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.

The Phyllis Wheatley After School Enrichment Program (ASEP) has been in effect since the early 1970’s. Over the past 50 years, the program has had a number of sponsors and has evolved into one of the more respected programs in the community. It has maintained a focus on academic support, cultural arts, and character building, positive family engagement as well as a safe place for youth to spend time with friends and classmates. Strong emphasis is placed on academic support, physical activity, avoidance of violence, and healthy decision-making.

ASEP has trained staff available to meet students, families, and communities where they are and provide support to ensure success among enrolled students.

Summer Kids in Play Program (SKIPP)

We deeply value our relationships with our families and communities. For numerous years, we’ve proudly provided the Summer Camp (SKIPP) service. However, after careful evaluation of processes and budgets, we’ve made the difficult choice to suspend this year’s Summer Camp. The well-being of our students and staff guided this decision. Instead, we’re focusing on offering a tailored experience for a smaller group of REACH interns this summer, eagerly anticipating the return of Summer Camp in 2025! Should you have any inquiries or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 865-546-0651.

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