ABOUT

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MISSION AND HISTORY

The mission of Arkansas Kids After School Network is to empower and enrich the lives of youth by providing access to quality educational programs, creative arts such as dance, martial arts, acting and essential entrepreneur skills. We are committed to promoting a safe and positive environment where young people can grow personally, academically, and socially. Through our programs and the ones we serve, we strive to inspire and equip students with the skills and tools they need to achieve their full potential and become successful, responsible members of our community.

ORGANIZATION HISTORY

Our organization was created to bridge the gap in education and creative arts resources across the state of Arkansas. For the past five year, we've served over 300 youth a year in different cities to help overcome diversity and inclusion in creative arts. Our Board of Directors and Staff Members work diligently to incorporate programs that are beneficial to the students, parents, and community. Once a year we provide free clothing to youth in school that are need by hosting a "Back to School Fashion Show" yearly in the month of August. In the month of December we host an event call "Winter Candyland" which provides free clothing but also entertainment, free food, scholarships and more. We know the importance of giving back to community and showcasing to our parents who students have learned and developed while attending our programs. Local School Districts find our organization to be vital to the community for the services we offer and professional staff that teaches our youth.

STAFF

ADMINISTRATION

LATONYA CHANTE

ALICIA DUNCAN

SHAMARI JOHNSON

PROGRAM DIRECTORS

LATONYA CHANTE

ERICA WASHINGTON

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

VALERIE MITCHELL

VOLUNTEERS

ALICIA DUNCAN

RAMONA SCOTT

NOEL PAYNE

The Reasons "WHY" AR Kids was created:

Approximately 59,837 children in Arkansas are currently enrolled in after-school programs, but an estimated 125,025 children remain unsupervised after school. Highlighting a significant demand for such resources.

Engaging in creative arts activities- such as dance, visual arts, and theater- supports the cognitive, emotional, and social development of children, helping them express themselves and channel their feelings positively.

83% of parents acknowledged that after-school programs help them maintain their jobs, providing peace of mind that their children are safe and engaged.

Only approximately 45% of youth in Arkansas enroll in at least one form of creative art, which includes 15% of youth in dance, about 20% in visual arts, and 10% in martial arts.

Our programs emphasize academic assistance, creative arts activities, and social-emotional learning (SEL), which are vital for high-need and economically disadvantaged students.

Youth who do not participate in creative arts miss out on opportunities to develop social skills, teamwork, and collaboration. Studies show these same students have lower self-esteem.