Afterschool Programs

Comment by Jacquelynn Accetta on January 23, 2012 at 4:09pm

I am starting our first Girl's Afterschool Science Club but registrations have been slow.  Does anyone have any suggestions for recruiting tween girls?

Comment by Lisa Chappa on January 23, 2012 at 5:37pm

What have you tried?  You could focus on groups that already exist like Girl Scouts or school clubs; or you could ask teachers to recommend girls and send them a letter saying that they were recommended by their teacher;  If you have done camps before, maybe send something to those who have come to camps in the past. 

Comment by Jacquelynn Accetta on January 24, 2012 at 9:47am

Lisa,

Thanks for the idea!  I have emailed our summer camp parents, our home school parents, and any scout leaders that have come to a program here.  I had not thought of the recommendation idea, I like that a lot.  Thanks!

Comment by Sarah Damien on August 20, 2012 at 9:35am

You'll need to dangle a carrot and let the girls know how much fun they'll be having. I made a video about our afterschool program and sent it out to schools to show in their morning announcements (I sent it out to schools I had a pre-existing relationship, whcih i had done on-site afterschool programs). This created a lot of interest and greatly increased phone calls, website traffic, and social media inquiry about my very tiny museum.

Try Home School Coops too!

Comment by Sarah Carter on August 20, 2012 at 11:56am

Great idea Sarah! Could you also post the video on your museum's  Facebook page for fans to like and share with their friends? Talking about relationships with schools, do you have a good strategy for making new relationships?

Comment by Sarah Damien on August 20, 2012 at 3:44pm

Yes- sharing the video would be a good idea.

The best way to approach a school is to have something packaged and in hand to take to them. Like a lesson plan which includes all the state standards your  program hopes to teach. Include any research you've conducted (I was fortunate to conduct this as an onsite program first and then brought it to public schools so i had Pre/Post tests to show off), stats on how many children you can serve, etc.

I've learned its best to approach the Assistant Principals in regards to new ciriculumn before trying to work with the Science Coordinator or similar leader in the school.

Comment by Sarah Carter on August 20, 2012 at 3:56pm

Thanks for the helpful ideas!

Comment by Peggy Norris on May 17, 2013 at 9:04am

Thanks to Sarah Carter for coming out and giving the great training in Lead, SD last Saturday. 

Comment