A new school year is filled with potential—a chance to start new routines and habits, build new friendships and discover new possibilities and interests. It’s an exciting time for many kids, however—at the end of the school day, 11.3 million kids head to homes where they are unsupervised form 3 to 6 p.m. according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization.

As children transition from summer to fall, the Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs are proud to offer programs to school-aged children to keep youth active, busy and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, the Ys’ programs offer activities in a caring and safe environment during the critical hours after school. Whether through sports, mentorship, or academic support, the Y nurtures the potential of youth throughout the school year.

“One in five children do not have someone to care for them after school, an essential time to help increase children’s success in school,” said Meghan Carnevale, Senior Director of Mission Advancement & Marketing, Greater Scranton & Wilkes-Barre Family YMCAs. “Afterschool at the Y is an opportunity for families to ensure their kids are receiving additional support, continued learning and a chance to participate in meaningful activities that can inspire children’s motivations and abilities to succeed.”

For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA’s afterschool program, please contact Janine Shaffer, Youth Director, at jshaffer@greaterscrantonymca.org or visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org. For more information about the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA’s afterschool program, please contact Jennifer Brennan, Director of Education and Child Care Services, at jennifer.brennan@wbymca.org or visit www.wbymca.org.