LearningWorks AfterSchool (LWAS) provides free, high-quality afterschool and summer programs for students in grades Pre-K-5 who are academically performing below or partially below grade level, and may not have the resources to access a paid afterschool enrichment or tutoring program. The primary focus of the afterschool and summer programs is academic enrichment through project-based, hands-on, and engaging curriculum. We involve our students in a innovative blend of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) and literacy activities to help improve each child’s academic standing, all in a safe and supportive environment. Transportation and a healthy snack are also provided.

1,000

elementary students attend our free afterschool and summer programs

11

schools participate in our AfterSchool program

4

local towns are currently served
  • Curriculum: We collaborate with school-day teaching staff to develop a curriculum that is highly engaging, hands on, and relevant.  
  • Technology: Students use iPads, Smart Boards, and other technology to conduct research, enforce skills, and share learning through presentations and online blogs.
  • Field Trips & Guest Presenters: We go on field trips and invite guest speakers into the classroom to broaden students’ knowledge and experience.
  • Celebrations of Learning: At the end of each unit of study, students showcase key learnings for parents, teachers, and the community.
  • Research-Based Programming: Subject matter is developed based on research designed to help low-performing students build their thinking skills, and to expose them to new ideas, concepts, and experiences.

Funders and Community Partners
21st Century Community Learning Center funding and other charitable supporters enable us to offer LearningWorks AfterSchool and Summer programs at no cost to families. We collaborate with the Biddeford School Department, Portland Public Schools, Southern Maine Community College, 4-H, Let’s Go 5210, SNAP-Ed, Waterboro Public Schools, South Portland Public Schools, Portland Museum of Art, Mayo Street Arts, Community Bike Center, the University of New England, Maine College of Art, and Starting Strong.

Thank you to our LearningWorks Afterschool Advisory Boards!

Portland: Erica Spencer, Foss Science; Hanna Lakin, Maine Mathematics & Science Alliance; Joe Sanderson, Senior Director ThingWorx Kepware R&D at PTC; Matt Dubel, Portland Connect Ed Executive Director; Meghan Quigley, Portland  Museum of Art; David Tucker, Texas Instruments.

Saco:

Waterboro: Angela Madigan, Waterboro Elementary Principal; Jessica Durgin-Hall, Waterboro Elementary Social Worker; Meghan Holden, Waterboro Elementary Assistant Principal; Julie Hoyle, Waterboro Public Library Director; Stephanie Nicoson, United Way of Southern Maine; Stephen Marquis, RSU 57 Superintendent; Kyle Keenan, RSU 57 Assistant Superintendent; Erica Mazzeo, RSU 57; Cassie Ring, Let’s Go York County; Alexander Tranchemontagne, LWAS Program Director.

Biddeford: Rico Mariello, JFK Memorial Principal; Christopher Indorf, Biddeford School District Assistant Superintendent; Gloria Miro, Biddeford Primary teacher; Jaime Berube, JFK teacher; Collyn Baeder, UNE Assistant Clinical Professor of Health and Wellness; Krysten Gorrivan, Assistant teaching professor; Cassandra Ring, Let’s Go York County 5-2-1-0; Lindsey Nadeau, Biddeford Intermediate Principal; Many Cyr, Assistant Superintendent Biddeford Schools; Michele Landry; Margaret Pitts, Biddeford Schools; Nicole Rae, Biddeford Ready; Cecily Silva, HeadStart; Hilary Ventura, Biddeford Primary School Resiliency Coordinator.