After School Enrichment Program

Middle-school is tough, but the vibrant staff at Phyllis Wheatley Center make it a whole lot easier. After-School Enrichment Program (ASEP) provides a safe, nurturing environment with structure and accountability for middle-school students at no cost. Services are available from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily during the school year, with occasional extended hours during holiday breaks and teacher in-service days.

ASEP works to encourage academic success, leadership, civic involvement, healthy decision-making, and positive family engagement. Focus areas include academics, teen pregnancy, youth and family violence, substance use, childhood obesity, and future planning. Students participate in daily academic enhancement, weekly prevention programming, regular physical activity, and choose from a variety of educational blocks.

ASEP has trained staff available to meet families in the community and provide support to ensure success among enrolled students. Family outreach includes parenting groups, home visits, onsite and community meetings, and family events.

Summer Kids in Play Program (SKIPP)

SKIPP is a popular summer option for families needing a safe place for their children during the summer break. This 8 week-long summer day camp offers enriching programming for children, ages 5 to 14. Students enjoy the summer reading challenge, intensive swim lessons, working in the garden, and cooking classes. Students also enjoy weekly field trips to local attractions such as Ijams Nature Center, Muse Knoxville, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and Zoo Knoxville.

SKIPP focuses on keeping costs low for busy parents, cultivating a love of reading, and leading social and cultural development. Scholarships are available. Spots fill up fast, so families are encouraged to register early.

Reach Program

The Reach Program is a competitive, incentivized internship offered to young men and women, ages 14-18 years old. Students selected to participate in the program learn important skills for entering the workforce, including time management, accountability, conflict management, and financial literacy. Students meet with guest speakers from a variety of professions and have the opportunity to shadow professionals in a variety of careers. The Reach Program is made possible thanks to the generous funding from the Aslan Foundation. Learn more about how the Aslan Foundation strengthens the Knoxville community by clicking here.

YWCA Gamechangers

GameChangers is the only gender-based violence prevention program for middle-school boys in East Tennessee. GameChangers uses a group mentoring structure, with each group of participants being led by two adult mentors. The program teaches middle school boys about:

• Domestic violence
• Dating violence
• Sexual assault
• Stalking
• Bystander intervention skills
• And about how they can help prevent violence against women and girls.

Ending violence against women and girls is a community effort. Everyone has a part to play.

Thank you to our sponsors