ESL Afterschool Communities

WHO WE ARE

ESL Afterschool Communities (ESLAsC) is a community outreach program at Columbus State Community College (CSCC). It introduces the College to the community and helps under-resourced students discover that college is a possibility and exciting opportunities lay ahead through education. ESLAsC has developed a nationally recognized, community-based, comprehensive after school program of support and education at several sites within Franklin County. We have been partnering with Stiles Elementary since the 2015-16 school year, and South-Western City School District since 2004. Columbus State’s ESLAsC program at Stiles is supported by a 5-year Ohio Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant. The program serves students in 2nd through 4th grade year-round.

OUR MISSION

To provide a safe, caring, respectful environment where children are able to develop academic, social and personal skills that will last a lifetime and provide opportunities for success as New Americans.

ESLAsC strives to serve students and their families where they are: Physically, Culturally, Academically, and Social and Emotionally:

• PHYSICALLY:  We are in the community where students reside; visiting students in their homes frequently.

• CULTURALLY: We respect, appreciate, and celebrate all cultures.

• ACADEMICALLY: We tailor activities and curriculum to individual needs; we are in constant contact with classroom teachers, volunteering weekly in schools.

• SOCIALLY: We address the broader developmental needs of students, assisting them to become socially, morally, emotionally, physically, and cognitively skilled.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Year-round academic programming using evidenced-based curriculum aligned to Ohio’s Common Core Standards which increases student’s learning time and skill sets in reading fluency/ language arts and mathematics. Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) skills are an important focus that is weaved throughout all curriculum planning. A Stiles classroom teacher delivers direct literacy instruction to all of the after school students.

• Social and Emotional Learning programs which promote resiliency factors, self-esteem, positive identity exploration and life skills through healthy food, recreational activity, prevention programs, leadership training, service-learning, career exploration and field trips.

• Promotion and assistance with parental involvement and engagement at home and school. Building stronger communities by offering regular home visits, family math and literacy nights, social service referrals, parent educational workshops, community field trips and translation services.

EVALUATION

Progress toward our goals is measured annually using qualitative and quantitative measures. Ongoing program data provides timely information for strategic impact and analytical reviews for improving service allowing each site to adapt to its communities’ needs and maintain program success. ESLAsC works with an outside evaluator to review internal survey instruments and data collection practices. The evaluator performs site observations, staff and stakeholder interviews, as well as preparation of interim and annual reports.

We look forward to continually serving the immigrant and refugee students of Stiles!