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!
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:
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!