For three decades, the American Savings Foundation's support for after‑school programming has been a central pillar of its grantmaking. Since its earliest grants in 1996, the Foundation has invested in a wide range of programs for youth during the hours outside of the school day throuhgout the 64 towns it supports. In New Britain, this committment was expanded in 2005 with the launch of the Foundation's After School Initiave for Middle School Youth. The Foundation continues to be the city’s lead funder of after‑school opportunities for middle‑school youth, pairing financial support with hands‑on guidance that strengthens quality, expands access, and helps agencies work together as a coordinated network.
The Foundation supports programs that provide consistent, research‑based enrichment during the critical 3 to 6 p.m. hours; programs that track attendance, offer homework help, incorporate project‑based learning, and help young people build confidence, skills, and meaningful connections. Providers are also encouraged to participate in citywide youth networks, reinforcing a shared commitment to quality and continuous improvement across the community.
Over the years, the Foundation has built long‑standing relationships with many of New Britain’s most trusted youth‑serving organizations. A cohort of providers collaborates closely with the Foundation to meet the need of middle-school age youth, including the Boys & Girls Club of New Britain, YWCA of New Britain, OIC of New Britain, Pathways/Senderos Center, and the City of New Britain's Recreation and Community Services after-school programs. The Foundation also supports a wide range of other programs that take place outside the school day, such as Queen Ann Nzinga's Watooto program, World Wide Youth Network's Paradym Academy, HRA of New Britain's Foundations for Financial Independence, New Britain's Summer SEE program, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Connecticut, and many others, all of which contribute to the broader network working to expand high‑quality opportunities for local students.
The Foundation remains deeply committed to sustaining a strong after‑school ecosystem in New Britain; one that gives middle‑school youth safe places to learn, explore their interests, and feel supported by caring adults. Through long‑standing partnerships and a focus on program quality, these efforts continue to help students enter high school more prepared, more confident, and more connected to their community.
▶ Watch the video: American Savings Foundation's lasting impact on after‑school learning
