LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. — The Youth Center offers a plethora of different after-school programs for youth in the Los Alamitos Unified School District. These programs positively impact the daily lives of children through socialization and educational activities. 

Some of the activities that occur after school are the After School Academy & Rascals, Girls in STEM & Kids in STEM, Level Up!, Kids Night Out, Music Academy and Tutoring. 

After School Academy & Rascals 

The After School Academy & Rascals program is a safe and supervised space for students to study, do their homework and socialize after school. The schedules of these two programs fit completely with the LAUSD calendar. It runs from Aug. 14- June 5 on every day of the school week from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. 

This program helps students in a variety of ways, including academically and socially. They also provide fun activities for the kids to do, such as video games, crafts and various other tasks that help students stimulate their brains. 

“I learned how to do elephant toothpaste experiments and (the After School Academy) has helped (me) grow socially,” a student at the After School Academy said.

Level Up!

The Youth Center’s Level Up! program is a great way for children, aged 5-8,  to develop more confidence when in social situations. It is an 8-week program that focuses on allowing kids to practice their public speaking and social skills. 

Guiding success in social situations, Level Up! takes place from 5:00-6:00 p.m. on select dates throughout January, February and March. Each week, students practice, learn and participate in different topics relating to public speaking. 

This program helps create the new generation of leaders and public speakers by enriching the after-school time with socialization opportunities and activities that they would not get in the typical school day. 

Girls in STEM & Kids in STEM

Both Girls in STEM and Kids in STEM are 10-week programs that introduce students to the science world. The Kids in STEM program is open to any students between 1st- 7th grade and Girls in STEM is aimed specifically toward girls within that grade range as well. 

Girls in STEM opens the science field up to young girls and gives them the opportunity to realize that STEM  is something that is open to everybody. 

These programs both occur every Wednesday with Girls in STEM taking place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and Kids in STEM happening directly after that from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. During these designated times, the two programs do different fun science-based activities that keep the kids intrigued while also learning.  

“It’s like a science class but we get to do fun activities,” a young girl at the Girls in STEM program said. 

The numerous entertaining activities that are implemented into the curriculum also help students expand their knowledge of scientific topics. 

Music Academy 

The Music Academy is a program where students can learn how to play various instruments. Some of the classes take place directly after school at Lee, Hopkinson, LAE, Rossmoor, McGaugh and Weaver Elementary School.

The remaining classes that take place on weekends or in the evenings after school are held at The Youth Center. When taking this course, children must bring their own instruments. 

The Youth Center has a variety of talented music instructors who introduce the music world to LAUSD students. With such a wonderful music program available at LAHS and the middle schools, this presents a great opportunity for students to enter the musical realm. 

Tutoring

The Youth Center’s tutoring program provides academic support for students from TK-8th grade. There are many brilliant tutors available for students to help them with their homework and any subject such as math, reading, writing and English.

 To make this program as accessible and effective as possible, a 30 minute session is only $15. Sessions can take place any time from 2:30 to 6:00 p.m. Students are required to bring their materials to sessions as requested by tutors.

This program is incredible for any student who needs an extra boost in their academics. With the help of intelligent instructors, students can excel in even their hardest subjects. The tutoring program is a great opportunity for students to develop their problem-solving skills and academic confidence. 

Kids Night Out

Kids Night Out is a monthly themed event specifically for kids. These fun parties happen on the 3rd Friday of every month and last from 6:00-10:30 p.m. Each theme is picked to either match the holiday of the month or elicit the most enjoyment out of the kids. 

The upcoming Kids Night Out event will be the Space Jam Launch Party. Each party costs $25 per child and takes place at the Youth Center. 

These events are great opportunities for children to make new friends, practice their social skills and have a fun end to their exhausting week of school. It also provides parents with the opportunity to have some time to themselves. 

Overall, the Youth Center has many incredible after-school programs and activities that not only benefit students of all ages but play an important role in shaping well-rounded individuals. Whether it’s through academic enrichment, leadership development or creative opportunities, these programs provide students with the ability to grow and develop.