Enroll For 2017: 5 Houston After-School Programs

HOUSTON, TX - Exploration and discovery are the bedrock of Space City, the nickname by which the city of Houston is known, and Patch knows that, like Houston, home to NASA's Manned Spacecraft Center, its readers share in the pursuit of education and learning. The Houston Patch created a list of after-school programs available to area children of all ages, whether your children are interested in STEAM activities or visual arts.

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YMCA of Greater Houston prides itself as a haven for the prioritization of developing character and values, while also serving as gym, a pool and a general place for fitness. Area YMCAs promote healthy living through community outreach and programs open to all age and kill levels, from yoga to flag football. The YMCA of Greater Houston, through the Houston Independent School District, offers after-school programs at more than 30 Houston facilities, open to children in grades K-6. School-age children have the opportunity to participate in STEAM activities (science, technology, engineering, arts, math), literacy activities and HEPA activities (healthy eating, physical activities). Registration is available through the Y website. Y membership is required, and signing up is free!

• When: Monday-Friday before and after school
• Where: Select Houston locations
• Cost: Varies by location

The Mayor's After-School Achievement Program (A.S.A.P.) was founded in 1997 in an effort to engage Houston youth through structured, supervised, after-school activities with the hope of thereby reducing juvenile crime and victimization. The program has been administered by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department since 2004. Funded schools and organizations set their own curricula in collaboration with students, teachers, parents and program partners.

• When: September to June, 3-6 p.m.
• Where: 2999 S. Wayside Dr.
• Cost: Free

Kidventure boasts a 22-year-old mission to build lives of children through providing opportunities to grow strong and demonstrating the ability of making a real difference in the world, with summer, winter and holiday camps overnight and day camps available in multiple locations. Kidventure After School provides children with a stimulating learning environment, an imaginative curriculum and high-energy activities that focus on homework assistance, hands-on art and science, fitness and athletics, team-building and community awareness. Contact info@kidventure.com or (713) 960-8989 for more information.

• When: Weekdays until 6 p.m.
• Where: St. Rose of Lima (3600 Brinkman St.), The Regis School (7330 Westview Dr.), St, Michael's (1801 Sage Rd.), St. Theresa (6623 Rodrigo St.), Travis Elementary (3311 Beauchamp St.)
• Cost: Varies by location

Young Audiences of Houston was founded by violinist Fredell Lack in 1956 and received non-profit status in 1960. It began focusing on the presentation of interactive, in-school performances by Houston’s finest, professional performing and visual artists and has since expanded to workshops and residencies that use the arts to support core skills while allowing individuals to work with small groups through hands-on and professional projects. After-school programs are available to children in prekindergarten through 12th grade, and a full catalog is available on the YAH website. Call (713) 520-9267 for more information.

• When: Times vary by class
• Where: 4550 Post Oak Place, Suite 230
• Cost: Prices vary by class

The Center for After School through the Harris County Department of Education believes that when children have safe places to go after school, they make better grades, score higher on tests and are less likely to engage in risky behavior. HCDE's CASE for Kids maintains that every child deserves access to quality, expanded learning time opportunities.

• When: After 3 p.m.
• Where: 6300 Irvington Blvd.
• Cost: Varies by program

Photo courtesy of Pixabay