PASA’s AfterZones model is lauded by foundation

PROVIDENCE – A local after-school program has successfully enrolled more than 40 percent of the students at seven middle schools, according to a report on the AfterZones model operated by the Providence Afterschool Alliance (PASA).

“In the five years since its inception, PASA has built an accessible citywide system of after-school programs and installed a number of mechanisms to coordinate, manage and support this system,” concluded a report commissioned by The Wallace Foundation. “It has shown that a campus model is feasible and indeed attracts youth in this age group.”

The foundation commissioned the evaluation as part of its effort to develop the best ways cities can build systems that coordinate and support high-quality, out-of-school time. A second evaluation is due out in 2011. •