Robin Guest has seen the After School Patriots Involved in Readiness and Enrichment (ASPIRE) program grow “from the ground up” since its beginning in the 2019-20 school year.
“We started with nothing,” said Guest, ASPIRE on-site coordinator for grades 3-5. “We had a grant that was supposed to be our blueprint, and we were meant to build it up. We had the funds (and) just didn’t know which direction to go.”
The after-school program offers academic and enrichment opportunities for 150 students in grades K-5, including homework help and tutoring, cooking and cosmetology classes, debate and programming with micro:bit.
“I’m very proud that our enrichments have grown so much to where they’re not basic,” Guest said. “It’s things that the kids enjoy.”
It appeared the ASPIRE program wouldn’t return to Oglethorpe County this year because of federal spending cuts, but the Georgia Department of Education released the funds last week, saving the program. It’s since received its second five-year grant of $338,000.
“I really am thankful, honestly, that the state released the funds and we can continue with this program,” said Tabatha Ashworth, who is the on-site coordinator for primary students. “I think it’s a very vital thing that this county has.”
The program has a goal to increase student attendance and improve grades, MAP scores and milestones, said Ashworth, who has worked with the program for 2½ years.
“Their attendance in school improves because the kids are only allowed to miss 15 days (of ASPIRE), and then after that, they’re dismissed,” Ashworth said. “So it’s encouraging (the) parents to get (students to) regular day school so that they can attend (ASPIRE).”
She added she feels student behaviors will “get better” because they participate in a school setting and have rules to follow.
Guest said “a lot” of her staff members last year were certified teachers, paraprofessionals and college students. High school students will also help the elementary students for the first time this year.
“People that haven’t worked with us before, I try to let them pair up with someone who’s been doing (ASPIRE) for years,” she said. “And that way it’s kind of like on-the-job training, so they’ll be ready to take on their own.”
She added she enjoys establishing relationships with the kids and is proud that the community appreciates the program.
“Seeing (students) accomplish things and seeing when the light bulb goes off or seeing the excitement on their face when they see me outside of ASPIRE or in the building, and just seeing them excel,” Ashworth said. “That’s just close to my heart.”
ASPIRE info
For more information or to assist in the program, go to oglethorpe.k12.ga.us/page/21st-century.