Jackson State University News October 26, 2016 Jackson State University's Kids Kollege sheds light on after-school programs By Rachel James-Terry In the late '80s, the term "latchkey kids" was a popular phrase used to describe children who, after school, go home to an empty house due to their parent(s) being at work. According to the Afterschool Alliance, approximately 15 million U.S. children are currently without adult supervision during the afternoon hours. In efforts to combat such steep statistics, Jackson State University's Kids Kollege Enrichment Program participated in the "Lights On Afterschool" campaign last week in the College of Education. "Lights On Afterschool is a national event where over 8,000 afterschool programs, including statewide, rallied for support and to get supporters out to hear and see what after-school programs are doing," said Tierra Strong, program director for JSU's Kids Kollege. Strong explained funding for after-school programs is in danger of being cut or eliminated each year. "So when parents and programs begin to put research out there and evidence of how important and impactful aftercare and summer camp programs are then it helps build momentum so lawmakers can permanently fund after-school programs," she said. Since its inception in 1983, Kids Kollege's mission is to provide contemporary opportunities for Jackson metro area students to excel academically, emotionally and socially. From Monday to Friday, students are welcomed into an individualized approach environment that emphasizes continued learning in a fun atmosphere. During the rally, Elis McBride, special project coordinator for the City of Jackson, read proclamations from Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber and Congressman Bennie Thompson, praising the many community contributions Kids Kollege has made. Dr. Daniel Watkins, dean of Jackson State's College of Education and Human Development, shared droll tidbits of his childhood without aftercare programs saying, "After school for me was work. When we would leave school, we had to do chores, but I was able to learn a whole lot." Growing up in a financially strapped family left little room for extracurricular activities, Watkins remarked. So, he learned how to read his grandfather's newspapers and from there an affinity sprouted for books and geography. "Enter the world of books," he said. "One thing about education is that it will take you where you need to go. Be a lifelong learner. Get to know things. You could never ever get to know too much, and once you get it down in your mind no one can take it away from you." He then challenged the room of students and supporters to "read, read, read, read - enjoy yourself and have an exciting time." The dean also commended the Kids Kollege staff for its service to more than hundreds of youth in the tri-county area, pointing out the significance of the program by stating that kids who go home from school unsupervised lose "valuable time learning." Fifth-grader Jamia Knox patiently waited in line for a snow cone from a concession truck present for the occasion. Knox has been attending Kids Kollege for a little over three years. "I like coming here and learning after school. You don't have to go straight home and be without someone helping you with your homework. It's a lot of things to do at Kids Kollege, and more people should get their kids involved," she said. Jasmine Young, a senior elementary major at JSU, began volunteering at Kids Kollege as a sophomore to complete the university's community service requirements but enjoyed her position so much she stayed. "I've been here ever since, and I love the experience. I love how the children are always so active and always learning and the different activities," Young gushed. Twelve-year-old Mark Hunter, who attends Lovett Elementary, said, "I've been coming to Kids Kollege for two years now, and I like that they help me with my homework. They teach me more about math, and I like the fact that we read a lot," said Hunter. Outside students played an array of games, but Kids Kollege is more than just fun and homework. Eleven-year-old Jonathan Buford took time out from a group of his friends to explain how they are collecting canned and packaged food to donate to parents whose kids are in long-term care at Blair E. Batson Children's Hospital. "It makes me feel good," said Buford, smiling shyly. Kids Kollege Program Coordinator Leontyne Snell spent several years teaching at Pecan Elementary before transitioning to her current status at JSU. She identifies the additional benefits of after-school programs. "With so many responsibilities added on teachers, at times you're not able to address the specific needs of each child. After-school programs offer that platform where it's one on one or lower class-size ratio to help zero in on what the student needs." Although both public schools and Kids Kollege share a lot of traditional classroom resources and attributes, Snell feels Kids Kollege allows teachers and students additional time and development. "More importantly, 'What are our children doing in the afternoons? Where are they after 3 p.m.?' " Snell said. "We know that with decrease funding across the board and parents working more jobs children are having to fend for themselves a lot of times. So this gives them a safe haven. This gives them a place to have access to activities that are structured and engaging and just to grow them individually." For more information on Kids Kollege, click the link http://www.jsums.edu/education/kids-kollege/<http://www.jsums.edu/education/kids-kollege/> SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/