After-School Educators Earn Certificates

The after-school field in New York took an important step toward boosting the success of kids who attend after-school and summer programs. Some 63 after-school educators who work with kids in all five boroughs received professional certificates in after-school education from the Center for After-School Excellence at TASC, after completing a year of customized studies at colleges within the City University of New York (CUNY) system. At a ceremony attended by their families, friends and colleagues, the graduates were honored by the Center, which created the professional certification program in partnership with CUNY.

Research shows that staff members who have strong academic training operate more effective after-school programs with greater benefits for kids. They are better equipped to respond to the developmental and academic needs of kids, and to engage them in arts, sports, science and other activities that motivate and inspire them. Currently fewer than half of young people who attend after-school programs are taught by an adult with a university degree. Through Center courses, after-school educators in New York City not only improve their on-the-job effectiveness, but they also earn credits toward undergraduate and graduate degrees.

"These pioneers are showing other after-school educators that they can manage their jobs and families while they also take college courses and improve their after-school career prospects," said Mark Levine, executive director of The Center for After-School Excellence at TASC. "It's not easy to work while you go back to college. But these after-school educators are true role models, showing kids in their programs that college is worth their investment of time and energy."

The graduates earned their professional certificates within these CUNY institutions: York College, Medgar Evers College, Kingsborough Community College, Hostos Community College and Hunter College School of Education.

The new certificate-holders work for city agencies as well as nonprofit community organizations. These include:

• Alianza Dominicana, Inc.
• Beginning with Children Foundation
• Broadway Housing
• CAMBA
• Center for Family Life
• Children's Arts and Sciences Workshops, Inc.
• City of New York Department of Parks & Recreation
• Claremont Neighborhood Centers
• Community League of the Heights
• Cypress Hills Local Development Corp.
• East Side House Settlement
• George Walker Jr. Community Coalition
• Good Shepherd Services
• Goodwill Industries
• Graham- Windham Services to Families & Children
• Grand Street Settlement
• Groundwork
• Harlem Children's Zone
• Jacob Riis Settlement
• LaGuardia Community College
• Neighborhood Initiative Development Corp.
• New York City Housing Authority
• Phipps Community Development Corp.
• Police Athletic League
• Queens Community House
• Red Hook Initiative
• Restoration Youth Arts Academy
• SCAN NY
• South Brooklyn Youth Consortium
• St. Ann's Episcopal Church
• The Child Center of New York
• The Children's Aid Society
• The Leadership Program
• Union Settlement Association
• University Settlement
• Washington Heights – Inwood Coalition
• YMCA of Greater New York

Contact: Susan Brenna; sbrenna@tascorp.org or (646) 943-8712

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