A new school year is filled with potential – a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids, however – at the end of the school day, 11.3 million kids head to homes where they are unsupervised form 3 to 6 p.m. according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization.

As children transition from summer to fall, the Old Town/Orono YMCA is offering programs to school-aged children throughout it’s service area to keep youth active, busy and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, the Y’s program’s offer activities in a caring and safe environment during the critical hours after school. Whether through sports, mentorship, or academic support, the Y nurture the potential of youth throughout the school year.

“One in five children do not have someone to care for them after school, an essential time to help increase children’s success in school,” said Andrew Walker, Child Care Director, Old Town/Orono YMCA. “Afterschool at the Y is an opportunity for families to ensure their kids are receiving additional support, continued learning and a chance to participate in meaningful activities that can inspire children’s motivations and abilities to succeed.”

The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development from birth to career. In the Old Town/Orono’s afterschool program youth receive help with homework and tutoring and can also explore arts, music lessons, physical activity, sports, and more. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

Science, technology, engineering and math) are projected to grow 17 percent over the next few years, and the Y is helping youth develop strong problem-solving, planning, analysis and decision-making skills to succeed in the classroom and in high-demand careers through STEM activities and programming at the Y.

For more information about the Old Town/Orono YMCA’s afterschool program, please contact Andrew Walker at andrew.walker@otoymca.org or 827-9622.


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