When school starts Monday, many disadvantaged students in Orlando will benefit from the varied programs offered by the City of Orlando’s Families, Parks and Recreation Division.
Engaging programs are offered to elementary through high school students, both before and after school. The programs focus on academic achievement, leadership skills and health and wellness.
Here is a look at three programs that will continue to make a difference in the lives of some of the City’s youngest residents this fall:
Recreation and Athletics Programs
Enrichment programs are offered for elementary school and middle school students at City community centers. Elementary school students participate in After-School OASIS, while sixth-eighth graders take part in the After-School Middle Teen Program. Homework assistance, supervised recreational activities and dinner and a snack are provided to all students.
Educational Enrichment Clubs and Athletics
- Step/Dance
- S.O.S. Mentoring (Strengthening Our Sons)
- Med Trac
- Fencing
- Badminton
- Karate
- Ballet
- Basketball
- Soccer
- City swim team
- Football
- Cheerleading
- Tennis
After-School All-Stars
After-School All-Stars serves over 2,000 sixth-eighth graders each year at eight middle school locations in Orlando. Utilizing an innovative and diversified curriculum designed to impact academic achievement, promote healthy living and foster civic leadership, the program focuses on tutoring, educational enrichment and athletics.
Tutoring
- Each day, program sites provide academic tutoring and educational lessons that focus on the core areas of reading, math and science.
Educational Enrichment Clubs and Athletics
- Art club
- Drama club
- Robotics club
- Yoga club
- Step/Dance
- Volleyball
Parramore Kidz Zone
The Parramore Kidz Zone strives to level the playing field for children in the Parramore neighborhood, equipping them to become successful, healthy, well-educated adults. PKZ invests in early-childhood education, after-school programs, youth development programs and access to health care.
In addition to after-school programs and athletics at City Community Centers, PKZ also partners with community organizations who provide additional resources, including New Image Youth Center, Urban Think! Foundation Page 15, University of Central Florida CREATE, Parramore League of Artistic Youth and the Steinway Society of Central Florida.
These programs assist students not only during the school year, but also provide resources and programs for school vacations and during the summer.
