After-School All-Stars is humbled to report that we have officially launched programs at three elementary schools in Uvalde, Texas. The All-Stars team is working alongside the after-school programs currently in place and utilizing their partnerships to ensure that we can best serve the needs of the community. Phase 1 of ASAS programs includes writing, gardening, cooking, community-service, as well as academic tutoring and enrichment courses like karate, dance, mariachi, art, sports, cinema, and yoga. Phase 2 will focus on long-term mental health, helping students find and use their voice, gain tools to process trauma and grief, and thrive.
In the wake of the horrifically tragic shooting that occurred in Uvalde in May, Henry Cisneros (former Mayor of San Antonio, Texas and 10th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton, and Board Chair Emeritus at ASAS National) met with Don McLaughlin, Mayor of Uvalde, and other local leaders to address the need for more after-school support for the students. From there, ASAS President Andrea Bazán and Jane Macon (ASAS National Board member and chair of the board) mobilized a task force and spearheaded our involvement. The program will be overseen by Dr. Patricia Karam and our ASAS San Antonio leadership with close collaboration from National. A local Advisory Board is being established.
We are incredibly lucky to have Grace Garcia at the helm as ASAS Uvalde’s Program Director. Grace, whose “greatest passion is helping others,” is a proud Uvaldean with 19 years in education, leading teams in various capacities. Most recently, Grace worked for Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) as Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) Program Director.
Grace is woven into the fabric of the Uvalde community – she grew up with many of the parents of ASAS students, and she can relate with the community on all the intricacies of growing up in Uvalde. Of this, Grace says: “Sometimes you’re in the right place at the right time. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve my community.”
It is a great honor to support students and families at such a critical moment. After-School All-Stars will remain steadfast in its commitment to the Uvalde community.
