ASAP after‑school program: enrollment, outcomes and a debate over sustainable funding

Sheila Ware and other staff briefed the commission on ASAP (the city’s after‑school assistance program), enrollment and program outcomes and explained how the city proposes to cover administrative costs while exploring grant opportunities and use of settlement proceeds.

Ware said ASAP serves children ages kindergarten through 16, operates Monday–Friday during the school year with extended hours by request, and runs summer programming. She gave year‑to‑date enrollment figures for two sites: Glenwood (726 East 14th Court) and Panabilla (1804 Flower Avenue). For the 2024–25 school year Ware said Glenwood had 31 enrolled students (daily average 26) and Panabilla had 23 enrolled (daily average 21); summer program averages were similar. She said the 2025–26 school year had 30 enrolled at Glenwood and 23 at Panabilla with open enrollment pending.

Ware highlighted academic supports and outcomes: students received tutoring, used a computer lab and a reading program called Book Taco, visited nursing homes and logged 1,556 books read with matching comprehension checks over the school year. Ware said ASAP had a 96 percent passing rate for students promoted to the next grade and described recognition programs for honor roll, good conduct and perfect attendance.

Commissioners pressed staff on sustainable funding and coordination with other local youth providers. Jared Jones and others said the city has funds remaining in the Friends of ASAP Inc. account and that staff expect to draw down those funds before touching proceeds from property‑sale settlements related to a prior director’s estate. Jones said staff are exploring grant opportunities with Langston & Associates and that the city can apply for grants directly if the Friends nonprofit is wound down.

Commissioners also discussed possible regional coordination with Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc., school district programs and the potential to consolidate or better coordinate facilities to reduce administrative overhead while expanding services. Commissioners stressed the importance of ensuring any redirection of funds would preserve the program’s mission to serve students in LMI neighborhoods and that decisions about capital projects or new facilities should be preceded by a clear plan for ongoing operating costs.

Ending: Staff said they will pursue grant applications, circulate proposals for long‑term funding and provide cost plans for any proposed facility changes; commissioners scheduled a follow‑up workshop item on MLK Recreation Center staffing and funding.