Navigation > Home > 2004 Approved Allocations > 2003 | 2002 | 2001 Investment Impact | Youngstown Afterschool Alliance

The Youngstown Afterschool Alliance is a collaborative effort between the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way, Youngstown City Schools, the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services, the Youngstown Playground Association, and the board of Mahoning County Commissioners. On-site management for the program is provided by the Jewish Community Center and services are provided by many local agencies including Prevention Partners Plus, American Karate Studios, YSU SMARTS Program, and I Built It, Inc. This pilot program features both educational and recreational activities as well as a snack and evening meal for the students. Transportation for the students is also provided. Activities include homework assistance, aerobics classes, basketball, swimming lessons, sign language classes, theater arts and music, computer training, as well as leadership development and self-esteem building. (A complete schedule and description of the activities is included.)

Albert Matasy, with the Youngstown Playground Association, said “The Playground Association has been working for the past two years to get a program such as this started for the children on the north side.” “We are grateful to the Youngstown/Mahoning Valley United Way for their efforts in bringing the right community groups together to make this program possible,” he added.

The total budget for the four month program is $102,393. With funding provided by the following organizations:

According to a recent study, students who participate in extracurricular activities have better grades, feel greater attachment to school, have lower truancy rates and reach higher levers of achievement in college. “Afterschool programs help children flourish while keeping them safe after the school day ends,” said Larry Moliterno, United Way director of planning and community investment. “United Way is happy to be a part of this collaborative effort,” he added. “Afterschool programs make sense for our children, their parents and the community as a whole,” Moliterno said.

“Thanks to the efforts of these community groups working together, we are able to see the culmination of this wonderful program,” said John Maluso, Youngstown City School Board member. He added, “The students of the Youngstown City Schools are the real winners.” Maluso said “This program is a template that we hope to use for all the middle schools in the city.”