Green Bay Area Public School District Delivers Vital Afterschool Programming to its Community

With 11 sites serving nearly 800 students, the Green Bay Area Public School District is delivering vital afterschool programming to its community. On Thursday, I had the privilege of meeting the incredible team behind these efforts (Amy Fish and Sara Rathsack) and visiting Nicolet Elementary for a firsthand look.

Yeng Her, who coordinates the program at Nicolet, is doing an outstanding job creating fresh, engaging activities. It was inspiring to see such a wide range of options that not only support academic growth but also introduce kids to entirely new skills. During my visit, students enjoyed dinner, used knitting machines, sewed monster plushies, made puppets, played literacy games, played a game of dodgeball, and even had time to run around outside.

Spotlight on COMSA: Meeting the Needs of Newcomer Youth and Families in Green Bay

In a small but lively space tucked behind the Pancake Place restaurant on Green Bay’s Military Avenue, the Community Services Agency—better known as COMSA—is helping newcomer families build new lives in Wisconsin. Its afterschool and summer programs are more than a place for kids to learn and play. They’re a bridge between cultures—and a vital source of stability for families starting over.

A Program That Meets Kids Where They Are
COMSA serves families from Afghanistan, Somalia, and Ukraine, offering both academic and cultural support for children and parents. “Our afterschool program is multifaceted,” explained Program Director Annmarie Lahti. “One goal is, of course, to support their academics. But we also work on helping them engage across communities. We have all three cultures together, which means they’re using English and learning how to get along with people who are different from them.”

Creativity was on full display at Milwaukee Recreation’s second annual Creative Allies Exhibition!

Milwaukee Recreation is providing incredible opportunities for young artists! In May, it was the second annual Creative Allies art exhibition in which 10 different Milwaukee Recreation afterschool sites partnered with Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design and UW-Milwaukee’s Peck School of the Arts to create an entire gallery of art.

Young artists were guided by experienced artists and worked for 11 different sessions before their pieces were hung in the Inova gallery on the UW- Milwaukee campus. Students were bused to the gallery so they could see their work on display as well as interact with the works of the other participants at the exhibit’s reception.

Building Sustainable and Inclusive Out-of-School Time Programs in Oshkosh Public Schools

Zach Starkey, Community Learning Centers Director, is making a meaningful impact in Oshkosh Area School District (OASD), continuing to build sustainable out-of-school time programs that serve both children and their families. With a strong emphasis on creating community hubs, the afterschool programs foster deep connections between students, families, and staff. Every month, program staff make it a priority to engage with every family—ensuring ongoing support, even for those on the waitlist. They also mentor students during lunch, strengthening relationships that go beyond day-to day interactions in programs.

Looking ahead, a Parent University initiative is set to launch next year, providing parents with valuable tools to enhance their confidence and peace of mind. These sessions will cover practical skills, such as understanding current math instruction to better assist with homework, as well as life skills like learning how to change a car’s oil to help families save money.

Spotlight on Eisenhower Afterschool: Building Brighter Futures through Community and Enrichment

At Eisenhower Elementary in Green Bay, an afterschool program is making a big difference for kids through its dynamic blend of academic support, creative enrichment, and strong community partnerships. This 21st Century Community Learning Center is a collaborative effort between the Green Bay Area Public Schools and the YMCA of Greater Green Bay. Offered free to all students at the school, it’s a shining example of how afterschool programming can extend learning beyond the classroom and connect students with their community.

According to Samantha Gerzcak, the program’s experienced coordinator, this partnership blends structure and creativity in powerful ways. “We integrate the Y’s core values with district guidelines and our federal grant to provide kids with an experience they might not otherwise have,” she explains.

Building for Kids Children’s Museum: An Amazing Opportunity for Growth

When most people think of children’s museums, they envision colorful play spaces, hands-on exhibits, and a fun outing space for young families. But what many don’t realize is that museums like the Building for Kids Children’s Museum in Appleton, WI, are also hubs for out-of-school time (OST) programming, providing enriching experiences for children beyond the school day.

"Building for Kids’ Explorer Camps include afterschool and summer programming at the museum." explained Beth Vanderloop, Vice President of Learning and Engagement at Building for Kids. "We serve kindergarten through fourth grade during the school year and include 4K in the summer."

Building a Stronger Community: YMCA of the Chippewa Valley

Afterschool programs do more than just provide a safe space for children—they serve as training grounds for future educators, social workers, and community leaders. The YMCA of the Chippewa Valley exemplifies this by not only enriching children’s lives but also offering invaluable hands-on experience for University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire (UWEC) students who work in their programs.

During a recent visit to the YMCA’s afterschool program at Robbins Elementary School in Eau Claire, I witnessed firsthand how this program benefits both the children and the young adults who help run it.

Highlighting Innovation: The MAYDM STEM Program

Out-of-school time (OST) programs provide students with new learning opportunities that they might not encounter in a traditional classroom setting. One such program that is making an impact in the Madison area is MAYDM, which stands for "Made by Them." This non-profit organization focuses on equipping girls and youth of color in grades 6-12 with the skills, experiences, and connections to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Spooktacular Fun and STEM Learning at Kroc Community Center’s Family Fun Night

At the Wisconsin Out of School Time Alliance, we believe in highlighting events that provide enriching and engaging experiences for children and youth outside of school hours. One such event was held on October 11th, at the Kroc Community Center in Green Bay, where families gathered for a Halloween-themed Family Fun Night that combined spooky fun with STEM learning.

A Hub for Community and Creativity

YMCA Youth in Government: Building Future Leaders

As the 2024 state and national elections approach, it is more important than ever to prepare our youth for active civic engagement. Afterschool programs like the Wisconsin YMCA Youth in Government (YIG) provide invaluable opportunities for students in grades 7-12 to understand and participate in government in a hands-on way that classrooms alone often cannot offer.

A Practical Approach to Civic Engagement
While civics and government classes play a vital role in education, the Youth in Government program takes learning to a whole new level. Jolene Gross, the statewide director of the program, explains:

Multi-Age Collaboration Shines at UWSP Marshfield Summer Theatre Camp

As summer winds down, the Laird Theater in Marshfield is buzzing with excitement. This year marks the 18th annual UW-Stevens Point Theatre Camp, a beloved tradition for young performers in the community. During the summer, this camp provides a unique opportunity for participants aged 9 to 18 to immerse themselves in the world of theater, with this year's production being the enchanting "Frozen."

Celebrating Youth Creativity at the Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase

The Milwaukee Public Recreation Art Showcase on May 30th at Turner Hall was a lively celebration of young talent and creativity in the Milwaukee community. Organized by Leighton Cooper, the Recreation Coordinator for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS), the event showcased the dedication and hard work of youth in the arts.

"The Art Showcase is our premier recreation art show," Leighton Cooper explained. "It gives us a chance to highlight the talent, creativity, and effort our young people have put into their art. This event brings together all our community arts partners from across the city. We have groups involved in visual arts, dance, music, poetry, spoken word, and literature. The showcase allows young people to take the stage, display their talent, and show the community the amazing work we're doing to support arts enrichment and education in the city."

Art and the Human Experience

Meet Craig Knitt, Creative Arts Specialist for the Boys and Girls Club of the Bay Lakes Region in Northeastern Wisconsin. Craig specializes in filmmaking and has had youth create, act in, and produce their own films. According to Craig, art and creation are a “...healthy and positive experience because that process is so in tune with what it is to be human…” Listen to a deep dive into art, creating, and the impact the artistic experience can have on youth in this episode of the Beyond the Bell with WOSTA podcast.