Our Fantastic Summer and the New School Year Ahead
Across Montgomery County, Washington, DC, and Baltimore, So What Else youth spent the summer growing and having fun together. With field trips, STEM activities, arts and crafts, gardening, and swimming, each week brought something new.
This summer also brought some special opportunities for youth to discover new interests and build confidence. At Team of Stars, rising 6th-9th graders worked with professional artists to create an original musical from scratch. They spent weeks writing, acting, singing, dancing, and building their production, all as a team. Our Student Leadership Institute gave rising 6th-8th graders another chance to step into leadership through team projects, service learning, and hands-on activities. Seeing the youth try something new and support one another was one of the highlights of the summer.
Another huge success was the Youth Summer Olympics. Over 400 youth participants came together for a day filled with epic athletic games, STEM activities, art, and fun. With 20 activity stations and more than 100 staff and volunteers helping bring the event to life, it was a great experience. Thank you to our partner Mentoring Through Athletics for helping make another Youth Summer Olympics possible!
Summer break might be over, but the fun continues. As kids head back to school, So What Else is excited to begin another year of after-school programming across our communities. Our out-of-school-time programs give youth a welcoming place to learn, build relationships, explore their interests, and be themselves throughout the school year.
Thanks to the families who trusted us with their children, the staff and volunteers who showed up, and the donors and community partners who helped make these experiences possible.
Want to help us keep creating opportunities for local youth? Help students start the school year ready to learn by donating back-to-school supplies, or donate today to support our youth programs. Together, we can make sure the next season is just as successful!
