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.

Headquarters: VA-Arlington County

Where They Operate: VA-Arlington County; Columbia Heights West; Pike Village Center

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Adult (25-49)

Population(s) Served: Students; Immigrants/Refugees; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members

Schools They Work In: Campbell Elementary School; Carlin Springs Elementary School; Claremont Elementary School; Randolph Elementary School; Barcroft Elementary School

Awards & Recognition

Greenbrier Learning Center (now knowing as Aspire! Afterschool Learning) was recently recognized with the following awards:

2011 Center for Nonprofit Advancement's Board Leadership Award, recognizing GLC for its good governance and innovative practice.

Arlington Community Foundation's Award for Innovation and Impact, recognizing GLC's work in the South Arlington community.

GLC was also named a finalist for the National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award, recognizing GLC's Learning ROCKS! Program as "one of the best arts- and humanities-based programs in the country.

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • The current budget for Aspire! Afterschool Learning is: $1 million to $3 million
  • $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Aspire! Afterschool Learning you might also like