An impactful afterschool program is more than good activities.

So you want to make a bigger difference in your students’ lives?

Sure you do.

But I’m also guessing that the idea of adding more programs and more layers and new tasks is not something you’re jumping the line to get.

Let me ask you this: what if you could get improve your program and make your life easier at the same time?

No brainer, right?

Here’s the thing…you’ll never get there if you’re stuck on the endless hamster wheel of daily responsibilities.

Over the past 20 years working in education, 15+ of those with afterschool programs, I’ve learned that successful programs have 6 things:

1. Students who attend consistently over time
2. Alignment between student needs and the program design (and implementation of that program design with fidelity)
3. Staff with a common vision of change and meaningful connections with students
4. Supportive families, community, and partners
5. School involvement and communication
6. A growth mindset

So what do you do?

First, you need to rethink your focus.  Take a step back.  Consider working on your program, not just in your program. Think about whether what you’re doing every day is moving the needle on your outcomes.

Decide what you want to accomplish, what you want to change.  Then map out a plan to get it. Focus more on the long-range results, rather than what you’re going to do to occupy your students tomorrow.  And get rid of everything that doesn’t move you and your students toward your goals.

Consider what you can do to simplify and streamline.  Because you can’t be your best for your students if you’re barely surviving yourself.

Everyone is overwhelmed. How you deal with your overwhelm is up to you.  You can choose to be stuck or you can choose to be motivated to make a change.

How are you going to choose?

Want some help? Let me know by reaching out.