The Steve Clark YMCA on Wichita State University’s Innovation Campus is offering a new pilot program for high school freshman doing remote learning. The program, called The Fresh Connect, starts next Mon., Sept. 21 through Dec. 19, 2020.
It’s free to any WPS high school freshman who signs up for the program.
This pilot program, will give students access to free Wi-Fi and tutoring. The YMCA is aiming to assist with the transition to high school and online learning. The program offers traditional school day structure including educational, social, and physical activities.
The daily schedule will be from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. dedicated time to online learning with tutoring supervision; from 3 – 4 p.m. physical education and other social activities will take place.
Students will come into the YMCA on Wichita State’s campus and attend their classes virtually there instead of staying at home. The room is in the YMCA’s Kid Zone, which is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Fresh Connect program is accepting applications but is limited to 20 students. Registration is exclusively available at the welcome desk of the Oliver location, next to Eck Stadium. Spaces are limited and registration closes on Thurs., Sept. 17.
Fresh Connect participants will come to the Steve Clark YMCA every weekday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We’ve heard some positive things from the community. They’re thankful we’re bringing this program in,” said Greater Wichita YMCA Senior Program Director Tyrone Baker. “The kids can come here and be safe, and (we) also get them up and moving, so very positive feedback from the community.”
The program will follow WPS calendar, and will abide by district closures. Students should bring district-provided laptops for class participation. Lunch will not be provided, and they are encouraged to bring a reusable water bottle, and supplies daily.
For more information, contact Baker at tyrone.baker@ymcawichita.org. Parents/guardians and registered students can attend an in-person meeting Thursday. Masks will be required and social-distancing enforced.