Many of the toughest challenges for students occur after the school bell rings. Whether they face hunger or academic challenges, students find a safe environment at our afterschool program. These students can complete their homework under certified teacher supervision and have the opportunity to participate in enrichment activities like sports, symphony and robotics. Each quality, free after-school program site provides a safe environment where students are encouraged and motivated to succeed in both their academic and enrichment activities. The program takes serves kindergarten through eighth grade students, Monday through Friday for three hours each day. The program focuses on six core areas – academic enrichment, sports and recreation, life skills, cultural enrichment, parental involvement and community service.
Each afternoon, students are welcomed into a general meeting place, checked in by quality after-school staff and enjoy a nutritious snack. Students then spend up to 75 minutes each day working on academics under the supervision of a certified teacher and after-school staff members.
After academics, students participate in enrichment activities such as cheerleading, dance, arts and crafts, and sports. Each of these activities is led by highly qualified after-school staff members whose are background screened by Duval County Public Schools.
Oversight and primary funding of the afterschool programs is provided through The Boys and Girls Club of Northeast FL. To learn more about this iniaitive, contact the Matthew Gilber Project Manager - Ms. April Nestor at 904-630-6700.
On the front lines since 1902, Children’s Home Society of Florida is the oldest and largest statewide organization devoted to helping children and families. Children's Home Society has decided to do a partnership with Matthew W. Gilbert. The first step toward implementation is the planning phase, which includes a community needs assessment. Students, teachers, parents and community members identify their primary needs and challenges, the results of which will determine the services and solutions that will be brought into the school.
Achievers For Life (AFL) is a dropout prevention initiative developed and funded by the United Way of Northeast Florida, in partnership with Communities In Schools of Jacksonville, Jewish Family and Community Services, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida. Achievers For Life targets sixth grade students exhibiting risk factors of school disengagement including low GPAs, low FSA scores and excessive absences and provides them with family support, a mentor and help for the students at school. Communities In Schools achievement advocates work with students to keep them on track and prepare for high school.
If you are interested in being a mentor in the Achievers For Life Program, please contact Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida at 904-727-9797.
Matthew W. Gilbert AFL Staff Members
Yolanda McClendon (Director)
Office 904-630-6700