Over more than 20 years, ACOG has honed the invaluable work of using the arts (visual, performing, and culinary) as a tool for positive youth development and supporting students to succeed through positive mentoring, community building, and creative expression.​  

 

ACOG’s Core Afterschool program provides youth a safe space to be themselves, express and explore their feelings, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun. Groups meet 1-2 times a week throughout the school year, averaging between 150-200 hours of free enrichment per student, per year.  

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Afterschool at ACOG involves:

• snack-time that acts as a transition period in their day, giving time to connect with other girls and build community.

• opening check-in circle where each student takes center stage, shares how they are feeling, and engages in our question of the day.

• fun team-building games where participants learn about each other and themselves.

• creative visual art projects that might include vision boards, fabric self-portraits, flower studies, or creating an art-inspired outfit in our "dress project." 

• delicious cooking activities such as our "family traditions" project where students share a recipe that is special to them, and take the lead in the kitchen. 

• confidence-building theater games which lead to rehearsing and working together towards a theatrical performance.

• closing circle reflection on their time together, and sharing experiences that make them smile.