Xcel After School™

After Labor Day each fall, Generation Xcel launches Xcel After School, a full-service after school program complete with tutoring, mentoring, dance, drama, arts and crafts, athletics, and much more. Xcel After School serves an average of twenty-five children ages eight to thirteen Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 pm. Thematic programming each week addresses issues such as community building, family relationships, drug and crime prevention, cultural diversity, and others.

The children are divided into two age groups, 8-10 and 11-13, for regular activities: Monday, physical fitness and/or recreational tournaments; Tuesday, drama; Wednesday, group dialogues; Thursday, arts and crafts; and Friday, dance. The daily schedule for Xcel After School follows:

3:00 - 3:45 Free Time (All)
3:45 - 4:00 Snack Time (All)
4:00 - 4:55 Homework Help (Group 1)
4:00 - 4:55 Daily activity (e.g. drama) (Group 2)
5:00 - 5:55 Homework Help (Group 2)
5:00 - 5:55 Daily Activity (Group 1)

The schedule may be modified as necessary for special needs children. For instance, if a child requires two hours of tutoring to complete homework, s/he receives individualized assistance as possible.

Young people 14 years old and older are eligible to volunteer as Junior Staff. At 15, if they prove themselves reliable and trustworthy, they may qualify to become Xcel interns.

Related Stories

Last Day. Xcel After School ended the '00-'01 academic year at closing ceremonies on June 27, 2001. The Xcel Dancers performed, awards were distributed, and many tears were shed. Read more about the closing ceremonies and kid reactions.

A Day in the Life. Read one intern's comical take on Xcel After School. "3:00. Walk in through the maroon doors on 11th St. And Avenue D. Another wonderful day at school - remind yourself to not take it out on the kids. After being greeted by cheerful hellos and smiling faces, decide it won't be so hard."