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.
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.
“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.
*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.
ASAP Alumni Harrison Sanford gives back to chess program
As ASAP enters its third decade, there’s a proud lineage of ASAP alumni, going full-circle and sharing their expertise with the next generation as ASAP club leaders and trainers.
Alumni like Harrison Sanford.
And what’s unique about Harrison Sanford? Not only is he an ASAP Chess alum, but he got his start in chess under the tutelage of ASAP’s new Chess Manager and longtime tournament director, Brad Crable. The two first connected when Harrison was just 4 years-old and at the start of his lifelong chess journey.
On his way to earning a US Chess Federation rating in the 1800s, Harrison credits Brad with going above and beyond to support his chess-skill development by always pushing him to set high ambitions and celebrating his many accomplishments.
“Since the beginning Harrison has displayed a thirst for knowledge and a desire to learn new concepts. At a young age, he would read through chess books I recommended.”
–Brad Crable, ASAP Chess Manager
Chess Alumni takes on new role
Now a freshman at Temple University, alumni Harrison continues to be mentored by Brad; however, he’s learning a new set of skills as he earns his tournament director certification and becomes an advanced chess trainer. Harrison brings to these new roles a deep understanding of how chess can spark a young mind:
“Every time you play, it stimulates your brain. You develop discipline, patience, and wisdom.”
– Harrison Sanford, ASAP Chess Alumni
Chess: Beyond the Board
For this alumni, these are skills that can translate off the chessboard as well:
“At first I was hyperactive, but I learned to slow down. Now, in a new situation, I don’t act on impulse. I think, what’s the best course of action?”
– Harrison
In addition, the game had many social benefits for alumni, Harrison. He says that chess clubs felt like home for him, especially as a kid who changed schools several times. He always found new friends at his ASAP chess club – many of whom are still his close friends today. In fact, he met one of his best friends by beating him in a chess tournament at the Philadelphia Eagles’ stadium. No hard feelings though.
But perhaps most importantly, through all his experiences, Harrison believes that chess can help young people develop an affirming sense of identity:
“People will tell you what to do, like which opening [in a chess game] to do. But your opinion counts, too. You might find that a different opening suits you better.”
– Harrison
Looking Ahead
What’s up next for this chess alum? He will continue to train new ASAP club leaders in advanced chess skills, mentor students at his former school, J.R. Masterman, all the while studying at Temple University to become a math teacher.
How you can help!
As ASAP looks toward the next 20 years, our rallying call is “After School: We Build Futures,” in recognition of the critical role after school programs and mentors, just like Harrison, Brad, and Amy play in helping young people reach their full potential. And this fall, Thanks to the generosity of the Hamilton Family Charitable Trust, every donation made to ASAP before December 31st will be matched up to $25,000! Help ASAP build more futures and create more opportunities for youth in Philadelphia by making a donation and doubling your impact!
ASAP’s 20 Year Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser
Date: Thursday, September 22, 2022
Time: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Location: Craft Hall
901 N Delaware Ave, Phila, PA 19123
All proceeds benefit youth in Philadelphia through out-of-school time programs and experiences that enrich and inspire. Because…
After School: We Build Futures!
Event Features:
On Thursday, September 22, 2022, ASAP is hosting a special event & fundraiser to celebrate 20 years of making the after school hours count.
We look forward to coming together to honor all of the partners, educators, and stakeholders who have helped us serve more than 90,000 youth since our inception, and hearing from guest speakers on why ASAP’s mission is now more important than ever. The theme for the event is After School: We Build Futures and all proceeds support ASAP’s goal to increase the number of ASAP programs in Philadelphia public schools by 50%, serving an additional 1,000-2,000 kids by 2025.
Over the last month, ASAP has been sharing the stories of our committed Chess, Debate, and Scrabble partners in an effort to remind our community just how critical after school programs are in the lives of Philadelphia children as we continue to come back together. This week ASAP Drama takes center stage
In recent years, ASAP Drama has joined forces with Read By 4th and partners throughout the city to help Philadelphia children become strong, joyful readers. For ASAP Drama clubs serving students in grades K-3, this has meant pairing traditional after school club leaders – like classroom teachers, rec center staff, and out-of-school time providers – with experienced teaching artists (TAs) to use the exciting, creative energy of theatre arts to develop students’ fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
This partnership model, made possible by support from the William Penn Foundation, has been a great way for club leaders and teaching artists to harness their unique expertise to drive student engagement. For Ryan Pater, the ASAP Drama TA at Welsh Elementary, a community school in West Kensington, this kind of partnership has been critical.
“The support strikes a perfect balance of classroom management assistance and gives me the space to create a classroom dynamic that suits our work.”
-Ryan Pater, ASAP Drama Teaching Artist
ASAP Drama Teaching Artist, Ryan Pater, leads John Welsh Elementary students in a warm-up exercise
During the 2021-22 school year, the Welsh Elementary club and ASAP Drama programs citywide alike are following an original curriculum called “The World Around Me,” that features performance plays, workshops and in-person and virtual events to explore different aspects of storytelling, including character building, story-setting, and plot development. The goal is that by the end of the year students have a deeper understanding of how to create and construct their own stories.
So far, the students at Welsh Elementary have embraced the opportunity to flex their creative muscles:
“The drama club has been so beneficial to John Welsh School. With many of our kids filled with acting skills and much energy, I am so happy they can channel it and put it to use.”
-Ms. Keke, Program Coordinator, John Welsh Elementary School
And having drama club as a creative outlet has been beneficial both academically and socially for students during this particularly difficult time:
“During the pandemic, students have been finding it difficult to acclimate to school life once again. But our ASAP Drama team has been working to support teachers and students both during and in after school capacities. Helping young theatre artists focus their energy into creativity has been a joy of our work.”
-ASAP Drama Manager Garrick Morgan and ASAP Drama Coordinator Justin Mitchell
As ASAP continues to prioritize partnerships to achieve program success, we remain fueled by the positivity shared by our programs.
“Working at Welsh Academy in the ASAP Drama Program is a joy every time I show up. The students are enthusiastic and hungry to express themselves in whatever structure I create for them.”
-Ryan Pater, ASAP Drama teaching artist
How you can help
So this giving season, we ask that you help ASAP give schools like Welsh Elementary the support they need to help their students shine. We are most grateful for your generosity.
To support ASAP’s work, please consider making a donation today!
Thanks to the commitment of ASAP club leaders and coaches, students in Philadelphia aren’t letting the pandemic get in the way of pursuing their passions and bonding with their peers.
For Northeast High School freshmen Isaac and Reina, when it came to finding their place at their new school, they leaned on ASAP Debate—a program they’ve been a part of since the 6th grade.
“I am really grateful for ASAP for allowing me to experience the joy of Debate. I have loved it more and more each year. Even when Covid struck, ASAP went virtual and did not slow down at all.”
-Isaac
Pictured: Northeast debate coach Theresa Bramwell (bottom right), 9th grader Reina (top right), and 9th grader Isaac (top left)
And thanks to the recommendation of teacher and veteran coach Theresa Bramwell, Isaac and Reina are not only participating as freshmen — they are excelling. This young duo went straight to the Varsity division of ASAP’s Scholastic Debate League, competing against the city’s most seasoned competitive debaters on complex topics like whether or not the federal government should regulate the cryptocurrency industry.
But fear was no factor here.
“I was really grateful that she saw big potential in us and gave us the opportunity to thrive in Debate.”
-Isaac
“Winning debate matches as 9th graders in the varsity league is really uplifting. We were able to compete with other students who for all we knew could be seniors and still win nevertheless!”
-Reina
Coach Bramwell didn’t make the decision to promote lightly. With more than 10 years of coaching experience, she’s learned to recognize the potential of dedicated students like Isaac and Reina. So far, she’s impressed:
“Reina and Isaac write very sophisticated arguments. They’re having fun and doing great. They can hang with varsity!”
-Coach Bramwell
Combining their talents with guidance from their coach, Reina and Isaac have flourished:
“[Ms. Bramwell] is very gifted at making complicated topics understandable. With her help, I have learned to stop stuttering, argue both sides of an argument, and talk more fluidly.”
-Reina
So this giving season, we ask that you help ASAP give students like Reina and Isaac and coaches like Ms. Bramwell throughout Philadelphia the after school opportunities and experiences they deserve. Your generosity and partnership does not go unnoticed, by both ASAP, and the students we serve.
“I am so happy to be a part of a program that is so determined to provide youth with so many skills and opportunities.”
-Isaac
“I am grateful for my coaches, my current debate partner, Isaac, and to ASAP debate who made this all possible!”
“After school activities are part of students’ lives, so if you take it away you’re taking part of their lives.”
Yves-Melsein Metellus, 12th grade
Dear Friend,
Over the last 18 months, the pandemic has robbed young people in our city of many of the experiences, such as after school programs and relationships that enrich their lives and shape their futures. With the support of individuals like you, ASAP is helping schools give their students after school activities that can reignite their love for learning, reconnect them to their school communities, and give them safe spaces when the school day ends.
Together, we are giving students the opportunities they deserve. Students like Yves.
After leaving his native Haiti in 2018, Yves enrolled at Franklin Learning Center (FLC) which offers a “newcomer” program for immigrant students. There, Yves’s Algebra teacher, Ms. Saganti, took an interest and invited him to join her ASAP Chess club. Yves was still learning English and didn’t know how to play chess, but he immediately felt at ease:
“Not speaking the language, you feel like an outlier. But they were all immigrants, so right away I had a sense I belonged.”
― Yves
Inspired by his new friends, Yves was soon studying tactics on YouTube at night and competing in ASAP Chess tournaments on the weekend. By February 2020, this “newcomer” to both chess and America was recognized as the top 10th grader in ASAP’s citywide chess league! It was an affirming moment for Yves and for his coach.
“I have seen kids with the fear they can’t do it. But their skills and confidence increase. They find the courage to be there and to compete. It is a big achievement.” ― Yves
Teens need our help. In a recent study, 46% of parents said their teen has shown signs of new or worsening mental health conditions since the pandemic began.
Yet, it seemed Yves’s triumph would be short-lived. Just weeks later COVID-19 shut down schools across Philadelphia and abruptly ended the chess season. It was a crushing blow.
“The world just stopped. It was very sad. I didn’t know when I’d see people again.”
― Yves
But Yves wasn’t about to give up on chess or his team. They mattered too much. Thankfully, Ms. Saganti was also determined to help her students remain connected. With ASAP’s support, she started a virtual chess club. It caught on quickly.
“Club ran Fridays 3:15 to 4:15 but they stayed til 5pm. I told them ‘Go home, log out, do something else!’ But they didn’t want to, because of the friendships.”
― Ms. Saganti
Under Ms. Saganti’s guidance, FLC’s chess club has flourished during the pandemic – providing a space for even more newcomers to find their place and hone their talents.
“Chess is a platform for these kids. They learn strategies; how to communicate. It helps them connect to one another.”
― Ms. Saganti
Yves, now a senior and team captain, is eager to win more awards when in-person tournaments return. But the past year has helped him gain perspective on what is truly valuable:
“Ms. Saganti has nurtured me since I was a freshman. When you have someone you can count on — someone that’s there for you – that’s a precious type of relationship.”
― Yves
ASAP is proud to work with so many dedicated educators and mentors, like Ms. Saganti, to help students do what they love after school. With your gift, we can provide the platforms for more kids, just like Yves, to feel at home and pursue their full potential.
“I have grown in ways I couldn’t have expected. I look back and say ‘Wow, that was me two years ago and this is me now.”
As we work towards brighter futures for kids in Philly, we are most grateful for your support.
Sincerely,
ASAP
P.S. Relationships matter! 89% of teachers say ASAP clubs help them develop strong relationships with students. Join us in supporting the mentors making a difference in the lives of Philly kids!
Tuesday’s mass shooting in Atlanta was the latest of a series of disturbing, racist and violent actions perpetrated against people from Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. These incidents have no place in our society and strike at the very heart of the values we profess to cherish most dearly as Americans.
AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) students and families have been a vital part of ASAP’s after school communities since our inception and we are honored to partner with so many organizations who work tirelessly to empower and support all members of Philadelphia’s AAPI community and celebrate our city’s rich and diverse Asian heritages.
Yet, we know from listening to our peers that simply condemning heinous acts of racism is not enough. As an organization and as individuals, we recognize that it is our shared responsibility to ensure we are actively creating safe spaces that promote compassion, empathy, trust, and tolerance for all children. We recognize that we, too, have a responsibility to raise awareness for the devastating impacts of racism and to help prepare our friends, neighbors, and fellow citizens take measures to combat racism wherever they encounter it.
To this end, we encourage you to join us in exploring and sharing these extensive resources to help us become more informed about the histories, narratives, and statistics of anti-Asian prejudice and violence in our country and learn about the different steps we can all take to help bring an end to this hate.
