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.
“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.
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
“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!
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
“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.
“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.
“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.
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.
With summer just around the corner, you can supportASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots through the spring and all summer long by simply making a donationand sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!
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.
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.
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 MarathonNovember 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.
“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.
“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.”
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.
Through the winter months, you can supportASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donationand sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.
Through the winter months, you can supportASAP’s work in Philadelphia’s gun violence hot spots, by simply making a donationand sharing our stories of impact with the people you care about!
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.
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 sanctuaryof 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, bakingpowder, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 dominatedASAP’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.
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.
On behalf of ASAP’s Board of Directors, I want to offer our sincere congratulations and best wishes to Justin Ennis on his next chapter as the Executive Director of Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS). Over the past 12 years, Justin has been an integral part of ASAP’s success, leading a team that has transformed the way we look at out-of-school time activities. His dedication and commitment to Philadelphia’s most vulnerable youth will impact our organization for many years to come — and for that, we are extremely grateful for his service.
We are sure to miss him dearly.
Without a doubt, ASAP and its city-wide reach are on the rise, finishing one of our most successful years in service yet. At the end of the 2022-2023 school year, ASAP surpassed our pre-pandemic figures for youth served and increasing our number of programs in neighborhood public schools and communities with the highest rates of gun violence by 50% — in just one year!! Thanks to our staff and board leadership, coupled with our amazing school and community partners, network of supporters, and colleagues in the City and School District, we feel excited and energized for ASAP’s next chapter.
Next, as part of this transition, the Board unanimously voted to name Sara Morningstar as the organization’s Interim Executive Director thanks to her unwavering dedication to transform ASAP into an organization with a deep commitment to learning and continuous quality improvement. We are deeply appreciative of Sara for stepping up to serve as interim ED.
In addition, to ensure ASAP can build on last year’s incredible campaign and deepen its impact in schools and communities that need us the most, the board also unanimously promoted Tori Bakey-Urban to the position of Director of Development & Communications after being a driving force in ASAP’s growth over the last seven years.
We very much look forward to working with Sara, Tori, and the ASAP team to continue to empower youth and strengthen communities through our programming, and appreciate your support as we take the next steps.
To that end, please join me and the Board of Directors in thanking Justin for his service!!
In partnership,
Jenaye Munford ASAP Board Chair
You can read ASAP’s Executive Director Justin Ennis’ 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.
A message from ASAP’s Executive Director, Justin Ennis
“I’ve always loved a good fight. I’ve always rooted for the underdog. I’ve always cherished the difficult victories — and near-victories — the most.
Put another way, I’ve always been Team Philly.
Fresh out of college, the vague notion of “fighting” on behalf of Philly public schools and their students is what brought me to ASAP as an AmeriCorps VISTA 17 years ago to manage their nascent scholastic chess program. I was hardly a decent chess player, but I thought it would be a fun way to spend a year…
In retrospect, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. Yet, as soon as I organized my first chess tournament, that all changed. Behind schedule, under-supplied, and under-staffed — the event was a disaster. But to see 200 kids queueing up outside the Community College of Philadelphia on a chilly Saturday morning, eager to spend their weekend putting their skills to the test, committed to learning from their mistakes, and hoping to make connections with like-minded peers – this chaotic spectacle of a poorly-run chess tournament made me realize what all my previous fights were missing: a sense of purpose.
From that moment on, every day spent working on behalf of these students — and on behalf of the dedicated educators, parents, and volunteers who ran ASAP’s chess clubs — was a gift. And thanks to the patient and generous wisdom of my two dearest mentors and friends – ASAP’s founder Marciene Mattleman and former executive director Maria Walker – the chess tournaments became better-run, trophy cases across the School District became packed with chess awards, and many more kids throughout Philly got the opportunity to showcase the amazing things they could do with just 32 pieces and 64 squares.
After 3 years running ASAP’s chess program, I left for a stint at the Arts & Business Council, a program of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce. But my heart was still with ASAP’s students and club leaders, and in 2011 I was honored to return to ASAP as its new executive director. In retrospect, I had no idea what I was getting myself into…again. But this time around I knew “the why.” As ASAP’s ED for the last 12 years my fight has been to convince school, civic, and philanthropic leaders of the urgent need to close the after school and summer enrichment gap for youth in Philadelphia. My fight has been to help under-resourced schools in the city provide their students with opportunities to discover and explore interests outside of the classroom that can unlock their potential and inspire them to be their best. Then there’s my favorite fight of all — to empower children from historically marginalized communities with the confidence that they belong among the brilliant minds in the ultra-competitive arenas of chess and Scrabble, that their voices deserve to be heard in the elite world of scholastic debate, and that their ideas and their stories are worthy of the stage.
And each day has been a gift.
Now, after nearly two decades with ASAP, I am ready for a new fight.
I am humbled and excited to announce that on August 15, 2023 I will start my next chapter as the new executive director of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School (POBS). Much like ASAP, POBS has been an incredible champion for young people in Philadelphia for over 30 years. With the mission to change lives through challenge and discovery, POBS has impacted more than 75,000 students through activities and expeditions that nurture leadership, resilience, and compassion. While I have big shoes to fill taking over for Meg Wise as she pursues her next adventure, I have the privilege of working with an incredibly talented and devoted team who has made POBS a standard-bearer in the worlds of experiential learning and youth development. Together, we will endeavor to take POBS to new heights and forge new pathways for students and educators to discover just what they are capable of.
As I prepare to move on from ASAP, I offer my most sincere gratitude to all the individuals and partners who have supported, encouraged, and tolerated me and my various soapboxes over the last 12 years. Your impact on me and ASAP has been beyond measure.
To everyone on ASAP’s amazing staff and our incredibly devoted board members – past and present – thank you for inspiring me, challenging me, uplifting me, and entrusting me to lead such an exceptional, ambitious, and impactful organization. It has been the honor of my lifetime.
And while leaving ASAP is bittersweet, I am overjoyed that I will be leaving the organization in phenomenally good hands. Earlier this month, ASAP’s board unanimously voted to name Sara Morningstar as the organization’s Interim Executive Director. I’ve had the honor of working alongside Sara for nearly a decade, most recently in her roles as ASAP’s Director of Programs and Deputy Executive Director. During her tenure Sara has preserved our “whatever it takes” dedication to service while helping transform ASAP into an organization with a deep commitment to learning and continuous quality improvement.
As Interim ED, Sara will lead a team that I can easily say is the strongest group of leaders and after school champions that we have ever had. This is the group that led ASAP to its best year ever in 2023, surpassing our pre-pandemic figures for youth served and increasing our number of programs in neighborhood public schools and communities with the highest rates of gun violence by 50% — in just one year!!
To ensure ASAP can build on last year’s incredible campaign and deepen its impact in schools and communities that need us the most, the board also unanimously promoted Tori Bakey-Urban to the position of Director of Development & Communications. A department of one, Tori has been a driving force in ASAP’s growth over the last 7 years and is poised for great things with this new opportunity.
I hope you can join me in congratulating Sara and Tori on their well-deserved recognition!!
Without a doubt, ASAP is an organization on the rise. Bolstered by our amazing school and community partners, our incredible network of supporters, and our dedicated colleagues in the City and School District, I am certain that ASAP’s best days are yet to come. On behalf of Sara, Tori, and the rest of the team at ASAP — thank you for staying in the fight with us.”
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.
ASAP is grateful that you share our belief that fun, structured after school and summer programs allow young people to discover new interests, form positive peer groups, and develop social-emotional and academic skills that will help them succeed in the classroom & beyond.Because of your incredible support and partnership we hit some amazing milestones during the 2022-2023 school year!
Participated in ASAP Chess, ASAP Debate, ASAP Drama, and ASAP Scrabble clubs
200 schools
ASAP partnered with more than 200 schools, libraries, and recreation centers to provide out-of-school time enrichment programs each year
339 Clubs
Met weekly at more than 200 schools, libraries and recreation centers
100 %
of School Partner Principals would recommend ASAP to another school or site
107 %
Increase in number of ASAP clubs since the COVID19 pandemic restrictions
47 %
of ASAP’s high priority location clubs are new this year, in large part due to the work of ASAP’s new Strategic Engagement Team.
78 %
of ASAP’s clubs are located in ASAP’s priority locations – traditional neighborhood public schools and the 15 Philadelphia zip codes with the highest rates of gun violence.
95 %
of ASAP’s Club Leaders agree/ strongly agree that ASAP Club gave students a sense of belonging at school
70 Events
ASAP coordinated more than 70 events, competitions, & performances attended by hundreds of family, friends & supporters!
Student Impact Testimonials
“Debate has now set the standard for who I am today, has become an outlet for me to express myself, and has influenced me throughout my life.”
–Rose, 9th Grade, Academy at Palumbo
ASAP Debate
“Chess allows me to think in the moment, slowly and calmly.”
-Klevisa Bashalli
ASAP’s Female Chess Player of the Year 2023
We have learned so much this year and appreciate all your wisdom, advice and for being part of our OEC family!”
Diane Honor
Overbrook Education Center, ASAP Scrabble Club Leader
“The students learned so much, and it was so rewarding to watch their skills improve and their confidence soar!”
Additional impact this year: 5 Scholarship Opportunities!
This spring, thanks to generous donations made byfriends and family in memory of Gino Giumarello II, ASAP was able to award five, $1,000 scholarships to high school chess seniors who demonstrate excellence in areas of sportsmanship, perseverance, and community.
One of the scholarship winners, Klevisa Bashalli was also named ASAP’s Female Chess Player of the Year. Klevisa on the impact of ASAP’s chess program:
“Thank you for talking with me at every tournament and calming my nerves about chess games and life in general. You all have taught me some valuable lessons. I’ll try to never forget them. This whole year has been so much fun. I will miss every moment, and also carry them in my heart forever.”
Thank you for helping ASAP reach thousands of students this year! If you’d like to continue to support ASAP programs through the summer and into the upcoming 2023-2024 school year please visit: www.phillyasap.org/donate or click the button below!
“Drama has taught me how to love myself and love who I’m meant to be.”
-Ceanni Santiago, ASAP Drama student mentor
Students turned mentors
It’s hard to believe that Ceanni Santiago, ASAP Drama’s rising star in 2019 is going to be a senior in high school this fall at ASPIRA Cyber Charter School. For years, Ceanni took to the stage in ASAP’s Multi-School Musical Productions, including Fame Jr., Little Mermaid Jr., and Barrio Grrrl!, sharing:
“Performing lets people see who I really am – without the shyness.”
― Ceanni, ASAP Drama Mentor
Fast forward to June 2023, and Ceanni is now our rising peer mentor for ASAP Drama. This year in particular, Ceanni has been working as an assistant director on ASPIRA’s Spring Multi-School-Musical, Frozen: Kids. On working behind the scenes in the role of a mentor, she states:
“I love being here, working with the students. It’s awesome to see how far they’ve come!”
-Ceanni, ASAP Drama Mentor
Mentors take the stage
As a mentor, Ceanni has truly become someone her younger peers can really look up to and depend on. She even works closely with the director of the production to keep her aspiring young artists on task and motivated. And when it came time for spring break right in the middle of their rehearsal timeline, Ceanni knew just what to say to keep the momentum going:
“You all know the work it took to get here. And you know the work that needs to be done to get where you want to be. Work with your script over the break! You deserve to show up as the best you can be.”
– Ceanni, ASAP Drama Mentor
Her work as a mentor clearly paid off on opening night about a month later. The young performers gave it their all while a beaming Ceanni sat in the front row cheering them on. Ceanni’s leap from peer to mentor has been as meaningful to her as it is to the middle schoolers she works with.
“ASAP Drama has given me so much. I love getting to do this, it’s made me excited about theater! And it’s so great to watch the middle schoolers grow.”
-Ceanni, ASAP Drama Mentor
But we need your help!
You can support ASAP’s community of student mentors by making a donation at www.phillyasap.org/donate
Brett Dunlap is a lead middle school social studies teacher at Andrew J. Morrison School, a neighborhood public school in North Philadelphia. Going into this year, Brett was concerned that some of his students might not have somewhere safe to go after school. He felt his students needed a place they could relax. But he felt they also needed a space where they could speak their minds and see other perspectives.
“Debate was something new to the students and we had no history of debating in our school. So the kids didn’t know what to expect. They just knew, ‘I want to argue.’ And then of course when you’re trying to structure something in an organized manner, no one wants to talk.”
– Brett Dunlap, ASAP Debate Coach, Morrison School
Leaders in Training
To give the Morrison students a vision of where their debate team could go, ASAP staff leaders invited them to observe one of its monthly middle school tournaments. After witnessing their peer leaders from across the city present their arguments on the topic of cyberbullying, the Morrison students felt inspired.
As lead coach for Morrison School, for Brett the tournament was equally eye-opening.
“We all fall victim to categorizing people, generalizing, and falling into certain stereotypes. So to see the number of kids and the types of kids who were actually interested, that was exciting for me.”
-Brett
Mentorship Builds Strong Leaders
To support Morrison and get the students ready to compete on their own, ASAP Debate paired the Morrison team with two experienced ASAP high school lead debaters —Iya Nealy from Girls’ High and Ana Sorrentino from Masterman School —to serve as their peermentors and leaders.
“The high school mentors are great. Their composure, their maturity level, their knowledge of the process, their willingness. They just seemed so far advanced that the kids really respected what they said. They really respected them as debate coaches. I don’t think they look at them as high school students. They look at them as somebody who’s far more knowledgeable and they really can learn from them.”
– Brett
Leaders inside & outside the classroom
And the skills the Morrison student leaders have gained through debate aren’t only helping them win debate matches. Brett noticed during the school day, his students from debate club are speaking up more in front of the class, their writing is improving and they’re gaining more confidence. He also feels strongly that having ASAP Debate at Morrison has helped to mitigate even some behavioral issues that one might normally have during the school day.
And how do the student leaders feel?
“Debate makes it easy to communicate with other people about anything in a respectful manner.”
ASAP Debate is grateful to partner with teachers like Brett and high school mentors like Iya and Ana who help to create a space for students to feel safe to speak their mind while building a community of future advocates and leaders.
But we need your help!
You can support ASAP’s community of future leaders by making a donation at www.phillyasap.org/donate
According to Parkway West High School senior Derrick Moore, chess has set him up to tackle all of life’s greatest decisions – especially those pertaining to life after high school. Derrick’s ability to envision several steps ahead is no surprise to those in the ASAP Chesscommunity who know Derrick, including his chess coach, Jason Bui. Coach Bui has been a long-time partner to ASAP Chess and has coached hundreds of students over the years as a teacher at Mitchell Elementary in Southwest Philly and as the leader of the Minor Threats Chess Club.
Some of Coach Bui’s students, like Derrick, were pretty young when they started:
“I started playing chess nine years ago. I was in third grade.”
-Derrick Moore, – Parkway West High School, Senior, Minor Threats Chess Club with ASAP Chess
A Community of Lessons Learned
Derrick’s commitment to chess and to honing his abilities in ASAP’s scholastic chess league and weekend tournaments has all attributed to his strong analytical and decision-making skills. He recognizes that win or lose, reviewing games for mistakes made by himself of his opponents is an essential strategy for long-term success — both in the game of chess and in life.
“Even if you lose, it’s important to learn from it and expand your knowledge of the game to go even further than expected. Even if it’s hard, it’s a task that rewards even the most resilient of people and ultimately enhances your life.”
-Derrick
Those strategic-thinking skills will come in handy faster than Derrick might have anticipated as he now chooses what to do after high school. He was proud to share with ASAP that he has been accepted into several universities including Cheney, Temple, West Chester, and Lincoln, to name a few.
“All the colleges I applied for accepted me! A few are even giving me partial scholarships to cover payments too!”
-Derrick
A Community of Decision-Makers
Now comes the time for Derrick to decide!
As Derrick contemplates his school of choice and decides between a major in computer science or cyber security, rest assured that he has the tools to make the right move toward a bright future.
“Chess already has helped in my life. I have had access to things most people can only imagine, and given me the opportunity to see and do more than most my age would do. That alone has put me ahead for the rest of my life, and I’m extremely grateful for it.”
But it’s not what you think. Jason wasn’t ecstatic over a bingo or a triple word score – he was elated that he overcame his fear of elevators that day. We see this a lot at ASAP – our community of students experiencing real-life “firsts,” whether it be their first time on a field trip, first time competing outside the city of Philadelphia, or even their first time riding an elevator.
At ASAP Scrabble’s annual Keep Calm and Scrabble On event, students shared many firsts amongst a community of supportive, like-minded peers. Featuring literacy games, read-alouds with local authors, and – of course – two rounds of tournament Scrabble, this event brings together more than 100 students from across the city to cap off a year of fun, friendly community competition. The event was also an opportunity for some of ASAP Scrabble’s newest clubs to get in on the community of fun– like the team from Powel Elementary:
“There is so much excitement from our students about Keep Calm”
– Oliver Strickland, ASAP Scrabble Club Leader, Powel Elementary School
A Community of Parents
Despite this being Powel’s first tournament of the year, they showed up in full force, backed by a team of supportive parents. Oliver, or as his students call him “Teacher Strickland”, brought with him 17 brand new Scrabble players from grades 1st-4th grade with 9 parents as their cheerleaders.
Another group among the first timers to join this community was long-time ASAP partner, Wagner Middle School. Coach Jennifer Dougherty brought an all-girls squad of 10 students. Among them was 6th grader, Sophia Wilson who had only been playing for a couple of weeks, but enjoys spending time with her friends during Scrabble club.
On calming those first-time competition nerves, Sophia shared:
“I did an okay job. I did get a little stressed out, but I fixed myself and I figured it out!”
Sophia Wilson, 6th Grade, Wagner Middle School
ASAP is proud of its community of students, coaches, teachers, and parents that make this event possible each year. And even more proud of the safe environment our community has facilitated for students to be themselves while playing a game that they love. Keep Calm may have been the last Scrabble event of the school year, but it’s only the beginning for these young Scrabblers.
“Expect to see us again next year with (hopefully) an even bigger and better team!”
– Valerie Nagorski, ASAP Scrabble Club Leader, Mayfair Elementary
Your contribution makes a difference in our after school scrabble community
“I’m grateful we get to provide an environment at [ASAP Scrabble] where they’re safe. Where they get to learn and be themselves.”
– Julia Feliciano, Norris Square Community Alliance, ASAP Scrabble Coach
Dear Friend,
The Need
The far-reaching effects of the pandemic and surging gun violence have created unprecedented challenges for children in Philadelphia. However, with a donation to ASAP, you can help schools and communities across the city provide after school and summer enrichment (like ASAP Scrabble) that inspires learning, keeps kids safe, and helps them get back on track.
Notably Schools like McKinley, a neighborhood public school in West Kensington.
After School at McKinley
For the last seventeen years, Julia Feliciano has run after school programs at McKinley through the Norris Square Community Alliance. Like most of us, Julia was eager for a return-to-normal after two years of navigating COVID. But when her students returned to McKinley, she discovered the impact of the pandemic was much greater than she expected.
“We’re starting back at square one. I feel schools lost their sense of community. Parents are not as trusting anymore and schools are not as welcoming to parents at times.”
— ASAP Scrabble Coach, Julia
Equally important, when the school reopened Julia noticed many of her younger students had fallen behind – especially in their reading skills.
“They were struggling to identify words. They weren’t on their appropriate levels.”
— ASAP Scrabble Coach, Julia
ASAP Scrabble makes way at McKinley
Faced with the need to both engage her families AND address her students’ reading losses, Julia turned to longtime partner ASAP – specifically, ASAP Scrabble.
“Scrabble helps kids identify where they’re most weak at in their literacy skills. It helps the children succeed and move up in reading.”
— ASAP Scrabble Coach, Julia
Julia and her team received training, equipment, and other resources from ASAP. Consequently, the Scrabble club at McKinley took off, growing to 40 students playing weekly – including eight pairs of siblings.
In a school that is predominantly Latino, the club has been especially impactful for Julia’s Spanish-speaking families.
“My Dominican students — they came to this country two years ago. The parents have noticed with us doing Scrabble activities with them, their kids are speaking more fluently now. They’re actually talking to their parents in English and they’re like: ‘Wait. Hold up.’”
– ASAP Scrabble Coach, Julia
Despite all the challenges Julia has encountered the last couple of years, seeing the difference enrichment programs like Scrabble have made for her students makes it all worthwhile.
“Scrabble is the best thing. It’s really important for the kids to gain literacy skills to be able to move on in life.”
– ASAP Scrabble Coach, Julia
ASAP reconnecting school communities
The McKinley Scrabble club is just one of more than 300 after school and summer enrichment clubs ASAP has supported this year. ASAP has reconnected thousands of kids to their school communities and reignited their love of learning.
For this reason, ASAP is committed to helping more schools and communities achieve a new “normal.” One that ensures all students have access to safe, enriching activities and experiences that can help them succeed in school and beyond.
Through your generosity, ASAP can be the partner that community leaders like Julia and schools like McKinley deserve. And together, we can build a better future for young people in our city.
For this reason, we are most grateful for your support
P.S. 77% of ASAP’s clubs serve youth in neighborhood public schools and areas with the highest rates of gun violence. Give today and help us provide safe, enriching spaces for youth in communities that need it the most!!
ASAP Scrabble students – forever champions!
Over the last few years, ASAP has sponsored dozens of Scrabble champions to compete in the North American School Scrabble Championships (NASSC) — hosted in cities nationwide. And just like our Nationals-bound chess players, during the School District of Philadelphia’s spring recess, ASAP’s most dedicated young Scrabble champions traveled to the nation’s capital to compete against the best and brightest wordsmiths from across the continent. Of the students competing at the Championships, more than half had never been to the NASSC Tournament before nor travelled outside of Philadelphia. Consequently, championship participant Eric Amabile, 8th grader from Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), summed up his experience as a first-time NAASC competitor:
“It’s been awesome — very different from past things where you would just take the bus to somewhere in Philadelphia. It’s very professional, the way that it’s set up, and all the people that can help us out.”
Eric Amabile, 8th Grader at GAMP
Nevertheless, that same upbeat championship attitude didn’t stop there. ASAP Scrabble students from Overbrook Educational Center (OEC) brought a contagious, ambitious, positive energy to the game floor that weekend:
“I’m not nervous, I’m excited. I’ve placed in other tournaments before, so I’m hoping to get at least top 5.”
Nyeisha Greenidge, 5th Grader at OEC
The Nationals Winner Circle
All told, these fearless word nerds played an intense 5 hours of Scrabble on that first championship day, with two teams — King Tang & Naomi Tran and Minh LeNyugen & Vihann Kaushik of GAMP — landing in 7th and 8th place, respectively. By the second day, Minh & Vihaan were able to retain their top 10 ranking, finishing 9th overall in the Championship Division.
Forever Champions
Despite not everyone bringing home a trophy that weekend, the smiles never left the kids’ faces. In between rounds, you would be hard-pressed to find a sour face in the bunch. Instead, the halls were littered with pats on the backs and positive affirmations like “I gave it my best” or “I’m ready for next year!”
Likewise, Overbrook Educational Center ASAP Scrabble Coach Sandra Spencer also shared that sentiment:
“In our club we have fun and we don’t emphasize winning or losing- we just emphasize teamwork. We emphasize having fun, enjoying yourself, and shaking hands after you win and lose. Just have fun, that’s all. I think it’s a wonderful opportunity for our children to compete against other students from different states so they can understand and learn how to be amongst other students win or lose. They’re still all champions.”
Sandra Spencer, Coach at OEC
Congratulations to all championship competitors!
Overbrook Educational Center, Girard Academic Music Program (GAMP), Academy at Palumbo, and PA Cyber Charter School.
Unquestionably, Mrs. Spencer echos how we all feel about these inspiring competitors- they’re forever champions to us.
Still to come this Spring at ASAP!
ASAP Spring Appeal
Coming Soon: Featuring North Square Community Alliance and the ASAP Scrabble club at McKinley Elementary School
More than 40 ASAP Chess students traveled to DC to compete amongst 1,700 players from across the country. Read more to see who came out on top at the K-12 National Chess Championships.
After School (and in the office): We Build Futures
Coming out of the pandemic, ASAP’s office has worked closely with schools throughout the city to help them re-engage their students. How? By providing after school opportunities that speak to their interests and can reignite their love for learning. To ensure our services reach communities with the greatest needs, this year ASAP’s office welcomed a new strategic engagement team. Their job is to prioritize outreach to neighborhood public schools and areas with the highest rates of gun violence.
Corporate Life
And when it comes to starting a new partnership with schools, it pays to have the right corporate messenger.
Enter ASAP’s newest Outreach Coordinator: John Green aka Johnny Scrabble
John will tell you that Scrabble changed his life. For the past 12 years John has been a beloved staple of ASAP Scrabble – coaching clubs at schools across the city while also training dozens of new Scrabble club leaders each year.
Dedication to service
Nearest and dearest to John’s heart has been his work at the Juvenile Justice Center. There, he introduces the game of Scrabble to incarcerated youth while sharing his own experiences from his time spent in the criminal justice system. John’s dedication to enriching the lives of young people in Philadelphia earned him the first-ever Mayor’s Philly Hero Award in 2017.
Given his resume, it’s safe to say John was more than qualified to take on a new corporate challenge. And since joining ASAP’s strategic engagement team in August, John has been instrumental in developing new partnerships with ASAP’s high-priority schools. From site visits to tabling events, he’s been meeting with anyone and everyone to spread the word about ASAP.
Strategic Outreach
The proof is in the numbers. Since just the start of the school year, John and the strategic engagement team have helped establish nearly 75 new clubs . This includes 58 new clubs in neighborhood public schools – 33 of which are in the 15 zip codes with the highest rates of gun violence, according to the City’s Office of the Controller.
“Instead of going to a school and trying to reach one or two teachers about Scrabble, now I can contact entire administration offices and get all four of our initiatives in there at once.”
– John Green
Johnny Corporate
And while making connections and charming school administrators is nothing new for John, office life is. As he likes to say, Johnny Scrabble has become Johnny Corporate.
“This (office) job has taught me a lot about professionalism. Everything from the way I talk, to the way I dress, it’s all different now.”
-John Green
On working alongside John in the office, fellow Outreach Coordinator Gianna Colantuono says:
“Outreach has a nice tag team going on. When I have trouble reaching out to someone, John can help me out and when he needs help with tech things, I can help him.”
-Gianna Colantuono
It’s been wonderful watching John flourish in his new corporate position. And while he might be well-adjusted to office life now, it will never get old hearing from the young people he’s impacted through the years. Just last week, one of his former students at the Juvenile Justice Center reached out to John to say that he’s doing well and is furthering his studies at Temple University!
How does that make John feel? Those who know John will likely already know the answer:
“I’m on top of the world!”
-John Green
In keeping with the theme for our 20th year — After School: We Build Futures – John’s story demonstrates how finding something you love can change the course of your life. This winter we hope you will consider helping ASAP connect more youth in Philadelphia with after school activities and experiences that can change their lives.
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!
As ASAP looks toward our next 20 years of service, our rallying call is“After School: We Build Futures,” in recognition of the critical role after school programs and mentors play in helping young people fulfill their dreams. Young people like ASAP Debate alum Merley Lafleur.
Merley finds her place with debate
After leaving her native Haiti, Merley’s first years navigating the Philadelphia public school system were challenging. Bolstered by her strong faith and pride in her Haitian heritage, Merley slowly found her place at Frankford, a neighborhood high school in lower Northeast Philly.
Then, in her junior year, Merley realized that to achieve the future she envisioned, she needed to be able to advocate for herself. She needed to find her voice.
“I never knew how to process my thoughts, convey an idea so that it’s clear, to the point, but also powerful. So when debate came in, I jumped at the idea.”
–Merley Lafleur
Caring Adults Leading Debate
Consequently, under the guidance of her African-American History teacher, Ms. Kathy Bender, Merley captained Frankford’s first team in over a decade to join ASAP’s Scholastic Debate League, where they competed against the best debaters in the city.
“We were a nervous wreck. We were encouraging each other while still being scared. It was a great time.”
-Merley
Merley Finds Her Voice at Debate
Although daunting at first, Merley learned to pore through dense evidence packets, craft concise and compelling arguments, and express her ideas with confidence.
“I’m an introvert and I hate speaking. It takes a lot of energy out of me. But by the end of senior year it was like a switch. I was actually pushing towards doing those things.”
-Merley
After School: We Build Futures
Next, she graduated from Frankford ultimately taking the research skills and determination she honed through ASAP Debate helped carry Merley through the rigors of a degree in bioengineering at Temple University. Now a graduate student at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, she hopes to apply her debate experience to provide the best care for the communities she serves.
“I loved that I could use the skills I learned in debate to advocate for myself. And in the future, when I have patients, it’s about how well can I advocate for them. Especially if they are marginalized.”
–Merley
After School Matters
For debate alum Merley, to care for her community means advocating for after school programs – especially at a time of unprecedented gun violence and withering faith in our public schools.
“I’ve seen what young people are going through and these after school activities are essential. They’re actually saving lives.”
-Merley
And essential to these programs, like ASAP Debate, are the caring adults who lend their time and talents to help young people thrive. Merley fondly recalls Ms. Bender and all of her mentors, and every pep talk and life lesson that has helped shape her character and chart her path forward.
“To this day I haven’t found anyone that has done it by themselves.”
–Merley
How you can help!
That’s why we need your help
As ASAP enters its third decade, we are committed to connecting children in Philadelphia with the resources, the experiences, and the mentors that can put their dreams within reach.
With the generosity of people like you, ASAP can be the partner our schools, our educators and our families deserve. And together, we can build a better future for young people in our city.
In this important work, we are most grateful for your support.
P.S. 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!! Give today and double your impact!!
