and inspired amidst these uncommonly difficult times. 

For ASAP’s partners — schools, out-of-school time providers, recreation centers, and libraries, and more — we are here to help you provide engaging and exciting virtual enrichment programs while you prioritize the health of safety of your students, parents, and staff. This includes offering free virtual trainings for staff and volunteers, providing virtual activity guides and content libraries, and organizing a range of virtual events and competitions.


We know that many of our perennial partners will proceed with modified in-person programming which we will also support through virtual resources and platforms, providing equipment and curriculum, or other means that limit physical interaction with ASAP personnel.

And when health guidelines permit and ASAP feels confident it can ensure the safety of participants, we look forward to resuming our traditional programming, including our large in-person events and competitions.

This decision, as with all others, will be made in consideration of the needs of our city’s children and in consultation with our key stakeholders. For we also know that to truly meet this moment we need to be prepared to listen and learn from the young people and families we serve and the partners we support.

So as you navigate ASAP’s new website and learn more about our programs, we encourage you to reach out to us to start the conversation for how we can best support you this year. We welcome your ideas and feedback, and we thank you for your partnership in this most important work.

Yours in service,

ASAP

Only 10% of Pennsylvania children who want to be in afterschool are enrolled in a program, according to the America After 3PM 2025 report—lower than the national average.

Dianne, mother of ASAP Chess 9th grader Demetrio, struggled to find an afterschool program for her son that was safe and structured but would also fuel his interests and challenge him to learn and grow. And then she found ASAP.

ASAP Keeps Kids Safe and Engaged in the Out-Of-School Time Hours

“My son loves playing chess,” says Demetrio’s mother Dianne. And after years of casual play, “his skill level was just so much more sophisticated than ours. We were just trying to find ways for him to play with other players that would challenge him.”

At first, Dianne was taking her then-sixth grade son to “play chess with just random people in the park,” she laughs. Still, she continued to search for a structured program, and came across ASAP Chess. Dianne and other parents connected the principal to ASAP, and a chess club formed the following school year.

“In Philadelphia, there’s a lot of things going on in the streets that we might not want our kids to be exposed to,” Dianne says. “Places like ASAP, this tournament—we can look around the kids hanging out on their own and the parents are sitting on their own and interacting with each other. They don’t need to hover over their children because they know this is a safe place for their children.”

Last year, ASAP supported almost 3,000 Philly students through 178 afterschool clubs and 45 tournament competitions and events.

ASAP Chess Helps Philly Students Achieve Academically

Currently in the ASAP Chess club at his high school, Demetrio credits his two years with his middle school team for helping him take school more seriously and apply himself in new ways.

“It has helped me a lot with academics, surprisingly,” he says, adding that “before I played chess, I wasn’t the best student.” Through hours of chess instruction and playing with peers, he “learned to plan ahead” and to “think in different ways from someone’s else’s perspective.” Now, he’s considering a career in law!

“It also really just gave me something to do. I didn’t really have anything specifically that I liked to do, but then once ASAP introduced me to chess, that gave me something to focus on and something to get better at and strive for.”

ASAP Helps Kids Find Community & Belonging

But the most impactful part of being in ASAP Chess for Demetrio—and his family—has been the strong, tight-knit community. So much so that when the family considered moving outside of Philly, they decided to stay in the city so Demetrio could stay in his ASAP Chess club!

Of his middle school teammates, Demetrio says, “they motivated me. They helped me get through stuff, and gave me a good environment to be around in general. The community here is great,” Demetrio adds of his past few years with ASAP.

Through participating in the ASAP Chess leagues and tournaments, Demetrio has also built friendships with students from other Philadelphia schools and neighborhoods. “I mean, whenever we come [to tournaments], he’s saying hi to people that I know don’t go to school with him!” Dianne says.

In Demetrio’s own words, “I’m not the best player, but it’s helped me as a person. It’s given me a lot of friends.”And he’s not alone—69% of ASAP kids feel a sense of belonging at school according to our 2025 survey, compared to 37.5% of Philadelphia School District students (grades 3-12).

Today, in the club’s third year, the club has almost 150 students—over 20% of the entire school. And their many first-place school and individual trophies are proudly displayed for all to see!

Your Support Makes a Difference

When you make a gift to ASAP, you’re supporting the growth of a child for years to come. Help us raise $60,000 to ensure kids like Demetrio have access to fun, high-quality afterschool & summer programs that spark a passion, build confidence, and provide a safe community for kids across Philadelphia.

Your donation supports our scholastic league and tournaments, training for club leaders, program curricula, and supplies—and with your support, we can reach even more kids who need a space to learn and play when that school bell rings.

Donate to support afterschool for a child in Philadelphia

When Laura Carnell Elementary’s first-ever ASAP Drama club started this fall, students had just nine weeks to learn how to build props, craft a story, block characters on a stage, and memorize lines for a show in front of the entire school. And almost none of them had ever done theatre before.

“I was nervous, but I did like it!” says Mckenzie, a Carnell third grader.

“They were excited to make a show,” adds Noah, one of two professional artists leading the club. Club sessions included lessons on pantomime, tableau, and set creation. “They loved making props. And then crafting a story with just open-ended questions: ‘What happens next?’ and ‘We have these two plot points—what happens between?’ ”

As weeks passed, the kids soaked it all in, and even started improving their own shows on the spot during breaks.

“They’d be like, ‘I’m just going to do a show real quick,’ says Noah. The club became a space where students with all personalities and talents can express themselves and develop their strengths.

“We gave everybody a chance to do something that they felt comfortable in,” says Noah, whether that was being prop master or the start of Act I.

For the show’s final act, students created their own version of the tale The Ugly Duckling, with eagles (go Birds!), a fairy godmother, and a beach party with the duckling and all her friends. Not only did the piece reflect everything the students learned over the semester; it alchemized experiences and emotions from the students’ day to day lives.

“Making sure that they feel safe to express themselves the way they feel they need to—theater’s the perfect place for that,” says Dana, co-club leader and theater artist. “When they’re having a bad day, ‘Alright, let’s put it into a scene.’ “

And in the welcoming space created by Dana and Noah, the kids were very eager to weave their own lives into their scenes. “Some of the kids who started off quiet, like *very* quiet, became a lot more talkative,” says Dana.

After the show, a group of students talked happily, buzzing with accomplishment.

“It doesn’t matter how you’re scared, you’re able to do it!” says third grader Nadayah.

“It’s really about giving them an ear,” Dana says. “Allowing them the space to feel how they are feeling. Sometimes they just need to sit on the side and go through what they’re going through. And then they’ll take a moment to sit on the side and a few minutes later, they’re back up with us again.”

P.S. Your donation makes a difference for Philly youth!

Only 10% of PA children who want to be in afterschool are enrolled in a program, according to the America After 3PM 2025 report. A top barrier? Affordability—over 50% of PA parents cite cost as a key reason their child isn’t involved in afterschool activities. ASAP is proud that our clubs and competitions are free for all youth, including transportation to weekday tournaments.

$500: Support an ASAP student for an entire year of programming! 

$250: Provide free transportation for a club to participate in citywide competitions 

$100: Train a caring adult to start a new club at their school or community center 

$50: Equip a club of 12+ kids with supplies for one year 

As a veteran Scrabble player of almost 20 years, ASAP Scrabble coach Mark was excited to start co-leading lead AS Jenks School’s ASAP Scrabble club last year.

“I’m involved in Scrabble competitions—I have been since I was a kid—and I know how important Scrabble was to me growing up. And when I heard that Philadelphia has a robust afterschool program involving Scrabble, I jumped at the chance to contribute in any way that I could.”

Though he’s only co-led the Jenks team for one full season, Mark has already seen significant growth in his students.  

“Scrabble is so great for kids’ development,” Mark says, because it “activates so many different parts of your mind, from the verbal to the mathematical, and spatial awareness.”

“I did actually have one student—I was really happy!—this is just [club session] number two and he told me that he likes how Scrabble makes him feel smarter.”

And although Scrabble can be “an incredibly complex, strategic, cerebral kind of game,” sometimes it’s the social awareness honed during Scrabble matches that has the most impact on a child.

“In Scrabble you have all kinds of disputes when you are not sure about how many points something scored. You have to count it out together and you have to correct each other,” Mark says. “It’s not like there’s a referee that’s going to come in and solve it for them. They both have to go over all their moves and talk it out.”

Even children who—like 18% of the student body at AS Jenks—are English learners benefit from the classic game: “I can see the boost in their confidence when they’re playing because successfully making any word on the board is an accomplishment,” says Mark. “And they can feel that they are participating and engaging with the language even if their skills aren’t the most proficient when they’re speaking.”

Above all, Scrabble provides a safe space for students to meaningfully connect and find joy in the love of words. Says Mark:

“We need to be giving young people every opportunity they can to talk with one another, learn with one another, and play with one another.”

Donate to Support Philadelphia Afterschool

P.S. Your donation makes a difference for Philly youth!

Only 10% of PA children who want to be in afterschool are enrolled in a program, according to the America After 3PM 2025 report. A top barrier? Affordability—over 50% of PA parents cite cost as a key reason their child isn’t involved in afterschool activities. ASAP is proud that our clubs and competitions are free for all youth, including transportation to weekday tournaments.

$500: Support an ASAP student for an entire year of programming! 

$250: Provide free transportation for a club to participate in citywide competitions 

$100: Train a caring adult to start a new club at their school or community center 

$50: Equip a club of 12+ kids with supplies for one year 

As co-captain of ASAP’s Debate team at Bodine High School, senior Leah smoothly delivers well- researched contentions at league matches, confidently recalibrating her arguments in anticipation of her opponents’ rebuttals. But she wasn’t always an assured presence at the podium.

“Before I joined Debate, I was very shy,” Leah says. “I had a lot of opinions, but I didn’t feel comfortable enough to voice them”—literally. “I was scared to go present projects. There would be times I couldn’t, I physically couldn’t.”

Thinking Debate was just going to be a small club where Bodine students would talk amongst themselves, Leah joined the team with some friends. But then she realized she had actually joined a league with competing high schools from across the city. And she panicked. 

“I did not want to go to my first debate,” Leah says. Or her second. Or third. But Lauren Geschel, Bodine’s ASAP Debate coach, saw something in Leah she didn’t see in herself.

“I did not want to debate, but I remember she was like, ‘I’m just gonna sign you up anyway, I’m gonna do it!’ And I did it!” says Leah. “And I ended up loving it.”

Just as pivotal in Leah’s debate journey was her longtime debate partner, fellow senior and co-captain Khader. 

“Khader is an amazing second speaker, and I’m a first speaker,” Leah says. “So when he’s speaking second, I have more confidence to say the other things that I want to say, and he gives me more ideas.” 

Khader is also deeply grateful for the support Leah gives him: “Whenever I’m like, ‘should I say this? Is this valid?’ she’s always like, ‘yeah, go ahead!’…it encourages me to always speak on what I believe.”  

The deep trust these debate besties have in each other hasn’t just helped them win matches—it gave them the confidence to take on the entire Philadelphia School Board when funding for extracurriculars like ASAP Debate was threatened last fall! 

Leah, Khader, and a few other Philly high schoolers “literally sat individually, one by one in a chair in front of” the board, says Khader. “And we’ve seen an outcome out of it! That was mind-blowing to us.” 

Adds Leah, “I would say that’s our greatest debate success as well because the whole process in convincing them…was like winning a debate. It’s like we won and convinced the judge.”

The transformation Leah has experienced in just three years, from shy 10th grader to confident senior orating in front of City leaders, is not lost on her. And both Leah and Khader feel a responsibility to help other kids enjoy the same opportunities through Debate that they have. 

“For kids like us, people that want to go into things like this, people that were just like me before I joined Debate—I was shy and timid—that want to voice their opinions: we fought for people like them,” Leah says. “These are your future lawyers.” (And doctors! Khader wants to use the skills he’s learned in debate to fix inequality in healthcare). 

“Debate teaches you that voices matter,” says Khader, who like Leah plans on volunteering with ASAP Debate in college. “Debate makes you know that your voice should be equally as heard as anyone else’s.”

P.S. Your donation makes a difference for Philly youth!

Only 10% of PA children who want to be in afterschool are enrolled in a program, according to the America After 3PM 2025 report. A top barrier? Affordability—over 50% of PA parents cite cost as a key reason their child isn’t involved in afterschool activities. ASAP is proud that our clubs and competitions are free for all youth, including transportation to weekday tournaments. 

$500: Support an ASAP student for an entire year of programming! 

$250: Provide free transportation for a club to participate in citywide competitions 

$100: Train a caring adult to start a new club at their school or community center 

$50: Equip a club of 12+ kids with supplies for one year 

Give a Child the Gift of Afterschool

As we begin our 2025-2026 season, we’re excited to share results from our youth survey conducted across our debate, drama, chess, and Scrabble programs at the end of the school year:

91% of ASAP kids scored as On Track for Graduation or College/Career Readiness

69% of ASAP kids feel a sense of belonging at school, compared to 37.5% of Philadelphia School District students (grades 3-12)

77% of ASAP kids scored high in self-efficacy—how much students believe they can succeed in achieving academic outcomes

What Our Kids Say

“My favorite memory was when my partner and I walked out of our first debate, and we had won. We were both so proud of ourselves and of each other.”

– Baya S., 7th grade

 

“I learned how to gain confidence and stand up for myself.”

– Kemi A., 8th grade

 

“I like being able to surround myself with people who are as passionate as I am.”

– Miranda P., 12th grade

 

“I love drama club! So happy to be part of the group.”

– Shanefia F., 5th grade

 

Youth Served

When you donate to ASAP, you’re supporting:

Citywide leagues and events that build community and camaraderie for kids across Philadelphia

Guest speakers, paid mentorship programs for teens, and other career-building opportunities

Fun, high-quality afterschool & summer programs that increase skills like grit, self-agency, and sense of belonging

Your Support Makes a Difference

$500: Support an ASAP student for an entire year of programming! 

$250: Provide free transportation for a club to participate in citywide competitions 

$100: Train a caring adult to start a new club at their school or community center 

$50: Equip a club of 12+ kids with supplies for one year 

Donate to Support Afterschool for a Child in Philadelphia

ASAP is very excited to share that PA education advocate Beth Tomlinson has been named as our new Executive Director! 

Beth brings over 15 years of experience in youth advocacy, fundraising, and stakeholder management. Beth previously served as the Summer Learning Manager at the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Children and Families, where she worked to connect Philadelphia youth with high-quality and engaging summer learning programs. In this role she co-designed and managed the Summer Achievers program, a free six-week academic and enrichment summer camp collaboratively built and funded by the City and School District of Philadelphia, that served 4,200 elementary and middle school students across 50 school sites. Beth also served for 11 years in senior leadership positions with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, leading its education and community resilience initiatives.

Beth has a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and English from the University of Pennsylvania, and dual Masters in Social Services and Law and Social Policy from Bryn Mawr College.

On joining ASAP, Beth says:

“I am honored to serve as the new Executive Director at ASAP, an organization that has played an integral role in providing enrichment, opportunity and community engagement for young people across Philadelphia. For years, ASAP has empowered youth through afterschool programs that foster creativity, leadership, critical thinking and lifelong learning. As we look ahead, I am excited for the opportunity to build on this incredible foundation while working alongside a team of talented staff and dedicated partners.”
– Beth Tomlinson

ASAP Board Chair Aaron Spence adds:

“We are delighted to welcome Beth. We were honored to have a tremendous pool of candidates apply for this leadership role at ASAP. Throughout our process, Beth’s commitment to improving the lives of young people in Philadelphia, coupled with her experience in out-of-school-time activities, made her a natural and exciting choice for our next Executive Director. I know that our community will enjoy working with Beth and seeing her vision for ASAP build on nearly 25 years of commitment to our city.”
– ASAP Board Chair Aaron Spence

Please join us in welcoming Beth to ASAP!

99% of ASAP club leaders and 93% of principals agree: ASAP clubs, events, and league competitions give students a sense of belonging in their school or community, according to our 2023 – 2024 year-end survey.

Having a sense of belonging is crucial for kids’ social-emotional health, and is even a protective factor against involvement in gun violence according to youth safety experts. But in Philadelphia public schools, sense of belonging among youth is at crisis levels:

The most recent Philly School Experience Survey shows that only 37.5% of students in grades 3-12 feel they belong at school most or all of the time, down from 46.1% in 2020.

That’s where afterschool organizations like ASAP come in!

ASAP Debate kids at a recent match

Our staff recruits, trains, and equips 100+ caring adults each year to create fun, welcoming spaces for kids to explore new passions, dream BIG, and connect with peers after school.

And through our citywide Scrabble, Debate, and Chess leagues (and Drama showcases)—with events at local cultural institutions and workshops by Philly professionals—we aim to connect students with peers and mentors from throughout the city, too.

Here’s what students had to say in our 2023 – 2024 year-end survey:

Previous Next
    “When I joined, I felt like an outsider, but my chess-mates took me in as a friend.”
    – 2023-2024 ASAP Chess student
    “My favorite memory in Scrabble club was when we all went to the championship. Although we didn’t win, someone from my class won, so I’m happy for them.”
    – 2023-2024 ASAP Scrabble student
    “My partner and I were able to work together to find good evidence, and we were really proud of our work.”
    – 2023-2024 ASAP Debate student
    “No matter what happens we are all family and all the hard work is worth it.”
    – 2023-2024 ASAP Drama student

    ASAP is thrilled to announce that thanks to our generous supporters, we’ve surpassed our $50,000 autumn fundraising goal! With the end of $50M in Philly out-of-school time funding, every dollar helps a child remain in their high-quality afterschool program—help us reach our new goal of $100,000 by making a donation today!

    Invest in Philly youth

    Fall 2024

    Public forum debate is traditionally a middle or high school activity. But Mana Myers, teacher and debate club leader at Stephen Girard Elementary, knew that ASAP Debate could unlock new skills and confidence for her third and fourth grade students. With advice and support from ASAP’s debate staff, Mana adapted the debate curriculum to help develop some of Philadelphia’s youngest orators.

    “The experience of leading a debate club has been rewarding for me. For one, I felt like I was learning right along with them because I had never run a debate club before. But with the tools that ASAP gave me, it was easy to follow—the various topics we could choose from, the examples of what a debate looks like.”
    – Mana Myers, ASAP Debate Coach

    And in just the first year of the club, Mana quickly saw huge gains in her students.

    “It improved their writing skills, their confidence. It built teamwork; they became very comfortable working together in teams. Different grades were working together. 4th graders are very intimidating to 3rd graders—that’s a real thing!”
    – Mana Myers, ASAP Debate Coach

    Adds Mana, “they’re invested. One of the students is very shy and doesn’t like talking in front of people, but in watching her, you can definitely see the growth. Her rebuttals were amazing. They were on point. They know how to defend themselves now and speak up for themselves.”

    Her third and fourth graders saw their growth, too.

    “I had stage fright before. I was scared talking in front of people. I learned how to put something in my own words.”
    – Amayah, ASAP Debate student

    ASAP is extremely grateful to have so many dedicated, creative club leaders at sites all over the city! Thanks to support from community members like you, ASAP offers individual, tailored support to 100+ Debate, Scrabble, Drama, and Chess clubs for K-12 students.

    Your donation helps us work to ensure that all youth in Philadelphia have the opportunity to reach their full potential through after school programs that keep them safe, engaged, and inspired.

    Invest in Philly youth!

    ASAP Scrabble club coach Erica Darken takes great pride in making her club as welcoming as possible for Francis Scott Key School’s 4th-6th graders. 73% of students at her school speak a language other than English at home, but that hasn’t been a barrier to teaching high-scoring Scrabble words or getting kids to connect, whether they are bilingual, learning English, or exclusively-English speaking.

    “Last year ASAP Scrabble gave us two Scrabble boards in Spanish in addition to the boards in English.”
    – Erica Darken, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    Since 2023-2024, with students more comfortable with the game, “bilingual students have chosen to play in English,” she says.

     

    “We do vocabulary-building word games. Playing in pairs, and sometimes trios when there is an odd number, is a great support for all students.”
    – Erica Darken, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    Her club also has been a great way for siblings in different grades to come together, and for families to maintain bonds with the school community. Not only have siblings joined the club together, but “sometimes I’ve had a student in my club who is the younger sibling of a former student, and it’s great to reconnect with the family,” Erica says.

    The club has been a great way for Erica to meaningfully connect with students, too.

    “I’ve enjoyed getting to know students in this new board game context!”
    – Erica Darken, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    ASAP loves hearing from club leaders like Erica Darken, who use their club to not only teach new skills but also to strengthen students’ sense of belonging at school.

    Your support is crucial to helping ASAP create strong clubs like Erica’s!

    We hope you will consider making a donation to our mission, in whatever way works best for you:

    Invest in Philly youth!

    With the loss of federal COVID-19 funding, your support is crucial to supporting afterschool programs!

    Learn more here

    At George Washington High School, ASAP Chess club isn’t just a fun place to go after school—it’s a much-needed alternative to other, non-school-sanctioned activities that often happen in the after school hours.

    “There are times when some people gather up and fight each other outside of the school in well-known places; those places I’d have to walk through. Staying in chess club might have allowed me to stay away from those situations.”
    – Abduvoxid, ASAP Chess Student

    His teammate Jason, who first joined ASAP Chess in elementary school, agrees.

    “After school there would usually be fights but I’m not familiar around it because I’ve never seen one. I’ve just been in a room chilling playing chess.”
    – Jason, ASAP Chess student

    Besides keeping kids safe in the classroom, ASAP Chess also takes students to places far beyond the school walls—like the 2024 National Chess Championships in Baltimore, MD! Abduvoxid, who joined ASAP Chess last year, was one of eight George Washington students who placed at Nationals this past spring. The chance to compete in scholastic chess at the highest level is definitely a motivating factor for sticking with ASAP Chess.

    George Washington High School ASAP Chess students at 2024 Nationals in Baltimore
    “I’d like to win at Nationals!”
    – Jason, ASAP Chess student

    Nationals was just one of 12+ tournaments ASAP Chess teams competed in last season!

    If you’d like to help ASAP create more opportunities for Philadelphia youth, we hope you will consider making a donation in support of our programs.

    I’d like to invest in after school for Philly kids!

    PS: It costs $370 to support one ASAP student all year long — donate today to make after school a reality for a child in Philly!

    Learn more

    “People really devalue what after school programs offer children. They don’t understand. It’s the way out for some kids. It’s their outlet to express themselves, to create, to invent.” 

    ―Rodrigo Valladares, ASAP Drama Parent

    Fall 2024

    Dear Friend,

    After school programs are a crucial part of Philly’s gun violence solution. But with pandemic relief dollars expiring this fall, the city’s after school opportunities are facing an uncertain future.

    Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) dollars supported enrichment programming for 4,090 ASAP students over the last two years.

    Learn more about the impact of pandemic relief dollars

    These dollars have been critical to keeping kids safe and engaged after school. And for parents like Rodrigo Valladares, cutting after school programs is not an option.

    “Some kids have nothing to look forward to when they go home. Some kids don’t have a good environment or even a meal when they go home.”
    – Rodrigo Valladares, ASAP Drama Parent

    Like many families, the Valladares rely on after school programs to keep their kids safe when the school bell rings, as well as to inspire new passions. For Rodrigo’s daughter Mila, after school was where she fell in love with the ASAP Drama stage after securing a lead role in the year-end multi-school musical, Annie. Little by little, the Valladeres saw a change in their Mila— she was honing her confidence, owning the stage.

    “I’m not nervous anymore. Last year my voice was shaky and this year I was scared to mess up. But then I did it, and I was like ‘ohh! there’s nothing really to be scared about!’”
    ― Mila, ASAP Drama, 6th grade, ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School

    Fall appeal feature Mila performing

    And Mila’s favorite part about her ASAP Drama club? The support she felt from peer mentor and Drama senior Ceanni Santiago, who was always cheering her on.

    “When I felt like I didn’t do well, she was like, ‘it’s fine — just know that you can do better the next time — and oh yeah, you’re doing awesome!’”
    ― Mila

    ASAP programs that allow students to learn from their peers help thousands of children become themselves and have confidence in their future.

    “I enjoy being a role model, helping kids with the real world — sharing lessons that my mentors have taught me.”
    ― Ceanni, 12th grade, ASPIRA Bilingual Cyber Charter School

    Without after school programs like ASAP’s, we fear a backslide in the academic and social-emotional progress we’ve made in a post-pandemic world.

    “Offering after school activities is one of our points of pride. They offer students opportunities to explore and develop their artistic talents and foster important skills like creativity and teamwork.”
    ― Principal Sean London, ASPIRA Cyber Bilingual Charter School

    We owe it to students like Mila and Ceanni to continue INVESTING in, not divesting from, their future — a future that begins in a safe and inspiring after school space.

    “Not having an outlet or a space where they can go and be creative is very detrimental to the growth of the child.”
    ― Rodrigo

    When you make a gift to ASAP, we hope that you’ll remember the Valladeres family, and the many other Philly families that rely on after school programs. But please don’t forget — there are many more kids still waiting for a program at their school, and thousands more who may lose their programs this fall. Help us raise $50,000 to ensure more after school opportunities exist for the families who need us most. In return, ASAP will continue to do what we do best: pivot, adapt, and support our community, even in the face of ongoing challenges.

    In this important work, we are most grateful for your generosity.

    Sincerely,

    ASAP

    I’d like to invest in after school for Philly kids!

    PS: It costs $370 to support one ASAP student all year long — donate today to make after school a reality for a child in Philly!

    Make a donation today!

    *Please note, in order to focus our resources in communities with the greatest needs, ASAP regularly monitors the ongoing state of the city’s gun violence epidemic and areas most impacted. To that end, ASAP’s Fall Appeal letter was written and published in September of 2024 based on data available at the time. Unfortunately, the number of gun violence victims that have been children continues to rise. 

    You can learn more about the current state of the city’s gun violence epidemic as shared by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Controller here.

    This data further underscores why your support this fall is needed now more than ever.

    Learn more

    Dear Friends,

    As the school year begins, we’d like to share an important update regarding ASAP’s leadership. Due to personal reasons, Sara Morningstar has resigned from her role as ASAP’s Executive Director.  We are grateful for her service.

    To ensure that operations continue to run smoothly as we seek a permanent replacement, the board has named Christopher Barrett Politan, principal of nonprofit consulting firm Give, Get, Grow, as ASAP’s Interim Executive Director. Christopher brings over 25 years of experience in nonprofit strategy, including a specialization in change management. 

    We expect to announce the search for a permanent ED shortly and anticipate this process to take anywhere from 3-6 months. We appreciate your patience as we take this time to identify the right person to guide ASAP’s next chapter.

    We recognize that this has already been a year of change at ASAP and acknowledge that this most recent departure may come with questions and concerns. We are confident in the abilities and commitments of our incredibly dedicated board and staff, many of whom have significant tenure with the organization. Their institutional knowledge, energy, and enthusiasm for serving our city’s youth have been and will continue to be our most critical resource in seeing us through this transition.

    In the meantime, ASAP will continue to prepare for the upcoming school year and do what we do best—pivot, adapt, and support our community, even in the face of ongoing challenges. We very much see this moment as an opportunity, and in fact, the 2023-24 school year proved that ASAP can and will thrive in moments of transition. All told, ASAP increased the number of youth served this year by 5% and continued to expand programming in ASAP’s high priority locations, including neighborhood public schools and communities with high rates of gun violence.  

    Check out ASAP’s 2023-24 Impact Brief

    In closing, we thank you for your continued support and look forward to working together to help Philly kids reach new heights—keeping them safe, engaged, and inspired to learn, all year long. Be sure to check out our full roster of club leader trainings, and get ready for kickoff events like Demonstration Debate on October 30!

    In partnership,
    Your friends at ASAP/After School Activities Partnerships

    To stay up to date on ASAP announcements and leadership updates, please subscribe to our enewsletter.

    Subscribe here!

    Meet Aaron Spence

    ASAP is thrilled to announce that our Board of Directors has named member Aaron Spence as ASAP’s new Board Chair.

    Aaron, a proud School District of Philadelphia alum, has over ten years of management consulting experience specializing in strategic planning and implementation, operations assessments, and project management.

    Additionally, Aaron has volunteered with numerous organizations through nonprofit board service and pro bono consulting. At ASAP, he has championed our initiatives as a member of the Programs Committee, supported fundraising efforts during the organization’s 20th Anniversary campaign as part of the Development Committee, and served on critical ad hoc board committees to guide ASAP through strategic planning processes and key leadership transitions.


    As chair, Aaron will succeed Jenaye Munford. In her four-year tenure Jenaye played a critical part in the organization navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, including ASAP’s return to in-person programming when restrictions allowed, as well as the leadership transition of ASAP’s longtime Executive Director Justin Ennis (August 2022). Please join us in thanking Jenaye for her service. We are deeply grateful for all of her work in helping to steer ASAP during one of the most challenging times of our 22-year history. Her dedication and leadership have been invaluable to us.

    As Philadelphia adjusts to a post-pandemic world, ASAP also enters a new era of leadership. Together, newly-elected Board Chair Aaron and new Executive Director Sara Morningstar will work to meet this moment – to capitalize on increased City interest in quality out-of-school time (OST) programs and to ensure ASAP continues to reach the students who need our programs the most.

    On the importance of having safe after school opportunities in his own life, Aaron says:

    “Growing up, I can’t remember an extended period when my siblings and I were not participating in OST programming. OST programming throughout my youth kept us safe; it provided a gateway to life lessons, relationships, knowledge, and the social and emotional development that can only be found outside of the classroom. Unfortunately, this is not the case for all youth across Philadelphia. When you compound that with increased levels of gun violence in Philadelphia, it became a social issue that I couldn’t ignore.”
    -Aaron Spence, ASAP Board Chair

    ASAP looks forward to Aaron’s leadership advancing us even further in our goals – changing the lives of our Philly kids one Chess, Debate, Drama, and Scrabble program at a time!

    Get to know Aaron!

    Aaron and his family!
    Aaron and his family!
    Aaron and his family!
    Aaron and his family!
    Aaron and his family!
    Aaron is a Central High School Alum
    One of Aaron’s hobbies is travelling
    One of Aaron’s hobbies is travelling
    Aaron winning raffles at the 20th Anniversary Celebration
    20th Anniversary Celebration with the Board of Directors
    20th Anniversary Celebration with the Board of Directors

    ASAP is excited to highlight the people, the stakeholders, the change makers in our community. This spring, we are excited to name Councilmember Isaiah Thomas ASAP’s After School Champion.

    ASAP Champion

    When it comes to ensuring out-of-school time is part of the City’s gun violence solution, City Councilmember-At-Large Isaiah Thomas not only talks the talk but walks the walk. Thanks in no small part to Thomas’s follow-through, ASAP landed a spot in the City’s 2022-23 budget.

    Councilmember Thomas Checkmate Violence Speech

    “It’s important that we invest in prevention-based initiatives. We want to continue to invest in programs like ASAP’s to make sure our young people stay positive and keep our city safe. As long as ASAP continues to invest in our children, we on City Council will continue to meet halfway.”

    -Isaiah Thomas, City Councilmember, 17th Annual PECO-ASAP Checkmate Violence Chess Marathon

    Most recently, Councilmember Thomas spoke at both ASAP Debate’s High School League Finals event (April), and the ASAP Chess FlagFest (May). Both were the final events of the school year for Debate and Chess! Notably, Councilmember Thomas presented the check from the City of Philadelphia to ASAP.

    After School Against Gun Violence

    If you’d like to learn more about Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and how ASAP is partnering with folks like Councilmember Thomas to ensure after school activities stay part of the City’s solution to gun violence, keeping our children safe when the school bell rings, click the button below.

    Learn more!

    “Having people that you know are always going to be there, that are just as equally competitive as you are, and are going to invest just as much time as you are — I think that’s what makes the ASAP Debate community strong.”

    –Jenny Yim, ASAP Debate Alum

    Meet Jenny Yim!

    Jenny is a former Northeast High School ASAP debater and is currently undergoing what we like to call a full circle, ASAP moment: Jenny is now both a teacher AND assistant debate coach to her former debate coach, Theresa Bramwell at her alma mater. Teaching fell into Jenny’s lap after completing her post-secondary education at Temple University and Moore College of Art & Design. When she thought about adding “after school” to her resume, choosing a program was simple.

    “I was in a lot of clubs at Northeast, but when I started working here, I thought ‘the only after school program I would really like helping out in would be ASAP Debate.’”
    –Jenny

    Jenny knew firsthand the impact of ASAP Debate and jumped at the chance to open those doors for her students. In fact, she attributes a lot of her own academic success to her time spent debating.

    “When I studied art, education, and criminal justice I learned that because of my debate experience in researching, I could handle a lot of information a lot quicker than others. Finding strong information and then being able to explain it in a comprehensive way – that’s all debate.”
    –Jenny

    Now as a coach, Jenny can mentor her students based on her own experience and passion for competing.

    “A judge once told me ‘you’re just saying a lot of information; you’re not talking TO each other, you’re talking AT each other.’ It really showed me that debate isn’t just about arguing your point. It’s about being able to listen. We have to be able to listen. I think a lot of debaters in general, because we’re young, we aren’t listening.”
    –Jenny

    While listening may seem like a simple enough skill, the ability to listen can make or break the match outcome. And perhaps even more importantly, it’s a huge factor in ensuring our children become informed, active citizens of their community.

    “Listening. Being able to think. Doing your own research and communicating clearly. Debating really formulates your own autonomy on the way you think. Especially when you’re researching and have to argue both sides even if you personally don’t agree with one of them. Debate helps you develop your own ideals better, your own view better, and also be able to see different perspectives.”
    –Jenny

    At the end of the day, Jenny is less concerned with her students winning or losing than with helping them see the lesson in every match.

    “I became very used to accepting a loss, just the same as I accepted a win. To me, they are equally fine outcomes. It’s just that what I learned from losing is often more important. I like directing students towards that behavior– to get used to losing, or how to think under pressure when you’re nervous.”
    –Jenny

    What’s Coach Jenny up to now?

    What has Jenny and Northeast been up to recently? Her students competed in the ASAP Debate High School League Finals on April 3rd and Coach Bramwell won High School Debate Coach of the Year!

    Read April Blog Spotlight

    The Friends That Argue Together, Stay Together 

    Unlikely Friendships

    With its intense arguing, rapid-fire examinations, and “gotcha” rebuttals, debate matches might not seem conducive to lifelong friendship. But for these ASAP Debate students, meticulous research and airtight logic lay the foundation for thriving connections and community.  

    Ana and Josh, both ASAP Debate captains at Masterman, have been friends since first grade and debate teammates for three years. Both agree that debate is different from the many other extracurricular activities they do together. 

    “A lot of the other activities that I do are just one school or one particular group of people. But with ASAP there’s a bunch of different groups of people, a bunch of different schools, and we’re really able to come together, have these discussions about important issues, and have a lot of people who are from different backgrounds and perspectives.”
    -Josh, ASAP Debate, Masterman School

    For ASAP Debate student Sam W., friendship both brought him into debate and remains a top highlight of the program. 

    “Last year, [teammate] Sam D. was like, ‘I need someone to join debate to vote for me to be captain.’”
    –Sam W., ASAP Debate, Masterman School

    Sam D. is quick to point out he had altruistic motives as well, noting that he “knew [Sam W.] had what it takes” to succeed in the competitive ASAP Debate league.

    “And now — it’s one of my favorite things to do! The community—it’s like the best thing ever. Being at a hotel in the middle of nowhere, with all of your closest friends, and just talking, there’s nothing better, right?”
    –Sam W., ASAP Debate, Masterman School

    ASAP friendships are not coinsidences!

    But these bonds don’t just happen by chance—they’re the result of values passed on by coaches, volunteers, and student leadership. Marquez, ASAP Debate captain at Hardy Williams High, says he hopes to instill in his teammates that “being resourceful and helping each other out is very important.” He even attended the ASAP High School Debate Championships despite his team not competing this year.  

    Check out ASAP Debate League Finals Blog!
    “I’m always here to support ASAP!”
    -Marquez, ASAP Debate, Hardy Williams High School

    Summer Friendships!

    Are you or a student you know interested in joining ASAP Debate in the 2024 – 2025 school year, or looking to meet likeminded youth and improve writing and public speaking skills? Sign up for our ASAP Summer Speech Academy! This free, one-week camp will help students in grades 4-12 learn how to effectively use their voice to speak out on the issues that matter to them! Campers will develop leadership and public speaking skills, culminating in an Original Oratory speech tournament at the end of the week. 

    Learn more & register here!

    A mayor for after school

    ASAP is thrilled that Mayor Parker is proposing new investments in enrichment programming as part of her vision for year-round schooling to keep our kids safe. Following her budget address, Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth Anthony Phillips voiced his support to WHYY: “robust out-of-school type programming will help us with violence prevention.”

    Read about Parker’s budget address!

    Since the mayoral transition, ASAP has worked closely with other afterschool programming advocates to help advocate for the Mayor’s vision to include of out-of-school-time for Philadelphia youth. A lot of this work also involves connecting both City and School District administration. 

    Most recently, the District announced it would end controversial practice of leveling — which in the past had made it challenging  for ASAP to retain and recruit after school club leaders, a majority of whom are school teachers, each fall. This unpredictable yearly shuffle was hugely disruptive to students of all ages, and we are optimistic that its abolishment is a sign of more decisions to come from District and City leaders that center the needs of Philly kids.  Our kids need that stability. 

    District nearing a fiscal cliff

    But unfortunately, the District is still facing a fiscal cliff in the near future, and planning for a 2024-25 school year without the federal COVID relief funding. That funding provided 8,000 students with spots in an after school program, almost 2,000 of which are ASAP programs. Without committed funding from the City, state, or District, this means that come Fall 2024, thousands of Philly kids will be left without an after school program. We need your help to advocate for new funding and keep our kids safe and engaged after school! 

    How to become an Afterschool Advocate!

    If you’re reading this, we know you care about our youth having access to safe, enriching spaces after school and in the summer!

    Check out these three ways to help advocate for Philly kids and the importance of safe and enriching after school spaces:

    Contact your City Councilmember

    Contact your City Councilmember and share a brief message on what afterschool programming means to you or your family. Not sure how to contact your Councilmember directly? Find your Councilmember’s contact info here.

    Find my Councilmember

    Submit written testimony

    Submit written testimony to the School District of Philadelphia School Board of Education, or speak at a School Board meeting on the importance of robust afterschool programs.

    Register to speak

    Share your story!

    At ASAP we care about YOUR story!

    • Why are after school programs important to you and your family?
    • What did it mean to be part of an  after school community ? 
    • How did after school programs help keep your kids safe while you were at work? 
    • What did you learn about your community when volunteering with ASAP?

    Share your afterschool story with ASAP. Whether you are a current student or program alum, parent or caregiver, afterschool professional, teacher, or volunteer — we want to make your voice heard! Your stories help ASAP and partner organizations alike make the case for after school in Philadelphia. Together we can share our impact on social media, through newsletters, and in conversations and with family and friends.

    Share your story with ASAP!

    Advocates seize the moment!

    The momentum in Philadelphia for afterschool programming has rarely been stronger. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to capitalize on unprecedented mayoral AND School District support. With your help, ASAP can give even more students access to quality programming that creates a greater sense of belonging at school, provides a safe haven, and lets students in every neighborhood of the city realize their potential.

    Learn more about how ASAP meets the need!

    School District Superintendent Dr. Watlington and City Councilmember-at-Large Isaiah Thomas Joined ASAP Debate Finals

    “Thank you for putting yourself in a position to mentor and learn from each other.”

    – Councilmember-at-Large, Isaiah Thomas

     

    2024 ASAP Debate High School League Finals

    On April 3, 2024, dozens of the School District of Philadelphia’s best debaters competed for top honors at the ASAP Debate High School League Finals. Students competed against students from across the city by presenting pro and con arguments on the following topic:

     

    “Resolved: In the United States, collegiate student-athletes should be classified as employees of their educational institution.”
    ASAP Debate High School Championship Topic

    The finals were the culminating event of the season, with students honed from nine previous matches (in addition to Pennsylvania High School Speech League State Championships, where several students made top 8 in multiple events).

    Competing ASAP Debate High School League Teams

    • Northeast High School
    • Masterman
    • Academy at Palumbo
    • Central High School
    • Philadelphia High School for Girls
    • William W. Bodine High School
    • Hardy Williams High School
    Learn more about ASAP Debate!

    After the debate round, students, volunteer judges, and ASAP debate coaches and staff were excited to hear concluding remarks from guests including Philadelphia City Councilmember-At-Large Isaiah Thomas.

    Thomas, a strong supporter of ASAP and the Chair of the Council’s Education Committee, couldn’t make it in person due to budget meetings, but made sure to Zoom in to offer students encouragement.

    Councilmember-at-Large Isaiah Thomas tunes in virtually to congratulate high school debate finals competitors
    “I want to say congratulations to all the young people that are in the building this evening for making the finals. Debate is such an amazing activity….It’s one of those skills that you’ll be able to use in multiple professions.” He also thanked students for their participation in “quality after school programming.”
    –Philadelphia City Councilmember-at-Large, Isaiah Thomas

    Next guest: Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington, Sr

    Other esteemed speakers included Philadelphia School District Superintendent Dr. Tony B. Watlington Sr. who emphasized the positive impact of participating in after school debate.

    Meet the SDP Superintendent!
    “When you get the floor to debate important issues, you’re able to build confidence, you’re able to build your communication skills, both verbal and in written form, something that’s becoming more and more and more a lost art.”
    -School District of Philadelphia Superintendent, Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr.

    As a result of touring the event, Watlington said he would:

     

    “take that as a homework assignment, to think about to what extent do we fund and support an activity that’s so important as debate.”
    -School District of Philadelphia Superintendent, Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr.
    Ahead of School District Superintendent Watlington's speech, students tackle important topic
    “I’m really excited to see what all of you will do in the future.”
    -School District of Philadelphia Superintendent, Dr. Tony B. Watlington, Sr.

    After speeches, varsity and novice debate participants received trophies and medals reflecting their standings after a competitive season.

    ASAP Debate High School League: Top Varsity Teams

    • 1st- Masterman – Ana Sorrentino and Ray Eggerts
    • 2nd- Academy at Palumbo – Rose Semmel and Una Cutrone
    • 3rd- Masterman- Tova Albert and Jessica Jesteen
    • 4th- Masterman – Nabilah Chowdhury and Taylor Samara- Reuter

    Northeast had a lot to celebrate!

    While ASAP is proud of its varsity competitors, we are also excited about the students coming up in the ranks! Notably, Northeast High School won the ASAP Debate Novice Division!

    In addition to a school trophy, longtime coach Theresa Bramwell was awarded the ASAP Debate High School Coach of the Year. Among many attributes, Coach Bramwell is dedicated to her role in leading Philadelphia youth after school and helping her students become the best debaters and future citizens of the community. We cannot thank her enough for her efforts!

    FUN FACT: First place teammates Ana Sorrentino and Ray Eggerts made top eight in Public Forum Debate at states in March.

    ASAP is so proud of all its high school debate league participants, and is excited to help students polish their public speaking and research skills this summer at ASAP’s Summer Speech Academy July 15 – 19 at George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science (registration coming soon!).

    ASAP Debate is made possible through the support of:
    the City of Philadelphia, the Office of Children and Families, Penn for Youth Debate, and the School District of Philadelphia.

    Professional photos credited to:
    Rachel Utain-Evans Photography

    Safe clubs start with you!

    Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children, including Ziegler students, depend on to keep them safe, as well as make them feel like they belong to something greater.

    Make a donation here!

    How you can help

    With summer just around the corner, you can support ASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots through the spring and all summer long by simply making a donation and sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!

    Make your gift today!

    If you’d like to learn more about Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and how ASAP is utilizing after school activities to keep kids safe click the button below.

    Learn more!

    “Debate is meaningful for me because it gives me something to do outside of school and more time for things I like to do – like talking!”

    – LillyRose, 8th grade, William H. Ziegler School

     

    ASAP Fall Appeal Story: Debate

    Last year when Cady Zuvich started Ziegler’s middle school debate club, she wanted to create a safe space after school that accepted all students – a space where participation was not restricted based on grades or behavior or talkativeness!  Ziegler School (grades K-8) is a Northeast Philadelphia public school located in one of ASAP’s priority locations. And like many of the like many of the clubs we’ve profiled this fall, Ziegler’s debate program is only in its second year of operation.

    But as we’ve seen, new clubs are just as excited and dedicated to ASAP programs as our more seasoned participants.

     

    ASAP Priority Locations
    “The students’ interest was motivated by wanting to be in school longer. Part of that was to be with friends, but they’re also sticking with it because they like it. I think debate is a good outlet academically, socially, and emotionally. All of our students are thriving so it’s good to see.”
    – Cady Zuvich, ASAP Debate Coach

    Coach Cady’s students meet weekly to prepare for ASAP’s monthly middle school debate tournaments. At each tournament, over 50 student pairs recite their finely-honed arguments while adapting in real-time to opponents’ challenges and contentions.

    ASAP Debate Current Middle School Topic:

    “Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase its investment in high-speed rail.”

    Learn more about ASAP Debate!

    On presenting their pro and con arguments versus students across the city, LillyRose states:

    “The competitions help us learn what we can do better and it’s fun and exciting. It gives you a thrill. This whole time leading up to it – you’re studying for it. You’re preparing for it and then you finally do it and it’s a thrill of excitement.”
    – LillyRose, ASAP Debate

    And Cady enjoys witnessing her students grow through debate in real time.

    “I see improvement in their confidence, their writing, their ability to think in the moment and really internalize the topic. I’ve noticed that they’re able to defend their positions now from the heart.”
    – Cady Zuvich, ASAP Debate Coach

    Ziegler teammates LillyRose and Ana confirmed these are changes they have come to see in themselves.

     

    “Debate has really helped me with communication. I feel like it’s really impacted my life and how I communicate with others.”
    – Ana, 8th grade, ASAP Debate
    “It’s fun to learn about new topics and research new things, get more information and opinions I already have. And then change them as I learn more.”
    – LillyRose, ASAP Debate

    Coach Cady is so proud of her students and can only hope that more Ziegler students will benefit from the program.

    “I had this discussion with my principal that we wish all our teachers at our school could come to these competitions so they could see where the bar should be at.”
    – Cady Zuvich, ASAP Debate Coach

    Did you know 100% of ASAP school partner principals would refer ASAP to another school or site?

    Looking ahead, Ana and LillyRose are excited to continue debate in high school. But for now, their focus is helping their fellow middle schoolers excel at an activity they are passionate about.

    “There are a lot of new people in our club and I think Lily and I can be a lead and role models for them.”
    – Ana, ASAP Debate

    ASAP is grateful for caring coaches like Ms. Zuvich who dedicate so much of their time and energy to their students’ success. Rumor has it Coach Cady is even planning to bring more elementary–aged students into the fold this spring after interest spread throughout the school!

    Safe clubs start with you!

    Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children, including Ziegler students, depend on to keep them safe, as well as make them feel like they belong to something greater.

    Make a donation here!

    How you can help

    Through the winter months, you can support ASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donation and sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!

    Make your gift today!

    If you’d like to learn more about Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and how ASAP is utilizing after school activities to keep kids safe click the button below.

    Learn more!

    ASAP believes that strong after school communities are part of the solution to keep kids safe when the school bell rings, as well as build students’ sense of identity and belonging at school.

    Lear more about ASAP’s focus areas!

    ASAP Fall Appeal Story: Scrabble

    This week we are highlighting the neighborhood public school Samuel Powel Elementary, home to the Powel Owls and this year, an ASAP Scrabble Club. Similar to Rhodes Elementary [read story here], Powel was looking to establish a safe and sustainable after school community in the aftermath of the pandemic. Also in common – both clubs began with caring adults who had the ASAP do what it takes attitude.

    Led by two dedicated teachers, Christopher Powers and Oliver Strickland, Powel’s ASAP Scrabble club began in January 2023 with a large group of 25 enthusiastic 1st through 3rd graders. Despite not starting until the second half of the school year, Powers and Strickland made the most of the opportunity.

    Scrabble coach leads students at Scrabble University event
    “The community sees this as a safe place.”
    -Christopher Powers, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    They even brought their kids to ASAP’s annual Keep Calm and Scrabble On event – a full day of interactive word games, literacy activities, and competitive play.

    And just like Rhodes Elementary – Powel was hooked.

     

    Scrabble student poses with peace sign during Scrabble event
    “I can still picture the excitement on their faces after participating in their first Scrabble matches at the event. For me, that excitement is what drives my commitment to making the Scrabble club a permanent part of Powel School.”
    -Oliver Strickland, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    By the time this school year rolled around, Powel kiddos were determined to take on the big leagues – the Philadelphia Scholastic Scrabble League to be exact. And big leagues meant big teams. Coach Strickland and Powers recruited 44 young players [not including the lengthy waiting list], nearly doubling their original crew. They were young, but incredibly mighty.

    “The students can say they have had the experience of doing hard and challenging things. They can walk out saying, ‘I did a nice job with that.’”
    -Christopher Powers, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    Powel’s team is incredibly dedicated. They most recently attended two events in one week: a Scrabble League match and Scrabble University, a new event designed to engage novice players. Coach Strickland and Powers know that high quality programs are a result of consistent engagement. And consistent engagement leads to higher participation rates. And higher participation rates?

    You guessed it. A greater sense of belonging.

    “There is a strong sense of community, belonging, and pride within our Scrabble club. Between all of the exciting and fond Scrabble memories we’ve made throughout the year, there is a special shared bond that is almost palpable.”
    –Oliver Strickland, ASAP Scrabble Coach

    Safe clubs start with you!

    Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children depend on, just like Powel, to keep them safe, as well as make them feel like they belong to something greater. Don’t believe us? Just check out these matching Powel Scrabble shirts.

    Make a donation here!
    Scrabble Powel students make their move

    How you can help

    Through the winter months, you can support ASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donation and sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!

    Make your gift today!

    If you’d like to learn more about Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and how ASAP is utilizing after school activities to keep kids safe click the button below.

    Learn more!

    Let them eat cake!

    Today we are sharing another community appeal story, this time featuring Cohocksink Rec Center, an ASAP’s Drama site in one of our high priority locations.

    Not unlike other ASAP partner locations, Cohocksink Rec had to discontinue their drama program during the pandemic. But after more than two years apart, our staff were so excited for the opportunity to reconnect and reengage for the 2023-24 school year.

    Right from the jump, ASAP Drama sought to create a sanctuary of sorts for new and returning students to express themselves freely, discover new worlds, and have fun with their friends. To that end, Cohocksink’s Drama Kickoff meeting featured a special STEAM Workshop led by Teaching Artist and children’s author Nancy Li. Nancy used her book “Let’s Make a Cake!” to lead the interactive experience for students – a unique crossover of art and science.

    Best of all? The kids loved it.

    “The students are so into it! Look at their power poses!”
    -Zully de Jesus, ASAP Drama Club Site Leader, Cohocksink Rec

    Under Nancy’s direction, students assumed characters of major cake ingredients, including flour, baking powder, sugar, and butter, while experimenting with chemical reactions as they played. Through physicality and play, students strove to find the right balance of ingredients for each of their cakes.

    Spoiler alert: none of the cakes burned!

     

    “My favorite part of the workshop is seeing the students work as an ensemble without even realizing it!”
    -Nancy Li

    Literacy Rich Environments

    Did you know that Cohocksink Rec is one of ASAP’s William Penn Foundation supported locations? Thanks to WPF, ASAP works to improve the literacy skills of students K-3 through nontraditional settings, such as an after school drama program at a Philadelphia Rec Center.

    Learn more about the William Penn Foundation!

    This rang true across Cohocksink’s wide grade range and literacy skills, students spanning Kindergarten through 5th grade. ASAP Dramas much younger kiddos relished the opportunity to learn from their older peers, especially when it came to that tricky science vocabulary!

    The workshop concluded with Nancy exclaiming: “Let’s make a GIANT cake,” causing a frenzied swarm of excited ingredients (aka students) swirling about the room, breathless, and laughing, dancing, and all coming together. Worn out and giggly, students shared their favorite cake and why it was special to them.

    This experience truly demonstrated that just like various cake ingredients, ASAP Drama students not only have a unique part to play individually but can really work together to make something even more delicious.

    What a way to kick off the school year by creating this vibrant, engaging, and fun space for students in the 19134 to come to when the school day ends – a perfect recipe for keeping kids safe as they discover new worlds.

    Take a peek inside the drama kitchen!

    We need your help!

    Be part of the gun violence solution

    As part of ASAP’s annual fall appeal campaign, we released an inspiring chess story highlighting neighborhood public school, Rhodes Elementary, located in one of ASAP’s high priority zip codes. It was a story of safety, community, and resiliency.

    “When our kids come to the ASAP Chess club room ― it’s their sanctuary.” ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach, Rhodes Elementary School

    Stay tuned throughout December as we continue to share stories of community and safety — underscoring the urgent need for after school programs across the city.

    Read the full story here!

    How you can help

    Through the winter months, you can support ASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donation and sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!

    Make your gift today!

    If you’d like to learn more about Philadelphia’s gun violence epidemic and how ASAP is utilizing after school activities to keep kids safe click the button below.

    Learn more!

    “When our kids come to the ASAP Chess club room ― it’s their sanctuary.”

    ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach, Rhodes Elementary School

    Fall 2023

    Dear Friend,

    You can keep our kids safe after the school bell rings — make a gift today.

    With a new school year underway, families and educators alike are concerned for their students’ physical safety and well-being ― both in and outside the classroom.

    Of the 1,300 shooting victims in Philly this year, 209* of them have been children under the age of 18.

    Learn more about the city’s gun violence epidemic

    ASAP’s programs are part of the solution to our city’s gun violence epidemic – giving students access to safe and enriching after school spaces. At Rhodes Elementary School in North Philly, we have a dedicated partner in this work: Mr. Gary Perkins. Or, as his school community refers to him ― The Chess Guy.

    “I thought to myself, ‘How do we get our students and families what they need?”
    -Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    Between budget cuts, staff turnovers and COVID learning losses, sustaining after school spaces at Rhodes was a challenge. But Gary knew it was a challenge worth addressing given parents’ increasing concern for their children’s safety outside of school.

    That’s where ASAP comes in.

    “ASAP provided everything. The training, the boards, the pieces ― and believing in our kids.”
    -Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    With ASAP’s support, Gary quickly recruited 27 students to participate in his chess club in January, a time of year when it is typically harder to engage kids during the darker winter months.

    “When the students saw those chess boards and the pieces ― they were impressed. They felt professional.”
    -Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    Gary really put in the work. Two hours a day, five days a week.

    “The kids say to me, ‘Mr. Perkins, do you ever go home?”
    ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    Within a few weeks, Gary’s persistence paid off. After school, his students learned to focus and manage their time, with a newfound confidence and sense of personal responsibility. Teachers took notice. The principal took notice.

    “I could have chosen a different program, but I chose ASAP Chess. I haven’t seen commitment and consistency like this in other programs. It’s not just a fun after school program; it’s something to learn and it improves students’ social-emotional skills.”
    ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    Programs like ASAP’s are critical for our kids’ wellbeing, especially in times of crisis. After a gun was found at Rhodes last May, where did Gary’s students turn for sanctuary? The ASAP Chess club.

    “Our second trophy represents perseverance. We had a shooting the same week that we won that. Everyone was upset, but the parents still let the kids go compete. And that really did something for the school. It was a pivotal moment.”
    ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    And you, my friend, are a pivotal part of these moments for schools across Philadelphia just like Rhodes.

    I’d like to be part of the solution!

    “Having chess club helped the students. It kind of kept the school together. Because everybody had something they knew that was positive for the school.”
    ― Gary Perkins, ASAP Chess Coach

    Your donation today supports ASAP’s mission to create spaces our children depend on to keep them safe. And when kids do face adversity, Mr. Perkins will be there. ASAP will be there.

    In this important work, we are most grateful for your support.

    Sincerely,

    ASAP

    P.S. 97% of school principals believe ASAP clubs prevent youth from engaging in risky behavior like gun violence ― give today to keep students safe after the school bell rings.

    Make a donation today!

    *Please note, in order to focus our resources in communities with the greatest needs, ASAP regularly monitors the ongoing state of the city’s gun violence epidemic and areas most impacted. To that end, ASAP’s Fall Appeal letter was written and published in September of 2023 based on data available at the time. Unfortunately, the number of gun violence victims that have been children continues to rise. 

    You can learn more about the current state of the city’s gun violence epidemic as shared by the City of Philadelphia’s Office of the Controller here.

    This data further underscores why your support this fall is needed now more than ever.

    Learn more

    Dear Friends,

    Interim Executive Director, Sara Morningstar head shot

    I write to you today to express just how thrilled and honored I am to take on this new role as ASAP’s Interim Executive Director. I cannot thank ASAP’s Board of Directors enough for entrusting me to lead the organization through this time of transition and into our next chapter. On the heels of ASAP’s most successful programmatic and fundraising year in history, coupled with the strongest staff we’ve ever had, I am positive we are poised to reach even more schools, more communities, and more Philly kids than ever before.

    And while I may be new to this role as Interim Executive Director, I assure you I am no stranger to ASAP.

    Ever since I moved to Philly twelve years ago, I have been advocating and fighting for our kids to have the same access to opportunities as their suburban and private school peers — experiences that help them grow, inspire them to reach new heights, and make lifelong friendships. I started this journey first as an AmeriCorps member with City Year Philadelphia and next as a Gear Up tutor, spending my days serving multiple School District of Philadelphia schools across the city.

    Interim Executive Director Sara Morningstar's experience with City Year Philadelphia!
    Interim Executive Director Sara Morningstar's experience with Gear Up!

    I saw first-hand through these experiences the educational and extracurricular disparities across different Philadelphia zip codes and neighborhoods, and gained a new understanding of just how privileged I had been to attend a well-funded suburban public school in upstate New York. I was – and I remain – furious at the structural inequities present in our American education system. From that moment on I was determined to find a way for the students in Philadelphia to have access to the same enrichment programming that students across City Line Ave. experience each and every day.

    Interim Executive Director Sara Morningstar featured with ASAP Founder Marciene Mattleman

    In 2014, I was thrilled to come across a program manager position job listing at ASAP. In addition to its service-driven mission, I was excited to find that it had been founded by none other than noted educator Marciene Mattleman. I was immediately inspired by her tenacious dedication to serving Philly students – making sure they had opportunities to participate in fun, enriching experiences that they would not otherwise have access to.

    I knew right then that to become a more effective champion for Philadelphia kids, I needed to learn from one of the greats. 

    I have now spent nearly a decade at ASAP and each year it’s been an honor. I’ve been fortunate to learn, grow, and evolve alongside ASAP by partnering with phenomenal, passionate educators and youth development workers across the city, working to help close the activity gap, and creating opportunities for our students to thrive.

    From my early days at ASAP as the Debate/Drama Manager, learning from our partner club leaders how to run tournaments and showcases; to fundraising and chaperoning students to state and national competitions; to taking on new roles leading ASAP’s evaluation capacity building work; to managing a growing program staff; and most recently to building out a sustainable model to fund ASAP’s programs for years to come as well as stewarding relationships with ASAP’s major institutional partners at the City and School District.

    Interim Executive Director Sara Morningstar in her first role as Debate Manager at ASAP!

    I am proud of the work we’ve done for Philly kids thus far and I am excited to lead ASAP as we reach more kids than ever before.

    As we say goodbye to ASAP’s Executive Director, Justin Ennis, we face a new opportunity of growth. I have had the pleasure of serving as a close thought partner to Justin for more than five years now, and I am eternally grateful to him for his mentorship throughout my time at ASAP.

    Change can be scary – it can be hard. But I am confident that with your support, ASAP’s brightest days are ahead of us.

    Congratulations again to Justin on his new role and thank you all for joining us as we embark upon ASAP’s next chapter. On behalf of our brilliant Chess, Debate, Drama, and Scrabble students in every Philly neighborhood – THANK YOU for your continued support.

    Yours in partnership,

    Sara Morningstar
    ASAP Interim Executive Director

    You can read ASAP’s Executive Director Justin Ennis’ statement here.

    You can read ASAP’s Board of Directors’ statement here.

    For questions regarding ASAP’s Executive Director transition, please contact smorningstar@phillyasap.org or vbakey@phillyasap.org. And to stay up to date on organization updates, please subscribe to our newsletter.

    Subscribe here!

    PS: It’s an exciting time here at ASAP! We are looking for individuals who are passionate about empowering youth, strengthening communities, and providing equitable educational opportunities to join our team!

    Click here to learn more!

    Dear Friends and Supporters,

    Among the many things I love about ASAP, one of my favorite things is catching up with alumni — especially from my early years running the chess program.

    A little over a year ago I was in my office chatting with Vanita Young, a young woman who started playing chess with ASAP in 2006 — my first year on the job — who now has a burgeoning career as a scholastic chess coach. In the midst of a lighthearted conversation about ASAP’s upcoming 20th anniversary celebration and fundraiser, Vanita interjected:

    “How do you prove to people that ASAP’s programs make a difference?”
    Vanita Young, ASAP Chess Alum

    Caught slightly off-guard, I slipped into grant-speak. I recited lines from ASAP’s theory of change, detailed our comprehensive logic models, and rattled off the most impressive findings from our most recent evaluation of ASAP’s students and partners.

    Vanita politely let me finish and as I stopped to catch my breath, she gave the answer she had in mind all along:

    “You’ve got me!”

    (DUH)

    She was right. Vanita is living proof of everything ASAP hopes to demonstrate with our fancy tools and sophisticated methods.

    By the time she first started playing organized chess in the sixth grade, she had already overcome a great deal. Raised by her grandparents and naturally introverted, she often felt out of step with her peers.

    But when it came to chess, Vanita was a rock star.

    As a middle and high schooler she dominated ASAP’s scholastic chess leagues and became one of the strongest chess players in the state. In the process, she trashed, in her own understated way, the negative stereotypes about girls who play chess and served as a role model, albeit a reluctant one, for all the other young black girls in ASAP’s chess clubs.

    When she was invited to a prestigious all-girls tournament in Texas, ASAP raised funds to help get her there. Competing against the best girls in the country, she won her biggest prize to date – a full-ride scholarship to Texas Tech (and later switched to Webster University just outside St. Louis) where she could continue to develop her skills under the tutelage of chess legend Susan Polgar.

    If this were a Hollywood movie, that would be the ending.

    But in reality, the adjustment to college and living a thousand miles away from her friends and family proved difficult.

    And then there was the pressure of living up to the scholarship.

    She had setbacks. Big ones. She had to pick herself up and try again. She made mistakes. She learned from them. Eventually, she moved back home and managed to complete her degree all while holding down multiple jobs.

    We remained in touch throughout this time and her experience only deepened my admiration for her and challenged my own notion of what a “success story” is. Vanita is an undeniable triumph – a testament to the brilliance that exists in every corner of our city, evidence that every kid deserves access to life-changing enrichment opportunities, proof of the power of positive relationships, and a vital reminder that conventional measures are often a poor arbiter of a young person’s true value and potential for greatness.

    Vanita Young, ASAP Chess
    Vanita Young, ASAP Chess Alum

    So when years later sitting in my office Vanita said “You’ve got me!”, I’ll admit that I was deeply moved. Moved not just by her vote of confidence for ASAP’s impact, but by a sudden wave of gratitude for the impact she had on me throughout my time at ASAP.

    Working in service of young people is a great responsibility. We are caretakers of their stories and experiences, ambassadors for their dreams, and stewards of their potential.

    Of course folks are right to ask: “Tell us how you know your program is making a difference in the youth you serve?”

    But sometimes the real magic is in the difference the young people make in you.

    As I prepare to move on from ASAP, I am reminded of all the amazing students and colleagues who have changed my life with their courage, their humility, their kindness, and their greatness. You are too many to name, but please know I will be forever grateful. And as hard as it is to say goodbye, I am comforted knowing that I’ll be taking a lifetime of memories and all of your lessons with me.

    Sincerely,

    Justin Ennis
    Executive Director

    For questions regarding ASAP’s Executive Director transition, please contact smorningstar@phillyasap.org or vbakey@phillyasap.org. And to stay up to date on organization updates, please subscribe to our newsletter.

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