After School - This program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The Program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

• 95% of families will report no arrest during involvement in the program.
• 95% of families will report no negative police contact throughout duration of the program.
• 90% will demonstrate improved peer and social interactions as a result of engaging in some form of daily planned and supervised activities and reaction.
• 90% of program participants will express positive perceptions of staff.
• 90% of children served will be reported to demonstrate improved school performance in the 1st marking period, 60% in the 2nd marking period, 70% in the 3rd marking period, 80% by the 4th and final marking period.
• 95% of participants served will be observed to demonstrate at least one new skill or interest at the end of each 9 or 10 week marking period.
• 95% of the participants will express satisfaction with their experiences involving art, culture, diversity, or other skill building activities.
• 95% of participants will express satisfaction with their exposure to career awareness.
• 90% of children served will miss fewer days of school per month.
• 95% of participants will experience fewer expulsions per marking period.
• 90% of teachers will report reduced rates of behavioral incidents and classroom performance improvements per month.
• At each site there will be a 90% reduction in behavioral incidents per marking period.

Program Overview

• The first hour of the program starts with a hot lunch, to give students the extra drive to continue learning.
• The second hour consists of academic learning. This includes science, math, reading and writing, homework assistance, compass learning and a web-based program.
• The last hour consist of one of the following Structural Enrichment Programs: arts and culture, health and wellness, character education and life skills, dance, drama, music, choir, chess and tutoring.

Program Components

Baseball - Cal Ripken Baseball is played mostly at Union Field Park Monday-Saturday between the months of April through September. There are 240 boys and girls who participate in this league. Each team plays about 16 games. The games are usually scheduled in two hour slots with the first game starting at 9:00 a.m.

All players are evaluated in March and then drafted onto teams by the coaches. Everyone who registers on time is placed on a team. Practices are arranged by, and at the discretion of the coaches beginning in March. The Benton Harbor Cal Ripken Baseball League is organized by four separate divisions based on the age of the player. The league also participates in all-star tournaments throughout the U.S.

• T-Ball is an entry level league to introduce young players ages 4-6 to baseball. Players will develop their skills while focusing on the basic fundamentals of throwing, fielding, and hitting. Team sizes are about 10-12 players per team. Players all hit from an adjusting batting tee. Games are played once or twice a week with practice three times per week. There are no tryouts for the kids.
   
• Minor League Division is an entry level league to organize competitive baseball for players ages 9-12. Kids pitch in this league with continuous batting orders and required substitutions. Games are played typically six innings and played two times per week with practice two to three times per week. Additional practices and/or make-up games are occasionally required. Hardballs are used in this league.
   
• Little league Division is for high skill level players ages 11 to 12 and is more competitive than the Minor League. There are limited substitution requirement. We do make sure that every player has a chance to participate. Each player must be in the field a minimum of six defensive outs per game and have at least one turn at bat. The games are played with 98% of Benton Harbor youth competing against each other. Games are six innings and played two times per week with two or three practices per week. Additional practices and/or make-up games should be expected. Hardballs are used in this league.

The Cal Ripken Baseball league will impact the lives of youth in so many ways. All children deserve to reap the many benefits of playing baseball such as: friendship, self-control, confidence, alertness, initiatives, conditioning, sportsmanship, teamwork, life lessons, and fun.

Swimming - First Chance afterschool program provides swimming to new and experienced swimmers at different levels for children ages 5-14 years old. This is a great opportunity for children in the community to have fun while learning and/or refining survival skills with certified life guards and proper safety equipment. Through this program, they will be taught a variety of techniques including, different strokes, front and back crawl, and the butterfly.

All swimming will be held throughout the school year in a safe environment at the Benton Harbor High School Teen Center. The skills acquired can be used for water safety, extra curricular activities, and as additional physical fitness that is lacking in some schools. The swim levels are:

• Level I Beginners - This level introduces the child to the water using floating and gliding devices. The children will focus on basic skills such as: treading water and returning safely to the poolside. They will also learn how to float and hold their breath under water.
   
• Level 2 Intermediate - This level builds skills in front and back swimming. They will be introduced to deep water and endurance techniques. Children will work on kneeling dives, surface support, and developing a greater sense of self safety.
   
• Level 3 Advanced - In this level children will continue to build skills and endurance for the front crawl, back crawl, and elementary back stroke. They will learn air way and breathing obstructions as well as rescue breathing. They will also be introduced to competitive aspects of swimming.

Improving student’s ability to swim is a critical life safety skill and can provide a healthy activity that can be enjoyed for the rest of their life.

Tennis - First Chance tennis program provides basic tennis instruction and guidance in fundamental tennis skills appropriate to their stage of development. The program will develop and enhance a high level of sportsmanship, integrity, and diversity. Children ages 5-14 years old will enhance their athletic abilities in a positive environment held at the Benton Harbor High School Teen Center. The levels are:

• Level 1 - Junior Challengers – In this level technique and fundamentals will be stressed, as well as learning match play and tennis etiquette.
   
• Level 2 - Junior Advanced – This level is designed to teach students how to keep score, learn the fundamentals and begin to play sets and matches.
   
• Level 3 - Junior Development – This level will focus on player ability, not age group. Children will not only increase playing skills, but also foster valuable skills both on and off the court; goal setting, good sportsmanship, and accepting challenges.

We recognize that when academic enrichment and life skills are combined, we can profoundly transform the lives of our communities’ most vulnerable youth. This tennis program will provide a framework for understanding, experiencing, and competing with challenges both on the tennis court and in the classroom. They will also have a unique opportunity to master life skills, learn leadership, and express feelings in a respectful way that leads to productive outcomes.

Program Stats -

Locations -