Many years ago, during the summer after I graduated from college, I took a job with a Milwaukee area recreation department. One of my responsibilities was running a t-ball program for 5- and 6-year-olds.

On the first day, I remember looking out at about 35 children who were ready to play. The problem was that I had received exactly zero training on how to manage that many young kids at once. Sure, I had completed a high school teacher education program, but managing a group of energetic kindergartners with plastic bats and balls turned out to be a learning experience of its own. I’ll admit, I was a little terrified. Fortunately, I had a high school assistant who knew a lot more than I did. If she hadn’t been there, I’m not sure I would have come back for day two.

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 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.