Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: Aspire Afterschool Learning
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: PO Box 41318
City: Arlington
State: Virginia
Postal Code: 22204
Main Phone: 703-379-6488
Main Fax: 703-379-2996
Organization Website: https://www.aspireafterschool.org/
Employer ID Number: 54-1705642
Organization Tax Status: 501(c)3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 02/13/2024
Requested Amount: $5,000

Project Title: Learning ROCKS
Project Description:

Aspire has three key areas within our “Learning ROCKS” program that support students in 3rd-8th grade and their families:

First, we offer an afterschool program for 130+ students at 3 locations in South Arlington from 3pm to 6pm every weekday. This is the county’s only daily afterschool program for children in 3rd-8th grade that is provided at no cost to families.

Students participate in at least 30 minutes of dedicated reading activities, a social-emotional lesson, and a lesson on Literacy, STEAM, Culture & Current Events, Social-Emotional Learning, or Health & Nutrition. They also receive homework support; individualized tutoring and support with foundational skills, phonics, and math; and a hot meal. We use evidence-based methods so that each student receives personalized support based on their goals, needs, and learning styles.

The program is led by our staff, as well as our AmeriCorps members who also serve in the students’ schools. As a result of their engagement in-school and out-of-school, AmeriCorps members can partner with teachers to connect out-of-school programming to school curriculum and identify students who could benefit from our program, reaching approximately 1,000 additional students in the classrooms with lighter-touch supports.

Second, we offer a free six-week, full-day intensive summer camp to provide a safe and fun environment and help prevent summer learning loss. The content reinforces school curriculum and emphasizes experiential learning opportunities that focus on problem-solving, inquiry, and collaboration.

Third, we offer year-round support to children’s families through one-on-one support and group workshops. Our full-time bilingual AmeriCorps parent engagement coordinator is a reliable point of contact for families. She fields calls from families who need additional support and facilitates connections to resources at Aspire and with our community partners and organizes workshops focused on topics that help parents support their children’s learning.

Total Project Budget: $1,058,914 (draft program budget for FY25)

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Aspire leverages a diverse stream of funders and partners. Our top five funders are the Federal Government (which contributes a portion of the living stipend for our AmeriCorps members), The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, the State Government, the Greater Washington Community Foundation, and Morgan Stanley. A full list of our funders is available upon request.

Project Duration: July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025
Geographical Area Served: South Arlington, Virginia
Age Group To Be Served: 3rd to 8th grade students

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Paula
Contact Last Name: Fynboh
Contact Title: Executive Director
Contact Phone: (703) 379-6488
Contact Email: paula@aspireafterschool.org