At a time when young people face so many negative influences just as they’re trying to figure out who they are and where they belong, the Be Strong After School Club offers a safe, positive environment. This unique enrichment program, that keeps them off the streets after school schedule is done, guides middle school students’ emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social development. It helps them build social skills and develop both academically and creatively through the arts.
Joel Rodriguez, a former BSASC participant, found was just looking for friends and fun when he joined the After School Club as a student at Richmond Heights Middle School in Miami. He found those things and more – so much more, he became a volunteer with the program. Now 14, he attends Coral Reef High School in Miami. He loves playing basketball and football, spending time with his family and helping the students and teachers at the After School Club.
“They have been supportive. The teachers come to my games. They always encourage us to follow our dreams, to never give up, don’t quit and that we always have an open door to come back.”
A student-athlete at Coral Reef, Joel hopes to be a professional basketball player. He believes Be Strong can help him make that dream come true.
