Arlington's only free, daily, and accessible afterschool and summer program for 3rd-8th grade students, Aspire narrows the educational opportunity gap for its historically underserved families. Serving students of color (99%), families with low incomes (94%), and families speaking another language at home (84%), it underscores the critical nature of reading proficiency — a leading indicator of high school graduation success: children who don’t read well are four times less likely to graduate. Initially, less than 20% of Aspire's students read at grade level; yet by year's end, an impressive 90% see significant improvement. The robust curriculum includes STEAM, social-emotional learning, and parent engagement workshops, empowering family involvement in education. By focusing on the family, Aspire ensures that students receive consistent educational support in school and at home, fostering an environment where learning thrives in multiple contexts.
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