For every child enrolled in an afterschool program in Utah - 8 more are on the waitlist for a spot.
Park City students enjoy much better access to high-quality programming after the school day ends, thanks to Park City Education Foundation and other partners on PCSD’s Afterschool programs, available at each of the four elementary schools, Ecker Hill Middle School, and Treasure Mountain Jr. High.
Affordable Aferschool programming has been a major priority for PCEF for more than a decade. In fact, PCEF invests an average of more than $200,000 each year in Afterschool (and before school) funding to provide high-quality Afterschool programs that work for working parents.
“PCEF helps us keep costs affordable for families,” said Todd Klarich, PCSD’s Director of Community Education. “Since its inception, elementary Afterschool has never raised prices - and we are able to provide scholarships for about 30% of attendees.”
Due to challenges filling open staff positions, however, 77 Park City students are currently on the waitlist, which Klarich works relentlessly to fix.
"We are doing everything we possibly can to get these children off the waitlist and into our Afterschool program,” he said. “To be able to do this, we need to hire a number of staff members. The positions actually offer great hours; there are options for early mornings and later in the afternoon, with plenty of time during the day to devote to other things.”
SPRING 2023
- 241 students in elementary Afterschool programming (1st - 5th grades)
- 77 students on the elementary waitlist
- 13 open staff positions
- 500+ students 1st - 9th
The forthcoming goal, Klarich says, is to serve 100 students at each of the elementary’s Afterschool programs - and to provide before and after care to support the upcoming Preschool expansion. This will be a critical piece of solving the problem of Park City’s “Childcare Desert” for our younger students.
“When PCSD’s expanded Preschool comes online, it will have a profound impact on our community,” said Abby McNulty, President and CEO of PCEF. “Parents and caregivers of our community’s 4-year-olds, as well as many 3-year-olds, will have a solution - and the program will provide far-reaching future benefits for our community.”
STUDENT IMPACT
High-quality Afterschool programming changes lives. The Department of Education reports “regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs is linked to significant gains in standardized test scores and work habits”
PCSD’s programs provide a rich experience in a safe and supportive environment. This includes homework help, literacy and STEM activities, cultural opportunities, and more. The activities vary from school to school (EHMS and TMJH student interests drive the enrichment options) but all of the programs adhere to national specifications and guidelines.
Afterschool Programs
- Jeremy Ranch → Camp Hawk
- McPolin → Camp Moose
- Parley’s Park → Camp Falcon
- Trailside → Camp Trailblazer
- Ecker Hill MS → Timberwolf After School Association - TASA
- Treasure Mtn. → Mustang After School Academy - MASA
This safe, supportive programming in the hours after school is just as important for older students. In fact, at Treasure Mountain Junior High, school teachers teach in the Afterschool program. This ensures students make connections with trusted adults outside of the academic classroom. These connections are crucial during this sometimes bewildering and difficult time for students.
PCEF DONOR IMPACT
The Park City School District Afterschool Program started in 2008. Now, 500 students each year are reached by the Afterschool Program. PCEF is on track to provide more than $250,000 in funding to support scholarships and key academic initiatives within the program - like Afterschool STEM and intensive reading interventions.
Registration for 2023/24 Afterschool opens April 17, 2023.
Your contributions make Afterschool affordable for all Park City families. Access to safe instruction and support beyond the final bell will have a positive impact on Park City students for the rest of their lives. We invite you to donate by clicking HERE.
