September 6, 2024— A Beacon of Hope for Students
After-school programs are more than just a place for children to hang out and spend time when the school day ends; they are a proven and critical resource that supports academic achievement, social development, and emotional well-being. These programs, often a lifeline for working families, play a pivotal role in shaping the future of young students, especially those from underserved communities.
For many students supported by St. Jude League and studying at our Claretian-led schools, after-school programs represent a beacon of hope. Students can be part of a supportive community where children can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. For students from low-income families or challenging home environments, these programs often act as a stabilizing force, offering the structure and encouragement needed to succeed.
San Gabriel Mission High School‘s clubs and activities are student-led. They have a club called SMART team that consists of juniors and seniors. Its a collaborative team that works on all aspects of the program (orientation, academic, social, meetings, and fundraising). Students work with staff to assist freshmen during orientation, fundraise for the school, and plan social gatherings for freshmen to make them feel welcomed and comfortable. This gives the juniors and seniors a chance to show leadership, teamwork, and compassion-great skills that lead to success, a great way to celebrate the school’s 75 anniversary year!
A crochet club at Our Lady of Guadalupe School runs under the OLG motto, “We work hard for others.” The club’s founding goal was to make warming caps for kids at Lurie Children’s Hospital who were undergoing cancer treatments. Beyond just encouraging creativity, the service initiative gives OLG students insight into the power of small acts of kindness. Unexpected advantages also include the fact that the pastime prompted talks that led to better mental health and that it let grandparents and younger generations crochet together at home.
Explore more about the exceptional educational and after-school experience offered by our network of Claretian-led schools – San Gabriel Mission Elementary and High School, St. Joseph Elementary, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Collège Clarétain! These schooling and programs are a crucial investment in the future of our students and communities. They provide essential support that can change the trajectory of a child’s life, offering hope, inspiration, and the tools needed to succeed. By donating to these programs, donors are not just supporting an after-school activity; they are investing in the future leaders, thinkers, and citizens who will shape our world.
Supporting St. Jude League Community Development after-school programs is a meaningful way to make a lasting impact in a hopeful future for students and all of us! Each gift goes along way to create a brighter, more equitable future for all students.
