K-8 Programs

The ASPIRA, Inc. of Pennsylvania After-School Program has been active for many years, serving youth and families with consistency and care. We are proud to have a team of dedicated and seasoned staff members who bring experience, passion, and commitment to every student we serve. Our program is rooted in ASPIRA’s mission of leadership through education and emphasizes both academic enrichment and personal growth.

Elementary Grades (K–5) – 

Early Literacy & Academic Foundations

Our elementary students participate in activities that strengthen early literacy skills and build a strong foundation for future learning. Each day, youth are engaged in:

• Guided Reading Circles: Small groups practice reading fluency and comprehension with age-appropriate texts.
• Storytelling & Creative Writing: Students create their own short stories, comic strips, and class books to develop vocabulary and self-expression.
• Phonics & Word Play Games: Fun, interactive games that reinforce spelling patterns, sight words, and reading confidence.

Project-Based Learning Activities (Age Appropriate):

In PBL, students take on more responsibility for their own learning, often working in groups. A group leader acts as a facilitator or coach rather than a lecturer. The goal is to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration skills, leading to deeper understanding and application of knowledge.

Middle School Grades (6–8) – Career Awareness & Exposure

For our middle school students, the program shifts toward preparing them for the future through career awareness and exploration. Youth are introduced to a wide variety of fields through hands-on projects, mentorship, and exposure opportunities. Examples include:

• Career Spotlights: Weekly sessions highlighting different fields such as healthcare, carpentry, technology, culinary arts, and education.
• Guest Speakers & Mentors: Local professionals (e.g., a carpenter sharing tools of the trade, a nurse discussing healthcare pathways, or a small business owner describing entrepreneurship).
• Career-Based Projects:
  
• Students interested in technology might create a basic website or explore coding games.
• Those curious about carpentry could design a birdhouse or a simple wood project with measuring and planning.
• A group interested in culinary arts might plan and prepare a healthy snack menu.

• Field Trips/Virtual Tours: Visits to local colleges, trade schools, or businesses give students real-world exposure.

The middle school focus builds leadership, critical thinking, and awareness of future pathways, helping youth connect classroom learning with real-world possibilities.

Whole-Child Enrichment

In addition to academics and career exploration, all students enjoy:

• Homework Help
• Project-Based Learning cycles (every 6–8 weeks)
• Arts, music, and physical activities to encourage creativity and wellness
• Hot meal and snack service daily

Please note: As of now, we are only accepting applications from families whose children attend CHP Schools. We hope to open our program to the broader community in the future.