“When I was a teenager, I began to settle into school because I’d discovered the extracurricular activities that interested me: music and theater.”
Morgan Freeman
The Power of Extracurriculars
The power of extracurriculars in the lives of kids in schools around the nation, and maybe even around the world, is life changing. This quote by actor Morgan Freeman shows just how important a role extracurriculars played in his life and his now extremely successful career. Simply by offering after school activities to young people the entire trajectory of their lives can be altered for the better, not just for themselves, but for entire communities.
Lets Look at the Facts
15% Higher Attendance
Students who participate in extracurricular activities have a 15% higher classroom attendance rate.
53 Points Higher on SAT Scores
Math SAT scores improved by 45 points and verbal by 53 for students involved in extracurricular activities.
10% Lower Dropout Rate
One study found dropout rates among athletes to be 1% compared to 11% for those not in extracurricular programs.
220k Kids Unsupervised After School
123,163 students are enrolled in after school programs. 220,573 are alone and unsupervised after school.
The South Bend Alumni Association relies on local businesses and community leaders to support the work we do in providing monthly grants to the students of South Bend Community Schools so they can participate in the afterschool programs and activities. Community partnerships are our lifeblood, just as the SBAA is to the school administrators, theater teachers, counselors, athletic coaches, choir directors, mock trial coaches, etc. who apply each month for a grant for their programs. Even during the challenging times of the past 20 months, student groups still submitted applications for grants. Young people were still intent on participating in extracurricular activities, connecting with their fellow students and challenging themselves to grow. Whether on the field, the court, the stage or behind the dais.
As the 2021/2022 school year is underway, our Co-Ex Grant Committee continues to meet monthly to consider applications that have been submitted. Students are active and engaged, and teachers, coaches, administrators and the like are encouraged to visit https://southbendalumni.com/grants/ for more information and to submit an application. Deadline for applications is the first day of each month.
If you would like to help continue the work of the Co-Ex Grant Program by making a donation, please visit http://southbendalumni.com/donate
Upcoming Events
South Bend Community Hall of Fame Awards & Dinner:
Tuesday, September 21st
Century Center
If you would like to make a contribution to support the continued work of The South Bend Alumni Association, please visit our website for more information: www.southbendalumni.com