New Excel Beyond the Bell Program Model

Focuses on Middle School Students

Exciting news!  We are kicking off a new Excel Beyond the Bell (EBB) model.  Together with the Montgomery County Recreation Department and MCPS, we are coordinating a “micro”  school-based out-of-school-time (OST) system that has an array of OST programs, provides hot supper and bus transportation to all youth participating in any afterschool program regardless of funding, and offers free professional development to all youth workers in the following middle schools:  Argyle, Roberto Clemente, and A. Mario Loiederman.  

To help make this happen, we recently awarded over $400,000 to 11 organizations to complement our partners’ other OST programs currently being offered at these schools. The goal is to develop an intentional array of program options during after school hours to support positive youth development and academic achievement in low-income areas of Montgomery County where students may also be at risk of academic failure. It is our hope to bring this effective EBB model with proven success to other school communities in the future.

This new approach includes 30 weeks of programming starting October 3rd for 2 1/2 hours per day, four days a week. Enrollment and schedules will be coordinated across programs.  Our funded programs specifically include science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); career exploration; leadership and civic engagement; and creative arts.  The Recreation Department will focus on health and wellness programs with the schools featuring extracurricular and academic enrichment activities.

These OST programs will be working to achieve agreed-upon outcomes for the youth they serve including an increase in positive social and personal skills, and positive changes in school-related behaviors, attitudes and performance. Besides funding programs, we are also funding the additional costs for transportation and the Recreation Department’s on-site After School Activities Coordinators, and professional development trainings.  For more information, please contact Lynn Sobolov, at lynn.sobolov@collaborationcouncil.org.


Call To Action

During the United Way/Combined Federal Campaigns, please remember to support our work for children and families by designating our United Way #9441 or Combined Federal Campaign #23410.  Thank you!