Help students take the first step toward their future.
Stay informed with news and updates — sign up for our newsletter today!
Become a Champions Society member and support student success today!
At After-School All-Stars, we know that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight—it’s built through consistency, care, and opportunity. We’re proud to share our new annual report: Built to Last—a look at the essential building blocks we provide for student success and the communities we’re strengthening, one young person at a time. Inside, you’ll find: Student stories… Read more »
Hello everyone, we thought for a moment that spring had arrived, but no, we are back in winter! However, spring will be coming soon. Our Rising-Stars continue to develop and grow as leaders. The culmination event of the Pathways to Professions cycle was a great Career Exposure Day at the Capital One Arena, courtesy of… Read more »
The warm weather is back, the days are getting longer, and our programs are buzzing with activity! I’m excited to share a few recent “mission moments” that capture our purpose at ASAS: to provide comprehensive afterschool programming that keeps children safe and helps them succeed in school and life. We help young people explore new interests,… Read more »
A growing community of leaders is stepping forward to champion students across the country. The Champions Society brings together supporters committed to advancing the mission of After-School All-Stars. Members contribute their time, expertise, and financial support to help expand enrichment programs, forge new partnerships, and create more opportunities for the students we serve. The Society… Read more »
More than 70 students from After-School All-Stars Puget Sound recently laced up their skates for an unforgettable day at the Kraken Community Iceplex. Through ASAS’s ongoing partnership with the Seattle Kraken and the Tide Pool program presented by WaFd Bank, students have had the opportunity to experience professional hockey in exciting new ways. In addition… Read more »
Tampa Bay All Stars Get a Once in a Lifetime Look at the Stanley Cup Students with After School All Stars Tampa Bay recently had an unforgettable afternoon at Pepin Charter School, thanks to an exciting visit from the NHL and the Tampa Bay Lightning. During the special event, students had the rare opportunity to… Read more »
Behind every student success story at After-School All-Stars are leaders who inspire, innovate, and guide. Across the communities we serve, our team brings vision and dedication that transforms learning, builds confidence, and opens doors to new opportunities for students. The dedication and leadership of two All-Star team members are gaining well-deserved national recognition. Guadalupe Hernandez… Read more »
Big moments begin with belief in young people. On March 2 at the Crypto.com Arena, that belief was front and center. During the LA Kings game against the Colorado Avalanche, Crypto.com made a $1 million commitment to After-School All-Stars, alongside the LA Kings and the Kings Care Foundation. The contribution was recognized on the ice… Read more »
December 2025 Family Newsletter ASAS NJ by Alexis Mathieson Read more »
Koa, an 8th grader, has been part of the After-School All-Stars program since 6th grade, first joining because his parents needed a safe place for him to go after school. What started as a practical solution quickly became something much more meaningful. Over the years, Koa’s favorite part of the program has been spending time… Read more »
Joel exemplifies how peer recruitment and a supportive environment can unlock student potential. He joined After-School All-Stars mid program thanks to his friend Mateo’s invitation. Initially, he took a supporting role while Mateo led activities, but his mentor recognized Joel’s leadership potential even when he remained in his friend’s shadow. When Mateo temporarily stepped away from the program due to other commitments, Joel continued attending—and transformed…. Read more »
Melanie is one of Meeker Middle School’s 6th grade All-Stars who has experienced significant growth this year! In September, Melanie was soft-spoken, shy, and struggled to express her needs to teachers, classmates, and All-Stars staff. In one of our activities, the program leader became concerned about Melanie, who was struggling to sit still, often drew on herself, and had difficulty following directions. During a one-on-one conversation with her leader it came to light that the student felt overwhelmed when… Read more »
As we step into 2026, we are filled with gratitude for the meaningful work unfolding across our 14 sites in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. It has been a privilege to walk alongside students, families, and school communities as trusted partners. Read more »
This year’s Wellchella was more than a celebration—it was a strategic investment in joy and belonging. In an industry where burnout is high—especially among young, part-time childcare staff—we wanted to do more than talk about wellness. We decided to live it. Instead of support sessions in stuffy conference rooms, we created a vibrant space of… Read more »
Thanks to your support, we raised $138,000 at our 2024 Rising Stars event! We are overwhelmed with the generosity of our sponsors, attendees, and board members. It’s always amazing to witness the community of people and partners that contribute to our chapter’s success. Special shout out to our student for their inspirational comments, artwork, and… Read more »
We organize bi-annual Family Wellness Events at each of our partnering school sites. Events include an overview of our After-School All-Stars programming, dinner for families, and participation from other community-based organization. Together, we provide families with resources and information about food security, rent and utility assistance, transportation assistance, mental health supports, cyber security, free clothing, and more. We also… Read more »
The Coalition to Empower our Future, a growing coalition that aims to convene a comprehensive conversation on the multifaceted and complex factors contributing to the state of youth mental health launched “Andrea,” a new ad highlighting the importance of working together to address the difficult challenges today’s youth are facing. The spot features Andrea Bazán,… Read more »
We recently celebrated the 12th anniversary of our Annual Westime Charity Night, graciously hosted by After-School All-Stars founder Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Simonian of Westime. Each year, this fundraiser serves as a powerful reminder that it takes a dedicated community to create lasting change. It’s events like these that allow us to continue serving over… Read more »
Our students were treated to an unforgettable experience at the SUPERMAN Miami Celebration—filled with excitement, inspiration, and a few surprise heroes along the way! During an early preview of the new Superman movie, ASAS South Florida had a chance to meet Hawk Girl herself, the incredible Isabela Merced, celebrate with Jessica Rodriguez from Despierta América,… Read more »
With the generous support of the Capitol Hill Community Foundation, ASAS students at Stuart-Hobson Middle School will research, produce, and edit a documentary on the rich history and vibrant culture of the Capitol Hill neighborhood. The project is student-led with our AmeriCorps member and accomplished filmmaker, Zuri McCurty, overseeing the project and providing instruction. Students will conduct research on the history of the neighborhood, interview… Read more »
This summer, ASAS DC hosted a summer program at Langley ES. Thank you to all who made All-Stars Camp Create a success! From a car wash service project to hands-on art projects, the summer was packed with vibrant programming, creativity and teamwork. Our students engaged in group mentoring to identify their strengths, build confidence, and set goals. They even took on… Read more »
ASAS DC has officially launched our 2025 summer program: All-Stars Camp Create! Hosted at Langley Elementary School, All-Stars Camp Create had a joyous first week of activities. During Group Mentoring, campers identified their creative superpowers and ways they can use their superpowers as a team, to create amazing things in our communities! In Makerspace Lab, campers invented products to help others. In… Read more »
On May 22, as part of our Career Exploration Opportunities (CEO) Program, McKinley Middle School All-Stars visited Deloitte Headquarters. The students practiced leadership coaching techniques in the Greenhouse, enjoyed a Deloitte staff presentation on the diverse pathways to careers in consulting, and explored several technology stations, including virtual reality technical training modules and an interface to address climate… Read more »
Happy Earth Day! ASAS celebrated Earth Day by revitalizing the 9/11 Memorial Garden at Leckie Education Campus. The Memorial Garden was Create by Military Lodge 29 in honor of Lieutenant Jhonnie Doctor who lost his life at the Pentagon on 9/11. The garden is dedicated to Leckie student Bernard Brown and teacher Hilda Taylor who lost… Read more »
We are proud to announce that After-School All-Stars DC’s Mentor Coordinator, Brian Allen, has been selected by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) to be a Class of 2025 Next Generation of Afterschool Leader! This award recognizes young leaders in the out-of-school time field who have a proven passion for the development of themselves and others and… Read more »
As the crisp air of winter settles in, we’re excited to reflect on our journey so far and look forward to the new year. Last month, we successfully wrapped up our introductory phase, and now we’re diving into our professional development and career exploration phase, running through February. In this edition, you’ll find key dates to mark on your calendar, inspiring rising moments from our… Read more »
November is a month of thankfulness, a time to celebrate progress, growth, and the people who make our mentorship program thrive. We are so grateful for our mentors, families, partners, funders, schools, students, staff, and supporters who continue to make this work possible. We could not do this without your support. Continue reading for an update on one-on-one and group mentoring, Giving Tuesday, and Lights… Read more »
It has been quite a year! We successfully wrapped up school year 2024-25 and we are already in full summer school mode, while planning for next school year. The past year was rich with new programming, field trips, art, service projects, joyous discovery, and students blossoming into the phenomenal young people they are. Read More Read more »
Happy Spring! This is the time of field trips and time outside. Our Youth Advisory Board is planning the renovation of the Memorial Garden at Leckie EC. On 9/11, the school community lost 11-year-old Bernard Brown and 6th grade teacher Hilda Taylor. We want to celebrate their memory with beautiful flowers and trees. The memorial Garden project is just one of the many outdoor experiences for our students. … Read more »
ASAS DC is committed to supporting our staff and students. In September 2022, we began our mental wellness initiative to respond to the increased need for mental wellness support after the pandemic. We integrate social-emotional learning, a type of learning to help students understand and manage their emotions, while building empathy, in all our programs. Mental wellness is infused in several enrichment offerings:… Read more »
Get ready! The third annual “Play With A Purpose” Field Day Fundraiser is coming and you won’t want to miss it. Mark your calendars, May 13, 2026 5pm-8:30pm, for an unforgettable evening packed with delicious food, high-spirited fun, and friendly competition – all in support of a meaningful cause! Location to be announced. Exciting details are on the way, including opportunities to get involved through… Read more »
After-School All-Stars DC raised over $43,000 through our Giving Tuesday/End of Year Campaign with the help of individual supporters and generous corporate donations! Thank you! This will go towards providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities for our young artists, STEM scholars, and chefs to inspire their future careers! On behalf of our staff, Advisory Board, and… Read more »
After a rigorous review process, we are proud to announce our selection to the 2025 Spur Local class of critical local nonprofits! It’s an honor to be selected by community advocates across the region based on our impact and work. With your support, we can continue to make a difference right here, where we live. Learn More Read more »
Our second annual “Play with a Purpose” field day fundraiser was filled with excitement, laughter, and giving back. Thanks to everyone who joined us at Kraken Kourts and Skates for thrilling games, live entertainment, delicious food, and fantastic raffle prizes. Whether you were cheering from the sidelines or diving into the action, we’re so grateful… Read more »
As the school year winds down, our chapters have been honoring student achievement, creativity, and community with meaningful end-of-year celebrations. We’re proud to spotlight just a few of the many highlights Across the Network that made the end of the school year so special. Read more »
After-School All-Stars is proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with the NBA, empowering students through mentorship, basketball, and innovative workforce initiatives. Read more »
In 2024, ASAS Puget Sound launched a mentorship program to provide small group and one-on-one support for All-Star students at our sites. Read more »
Traci L. Jadlos has more than 20 years of experience in youth development, community mobilization, and nonprofit leadership. We recently sat down with her to hear what makes ASAS Cleveland’s programs so special. Read more »
As many of you know, March 24-28 is Youth Voice Week. We took the opportunity to look at a few amazing stories of students advocating for after-school and making their voices heard. Read more »
We’re proud to share our new annual report: Fueling Futures—a celebration of the power of opportunity and the incredible community that makes it possible. Read more »
Recently, After-School All-Stars brought together educators, board members, advocates, and changemakers from across the country for Strategy Week 2025—a powerful gathering focused on strengthening our work during a time of growing need and uncertainty. Read more »
To encourage students to embrace reading, ASAS San Antonio launched Reading Bucks—a creative incentive program where students earn rewards for every book they read. Read more »
In partnership with Bowman Ashe/Doolin K-8 Academy, All-Stars took part in a hands-on garden rehabilitation initiative, promoting healthy eating, environmental stewardship, and community connection. Read more »
Now in its third year at our chapter, the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) continues to empower Tampa students as leaders and changemakers. Read more »
At ASAS Washington, D.C., we are creating a powerful support system for All-Stars by weaving together our mentorship and Youth Advisory Board (YAB) programs. Read more »
Students at the Philadelphia & Camden chapter are exploring hands-on environmental education through our growing watershed program. Read more »
When Yadiel joined ASAS Orlando, he struggled with frustration, altercations with peers, and declining grades. Our team provided him with guidance and support, quickly recognizing his boundless potential and inviting him to become a member of the Youth Advisory Board, where he found his voice as a leader. Read more »
Audriana joined ASAS as an eighth grader, initially preferring to work alone. Through our mentorship program, she stepped outside her comfort zone, becoming more collaborative and confident while embracing new experiences. Read more »
Our community school program at PS 328 has transformed early literacy through an innovative partnership with Read Alliance. By pairing local high school tutors with K-2 students under certified teacher supervision, the program bridges generations of learners and creates a dynamic learning environment that benefits both age groups. Read more »
Recently, members of ASAS NJ’s Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and other scholars traveled to New Jersey’s State Capitol in Trenton to meet with lawmakers and advocate for after-school programs. Read more »
At ASAS, students don’t just participate—they lead, serve, and inspire. Our LA chapter offers workforce development programs like The Quest and leadership programs like BOLD (Building Our Leaders and Dreamers), where students gain the confidence, skills, and character to step up as leaders in their schools and communities. Read more »
In 2023, ASAS Las Vegas nearly doubled its reach by adding 16 new schools to the chapter’s footprint. Through a partnership with the Clark County School District, more than 1,500 additional students are now receiving free, enriching, high quality, teacher-led after-school programs. Read more »
STEM exploration comes alive for our students through dynamic classes and immersive field trips that connect them directly to real-world careers. In 2024, our students visited Nellis Air Force Base, where they experienced firsthand the diverse opportunities STEM can offer. Read more »
Our Life Service Action initiative provides students with opportunities to see firsthand how giving back is more than an act of kindness—it’s a way to build stronger, more connected communities. Read more »
Noa (Alum, ASAS Hawaii) epitomizes the spirit of an All-Star, embodying the values of leadership and service that define our organization. Read more »
With student participation growing rapidly at our Cleveland chapter, we made a strategic decision to launch a team-based leadership model designed to enhance peer mediation, teamwork, and student-led decision-making. Read more »
At After-School All-Stars, youth leadership means giving young people real opportunities to lead, influence decisions, and contribute to the growth of their peers and programs. Read more »
Across the org, All-Star leaders are being recognized for their outstanding contributions to out-of-school time (OST) programs. Through advocacy, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to youth wellness, these honorees aren’t just changing individual lives—they’re reshaping the entire OST landscape. Read more »
Every year, thousands of All-Star students find the support they need to explore new things, create community, and navigate challenges proactively. At ASAS, mentorship goes beyond guidance—it’s about creating life-changing connections between students and caring adults who live and work in their communities. Read more »
A new national poll reveals that the vast majority of voters recognize after-school programs as a necessity—and they want to see more investment in these vital programs. Across political lines and geographic regions, voters overwhelmingly support after-school programs and want their leaders to prioritize funding. Read more »
As we close the chapter on an incredible year, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for our community of supporters. Thanks to the collective impact of the All-Stars community, more than $91,000 was donated during our year-end campaign! Read more »
Since 2004, the Mott Foundation has spurred ASAS’ growth and success through program funding, operational support, endowment contributions, advocacy efforts, and active leadership on our national board of directors. Read more »
Last Friday, our All-Stars visited Lacy Oasis, a campground near Chesapeake Beach in Culvert County. Sponsored by a grant from the Department of Energy and Environment managed by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, this kick-off activity introduced students to the outdoors. Students learned how to build a campfire safely to protect natural resources, and learned about… Read more »
Ke’Ryn W. and Khloe S., two of our McKinley All-Stars, attended All-Stars Leadership University in Orlando, FL! They were accompanied by Kennedy Milton, our AmeriCorps member at McKinley. The students stayed on the college campus at the University of Central Florida. ASLU 2024 Level Up: My Purpose, Power, and Voice (held July 15-19) is our… Read more »
All-Stars visited the Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School in Sandy Spring, MD. The students enjoyed a climbing adventure at the park that provided a great opportunity for students to practice their leadership and team-building skills! Read more »
To kick off another year of work and support, the ASAS DC Board met for a Board Retreat, hosted by Excella at the Navy League Building and facilitated by Matt Gayer and Chiara Frechette from Spur Local. The Board discussed support for the chapter, reflected on last year’s Board goals, and set new targets for… Read more »
As #GivingTuesday approaches, ASAS DC continues to spotlight students’ well-being! As you can see in this photo, participants in our “Play With A Purpose” Field Day fundraiser got their share of healthy physical activity. Studies have shown that physical activity can improve students’ mental health and mental well-being, in addition to having physical health benefits…. Read more »
Giving Tuesday is December 3rd, but our Giving Tuesday season begins now! This season, ASAS D.C. will focus on improving students’ well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting effects on students’ mental health, so we need to prioritize our students’ emotional well-being in the aftermath of the pandemic. Today, more than ever it is critical… Read more »
ASAS D.C. relaunched their mentoring program this past September! The program helps countless students feel safe and listened to. A group of mentors came together to talk about what being a mentor means. Read more »
With another giving season upon us, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact your support has made this year. Together, we’ve reached more than 150,000 students at 728 sites nationwide. But as we remind you every year, each one of those students has a unique story, a one-of-a-kind journey. Like James. Read more »
Looking for a simple and powerful way to make an even bigger difference in the lives of our students? We’re thrilled to introduce an opportunity to multiply the impact of your generous gift to After-School All-Stars! Read more »
If you had told a little girl from the Bronx in New York City, “You will be part of something greater one day,” she would not have believed it. That little girl was me growing up. Read more »
Now, as the Director of Human Resources at ASAS, I’m learning about the impact we make every day, and I am in awe. Read more »
Every year, we host a “Strategy Week” that brings together national and chapter leadership for professional development and collaboration. This year, we saw an opportunity to pivot to a virtual format, allowing us to include more employees, provide a more flexible schedule, and spread sessions out over a period of several months. Read more »
For the past 11 years, ASAS founder Arnold Schwarzenegger has hosted the Westime Charity Night event in support of After-School All-Stars. What started as a small gathering of friends in 2013 has grown into something life-changing for hundreds of thousands of our students, and we’re excited to announce that this year’s event has raised $6.7 million! Read more »
All-Star Leadership University (ASLU) is a week-long youth leadership conference that brings together All-Star mentors and student leaders from across the U.S. to to explore their strengths as leaders, discover their voice, and make an impact in their community through their unique purpose in life. Read more »
Did you know that more than half of U.S. students experience summer learning losses—five years in a row? According to a study published in American Educational Research Journal , these students lose an average of 39 percent of their total school year gains during each summer! Summers are a formative time in a child’s development,… Read more »
ASAS is transforming summers into a season of growth, adventure, and discovery for our students. Across the organization, our curriculum aims to develop the whole child: intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally. From cosmetology to Japanese calligraphy, STEM camps to professional sporting events—our free programs ensure that All-Star students never stop learning. Read more »
At this year’s Rising Stars Luncheon, students shared stories about how ASAS helped them develop leadership skills and find a sense of purpose. Read more »
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of our 2024 Rising Stars event. Your unwavering support over the past 10 years has made a significant impact on our mission to empower and inspire young minds through quality enrichment programs. Read more »
Success extends beyond the classroom, and that’s why After-School All-Stars develops programs that strive to inspire long-term career planning, ensure financial literacy, increase student graduation rates, and provide guidance for enrolling in college and/or career training programs. Read more »
Hear from Board Chair Clay Mathews and Executive Director Joe Mangione in this great recap video from the 2024 All-Star Cornhole Challenge! Read more »
Across the U.S., 11.5% of youth (2.7 million young people) are experiencing severe major depression. Our free, year-round programs strive to provide positive mentorship and foster healthy habits in safe environments where students feel heard, valued, and supported. Read more »
John “Rum” Rumcik, a business owner and realtor in Arlington, Virginia, has been a supporter of After-School All-Stars since 2017. We asked him some questions about his history with the organization and the inspiration behind creating his own fundraiser. Read more »
We’re excited (and humbled) to share some wonderful news with the After-School All-Stars community—all of you who have helped to support and champion our mission over the years. The 10th annual Westime Charity Night presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Simonian raised $7 million for After-School All-Stars! Every dollar invested in our work makes a… Read more »
We’re thrilled to feature an outstanding All-Star who has discovered her passion through community service and advocacy. Meet Aurie-Anne, a ninth-grade student whose achievements at ASAS South Florida have earned her a prestigious role as one of only ten Youth Ambassadors for the Afterschool Alliance! Read more »
Our Rising Stars program is connecting hundreds of students across the country with year-round mentors. Rising Stars has been introduced to 28 metropolitan communities across ten ASAS chapters where at-risk youth are struggling with multiple risk factors that contribute to juvenile crime and truancy. Read more »
Candice is the President and Founder of EYL 365 Project and wants to encourage students to “think beyond their four corners” and to encourage career exploration and foster self-expression among students. Read more »
From attending her ASAS program at Stuart-Hobson, Tarnara hopes her students will gain the value of trying new things. Read more »
On October 26, After-School All-Stars DC celebrated Lights on Afterschool, the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their importance in the lives of children. Read more »
We are excited to announce that Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn has joined our National Board of Directors and will begin working alongside the organization’s leadership to provide strategic support and guidance. Omar Johnson (ASAS board member and founder of ØPUS United) says, “After-School All-Stars prioritizes inclusion and equity in all facets of the organization,… Read more »
Dear friend , As our Atlanta chapter nears its 30th anniversary, we want to shine a spotlight on a very special story. We reached out to Atlanta’s Program Manager, Cindy McNeil, and asked her about her experience at ASAS. This is Cindy’s story. I was first introduced to All-Stars by my sons, Uwezo and Askari,… Read more »
Dear friend , We’re excited (and humbled) to share some wonderful news with the After-School All-Stars community—all of you who have helped to support and champion our mission over the years. So we’re just going to come out and say it: the 10th annual Westime Charity Night presented by Arnold Schwarzenegger and John Simonian raised… Read more »
Dear friend , In August, we introduced you to our collaboration with Urban Outfitters, Inc. ( URBN) , a leading lifestyle company comprised of global consumer brands including Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and Nuuly. Today, we’re proud to announce the recent launch of an innovative, hands-on educational program for middle school students, URBN Graphic… Read more »
Dear friend , On behalf of our team here at ASAS, please join us in extending a huge THANK YOU to our CEO, Ben Paul, who recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with After-School All-Stars. Throughout the course of his career with us, Ben has served as Chief Operating Officer, President, and CEO! Ben has helped… Read more »
Dear friend , For many students, September marks the return to school and structured education. But for more than 47,000 All-Stars across the country, this summer has provided a rich period of learning, exploration, and unique experiences. From hiking to sailing to cleaning up beaches; from gardening to cooking to a trip to the Governor… Read more »
Dear friend , URBN is a portfolio of global consumer brands comprised of Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, Nuuly, and Free People, among others. At the heart of their values (Unite, Respect, Build, Nurture) is the ambition to develop long-term connections with surrounding communities and foster creativity in the next generation. For the past few months, they’ve… Read more »
Advocacy. Service. Leadership. You! These were the focal points of this year’s All-Star Leadership University in Orlando, Florida. The event hosted workshops for both students and mentors: helping students discover the power of their personal stories, as well as partnering with mentors to create learning environments where youth can feel safe sharing their stories. Read more »
Dear friend , What does ASAS and one of the world’s leading tech innovation companies have in common? Across the country, Keysight Technologies Foundation has partnered with us to implement interventions that will help underrepresented students pursue and thrive in STEM careers. For the past year, students at four ASAS chapters have participated in project-based… Read more »
As the chapter celebrates its 10-year anniversary, we want to shine a spotlight on a special story from ASAS Washington, DC. We reached out to DC’s Community Engagement and School Relations Manager, Dominique McComb, (shown above with ASAS DC students), and asked her about her experience at ASAS. This is Dominique’s story. I started working… Read more »
Dear friend , Since January, nearly 500 All-Star students in Cleveland, Los Angeles, Miami, and Newark have been using virtual reality learning modules to explore career options that align with their skills and interests. The “Stars at Work” program, a collaboration with immersive learning company Transfr, provides All-Stars with access to VR simulations and hands-on… Read more »