What’s it really like to be a school superintendent? Or a Vietnam vet or an immigrant? Picture a community member talking with students about their own careers and life experiences and you know what’s happening in the 21st CCLC Richardson ISD program. As part of a district-wide initiative to implement the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets, staff leaders have increased the community’s participation in afterschool programs by inviting local role models to speak with students about their jobs and experiences.

The Search Institute's 40 Developmental assets describe research-based factors proven to be essential in raising successful young people. By implementing these assets children are more likely to make positive choices and become caring and responsible adults. The seventh developmental asset highlights the importance of children feeling valued and appreciated by adults in their community. The presence of local citizens who offer good advice, create motivation, offer mentorship, and who simultaneously are showing a genuine care and interest in these young people’s lives, helps students know they are valued.

At each of Richardson’s five 21st CCLC sites, a different community member attends the program once a week and gives a short 10 to 15 minute presentation to the children between the program’s snack break and the first afterschool activity. Speakers often tell motivational stories, talk about going to college, or their occupations, giving kids insight into opportunities after graduation.

Richardson’s 21st CCLC grant manager, Lysa Rice, has been highly proactive in recruiting community speakers. She once did a poverty simulation for Leadership Richardson, which brings together many influential community and business leaders of Richardson. That experience has enabled her to develop relationships and gain support from individuals who work in places such as the Richardson Police Department, City of Richardson, Amerprise Financial, AT&T, and many other influential organizations. She has engaged community resources such as the Region 10 Educational Service Center to increase community support. Earlier this year the Region 10 ESC identified and nominated fifteen community “sheroes” – female heroes. Of the 15 influential woman nominated, eight have attended Richardson 21st CCLC programs to speak about their successes and experiences. Mrs. Rice has also spoken to the city’s Rotary Club in an effort to recruit speakers and create further community awareness on the importance of 21st CCLC afterschool programs.

Through continuous networking and relationship building, more programs across Texas will be able to develop and maintain further community support. With more community members involved in 21st CCLC programs and inspiring children, support for afterschool will grow, and children’s lives will be touched in a positive way.  Teamwork makes Texas a leader in 21st CCLC community involvement.

To learn more about the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets click here

To learn more about Leadership Richardson click here

When the school day ends...Let the zestiness begin!

At Richardson ISD's Forest Meadow Jr. High, t-shirts were made for kids in the 21st CCLC afterschool program which were sponsored by teachers of the school. Teachers were emailed and asked if they'd be willing to sponsor a child so that they could get a t-shirt. Enough funds were gathered to buy every single student in the program a t-shirt! The Black T-shirts say: (front) "When the school day ends....." (back) "Let the zestiness begin. After Hours in the Meadow."