ChesMRC and Talbot County Public Schools partnered to implement and provide a 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) Afterschool Program to students in Grades 1-5 who reside in Talbot County. The funds for this grant ended in 2018 and ChesMRC, through private funding and funding provided by Talbot Family Network (Healthy Habits Program) has been able to continue the program for up to 80 students annually.

What: The ChesMRC Afterschool program is an enrichment program for students of Talbot County in Grades 1-5.  The program focuses on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to help students with their reading and math skills as well as the FSNE (Food Supplement Nutrition Education) curriculum to ensure students are educated on the importance of eating and living healthy.  The goal of the afterschool program is to increase students’ Math, Reading, and Science assessment scores and skills, as well as to provide adult educational resources such as English as a Second Language (ESL), Parenting Skills, and healthy family nights to parents of students participating in the program.

Where: The program is hosted at Easton Elementary School/ 307 Glenwood Ave, Easton, MD 21601.

When:  Afternoons, Monday – Thursday from 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm.

The Plan: According to school officials and service providers, there is a substantial need for early education tutoring, especially for immigrant students. Children who enter pre-K with limited English proficiency can speak English within a year or two; however, their parents often lack the language skills and education to help with their homework or support their academics. Educators and teachers tell us that receiving additional educational programming will have a major impact on these children’s success in school. While the students are participating in educational activities, the parents are free to attend educational programs and information workshops coordinated by the ChesMRC that help them integrate into the community.

The Need Almost all the children involved speak English. By engaging volunteers who are willing to invest in these children’s future, we will break down barriers and develop closer interaction between the established community and newcomers. While we have help from education professionals to ensure the program is properly established, we are seeking adult volunteers to serve as facilitators in reading, math, arts & crafts, and especially STEM activities.

To Volunteer: Complete the volunteer application here on our website, or pick up an application at our center, located at 331 E. Dover in Easton, Maryland, and open Monday through Friday. All adult volunteers must complete a fingerprint and background check.

Questions: Call us at 1-877-77-AYUDA (1-877-772-9832) or write Mateo@chesmrc.org.