Sydney and Elizabeth Reed know firsthand the power of afterschool programs to change lives–in their own family and their community.

Sydney began attending the ASPIRE afterschool program at Shelby Public Schools when she was in third grade. Now, at 15 years old, she just finished serving as a youth ambassador for the Michigan Afterschool Partnership, where she learned how to advocate for herself and issues that she cares about. Her mom, Elizabeth, has worked as a teacher at ASPIRE for more than a decade, helping to mentor students after school. 

Afterschool offers opportunities you didn’t even know you were missing.”

[.attribution-name]Elizabeth Reed[.attribution-name]
[.attribution-location]Parent and afterschool staff member[.attribution-location]

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A typical day for an ASPIRE student includes working on STEM projects, building a birdhouse, cooking, eating a meal with friends, and getting help on homework. The program supports students’ academic development and engages them in real world learning that helps them build life skills they need for future success.

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[.callout-stat]84% of Michigan parents say afterschool programs provide kids opportunities to learn life skills, like the ability to communicate and work in teams[.callout-stat]

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“I've learned to resolve conflicts better, socialize more, work hard, and prioritize my time correctly,” said Sydney. “I’ve also learned communication skills. When I was little, I was kind of quiet with my friends, but being in ASPIRE, I’ve gotten to know and talk to a lot more people.”

One of the most critical things ASPIRE provides is free driver’s education classes. “We live in a rural community with no transportation, so to get these kids drivers licenses is an essential life skill that will take them far because they'll be able to work,” said Kolleen Lenon, ASPIRE’s director.

Elizabeth has had a front row seat to see how her daughter and so many other young people have grown thanks to the program. “It’s brought Sydney out of her shell. She’s more comfortable with adults and kids her own age. Experience is the best teacher, and afterschool offers opportunities you didn't even know you were missing,” said Elizabeth.

One of the most exciting and rewarding elements of ASPIRE’s programming is field trips across the state and beyond. “We do our best to give these kids new experiences. A lot of times, it’s the first time they’ve been to Mackinac Island or the first time they’ve been out of state,” said Kolleen.

Sydney’s favorite trip was to Chicago, where they toured the Museum of Industry and had dinner at Medieval Times. “This was an amazing experience for me because I got to spend time with my friends and learn new things about medieval times and science while still having lots of fun. My afterschool program also paid for the trip so more students could go,” she said. 

By helping Shelby youth to thrive, ASPIRE is preparing them to give back to their communities.

“We hope that 10 to 20 years from now, people like Sydney will come back here and pay it forward and give back to the kids of Shelby,” said Kolleen.

Learn more about how ASPIRE is equipping students in Shelby with life skills and new experiences.