Our Programs
During each school year (September - May), we have two programs available for students residing in the AventWest community. One is for elementary school students in grades 1-5, and one is for middle and high school students in grades 6-12. The program includes transportation to and from the tutoring sites, a physical activity period, assistance with homework, reading, math, and basic skills, and a dinner meal or healthy snack provided by the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina and the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle.
The AventWest community in southwest Raleigh is an area bounded roughly by Avent Ferry Road on the south, Athens Drive and Jones Franklin Road on the west, Hillsborough Street on the north, and Gorman Street on the east.
ELEMENTARY (GRADES 1-5)
The students at this site enjoy spending time on the playground where they play on the jungle gym, swings, and other equipment. After enjoying a healthy snack, students work with volunteer tutors on homework and basic skills in the areas of reading, writing, and math.
Community volunteers help our staff members provide enrichment activities to students two to four afternoons each month. Enrichment activities include programs on nutrition and preparing healthy snacks, safety, art, music, and many other fun topics.
Each year in December, a Winter Celebration takes place at both sites. This event brings parents, students, teachers, volunteers, church members, neighbors, and board members together to enjoy a meal and entertainment. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of student gifts from the Angel Tree.
65%
students Improve their homework completion and class participation
Nearly 60%
students improve their behavior in class
1 in 2
students improve their math and reading grades
Source: Afterschool Alliance
Meeting Days and Times
Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons
5:00-7:00 pm
Daily Schedule Includes:
Activity Period
Snack
Tutoring
Location
Western Boulevard Presbyterian Church
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL (GRADES 6-12)
The students at this site enjoy arriving early to spend time outside where they enjoy soccer and other physical activities. The church site provides a safe place for the students to play games and socialize with their peers.
From 5:15-6:15 pm, students work on homework, reports, and basic academic skills with volunteer tutors. English is a second language for many of the students. Volunteer tutors assist with explaining directions, giving guidance on math problems, reading with the students, helping with writing assignments, and completing special projects.
While the students work with the tutors, volunteers prepare a dinner meal with food from the Food Bank and frozen entrees prepared and delivered by the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle each week. At the end of the meal, students are returned to their homes.
Other enrichment activities are offered through collaboration with community programs and include:
Tour of the WRAL-TV 5
Attend Hurricanes hockey and Railhawks soccer games
N.C. State University Science Program Activities
Each year in December, a Winter Celebration takes place at both sites. This event brings parents, students, teachers, volunteers, church members, neighbors, and board members together to enjoy a meal and entertainment. The highlight of the evening is the presentation of student gifts from the Angel Tree.
Availability
Tuesday and Thursday Afternoons
4:30-6:30 pm
Daily Schedule Includes:
Physical Activity
Tutoring
Dinner
Location
Avent Ferry United Methodist Church