“In Be Strong, we learn about working together, setting goals and building healthy friendships. I am taking these lessons and applying them to my life.”

– Daheim Derilus

Daheim Derilus came to Be Strong to have some fun. One year later, he’s still here and still having fun, but with a more serious outlook.

“The program was good from the first day, and I just continued coming,” says Daheim, 14, an eighth-grader at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy in Miami. His younger brother, Name, a seventh-grader at Palm Glades, also participates in Be Strong.

“Be Strong became a place for me to get my homework done, hang out with friends, eat free snacks and learn new things like cooking, photography, and heart skills,” Daheim says. “We also get to go on amazing field trips.” He still remembers his first one: traveling across town to play dodgeball against Richmond Heights Middle School. Palm Glades won, 3-0.

For Daheim, the memories are also about the life lessons he’s learning. “In Be Strong, we learn about working together, goal setting and building healthy friendships,” he says. “I am taking these lessons and applying them to my life.“

His values were already solid when he came to Be Strong, but he’s finding new ways of putting them to work.

“My friends consider me to be someone who likes to have fun, laugh, and play. I agree, but more than that, I also consider myself to be loyal, honest and protective, especially of my little brother. It is important to me to set a good example for him, and Be Strong encourages me to do so by being honest and responsible in my decision-making.”

Like many other youths, Darius hopes to make his school’s basketball team. But his sights are set much farther out: He wants to become an entrepreneur or real estate agent. Be Strong is helping him build the foundation to make this dream come true.

“I highly recommend any middle school youth who has the opportunity to join Be Strong After School Club because it is a safe place to do your homework and be around cool people.

“I feel that this program can change your life,” Daheim says, adding mischievously, “and you get food!”

He gets serious again.

“If I can, I would volunteer with Be Strong in the future because I feel like they gave to me, and I would like to give back. I hope that Be Strong After School Club stays around for a long time because it is a good program.”

Your teenager has returned to school after the summer vacation. At the beginning of the new school year, your teen may experience feelings of excitement or anxiety. However, you can make the most of this time by laying the groundwork for your teen’s academic success. As a parent, it is important that our teens be confident in themselves. As teens go through self-discovery and search for their place in the world, many encounter circumstances that test their self-beliefs. In this article, we will discuss ways to build self-confidence in your teenager and prepare them at the start of the school year.

Building Confidence and Self-Esteem

Children who were confident as kids may lose it as teens. Adolescence is often a time of self-doubt, poor body image, and insecurity for many. Good news: You can help improve low self-esteem in teenager, which in turn will benefit them in many other ways. Confident teens can handle peer pressure, navigate dating relationships, make good decisions, and recover from setbacks. Here are a few ways to help build confidence and self-esteem in your teenagers:

●    Show unconditional love

When we condition our love on our teen’s actions, we diminish the power of unconditional love and undermine the belief that they are worthy of our affection regardless of their behavior. Assure your adolescent that your affection for them is unconditional and unrelated to how well they achieve in school, the company they keep, where they attend university, etc.

●    Build confidence at home

A fixed attitude prevents many adolescents from expanding their sense of who they are and what they are capable of. Even though your kid seems to be rejecting the idea of improvement, there is always space for development. Discuss how the human brain is continually developing and expanding. Write down some thoughts on areas in which you’ve observed your adolescent develop. This will help with building self-esteem in teens and start building their confidence.

●    Make room for failure

A teen’s sense of self-worth can be directly tied to how their parents respond to the inevitable failures and setbacks they will eventually face. Criticizing, overreacting, or ignoring it will only convey a message that there is no room for growth as a result of their experiences. Stop worrying so much and talk to your teen about it. Teens are capable of overcoming challenges if they see them as opportunities for growth.

●    Develop new skills or interests

Although your teen’s brain is developing rapidly at this time, you may notice that they are having more difficulty in some areas than they were before. Insist that your teen perceive each difficulty or area of worry as a chance to develop new skills and broaden their horizons. Build on your teen’s interests to help them discover new skills.

●    Don’t let them give up

Teenagers may not always need to feel confident before embarking on anything new or difficult. If they commit fully to anything, they embrace a growth attitude and can gain confidence along the way.

●    Give reassurance

Teen’s often experience difficulties as they begin to transition into adulthood, but this does not make them bad people. You should reassure your teen that they are not bad for choosing an activity over having a romantic partner or ending bad friendships. Building self-esteem and confidence often means taking bold stands.

●    Create a safe space

If you want your teen to feel secure and confident, you should provide them with a safe environment in which to do so. Imagine different scenarios and act them out, varying your responses, voice volume, tone, and any nonverbal cues you use. When teaching teens self-esteem, those who struggle to communicate clearly, they can benefit from having a safe space to do so at home.

●    Encourage self-compassion

Encourage your adolescent to practice self-compassion if they are unable to break free from a negative or limiting mindset regarding their worth. To cultivate a healthy growth mindset, we must be kind and patient with ourselves as we continue to learn and grow. Have them install apps that promote mindfulness, come up with uplifting mantras, or write positive affirmations down in a place where they will see them frequently.

●    Explore different activities or interests

Teenagers who do a lot of different things, like sports, clubs, volunteering, and schoolwork, tend to feel better about themselves. They don’t let a setback in one area bring them down because they have other things that make them feel good about themselves. As a parent, if you continue to be supportive, reassuring, and optimistic, your teen will feel confident and capable in themselves.

●    Listen

To be empathic, you don’t need to agree with your teen. Do not judge, assume, or leap to conclusions. Focus on listening rather than being correct or having the last word as a parent. Listening builds self-esteem and self-worth in teens.

●    Model confidence

If your adolescent is watching you, they’re observing how you handle tough situations and how you feel about yourself. Consider your self-esteem and confidence, and be objective. Adopt a healthy mentality and seek experiences and activities that build your self-confidence.

Tips to Prepare for School

Keeping your teen interested in school and extracurricular activities can be accomplished by maintaining an active, but not overbearing, relationship with them Now, let’s examine some back-to-school tips and tricks that will help you and your teen transition into the new school year.

1. Prepare teen for school

Back-to-school preparation should begin at home, and parents can help their teen get off to a strong start by incorporating various back-to-school strategies and practices into their family’s regular activities. Breakfast, sleep, and limiting screen time are three ways that you can assist them in tackling the day without interfering with their increasing level of independence.

2. Help them become more organized

As any parent who has had to clean their child’s room can attest, no one is born with exceptional organizational skills. The ability to organize one’s life can lead to greater success in middle and high school, which can serve as the foundation for future success.

3. Prepare them for academic success

When you have more classes, there is also more material to study and more work to complete. Keeping on top of their homework can help students maintain control over other aspects of their lives. Every school night, adolescents may have assignments that take several hours to complete. Providing assistance to them in the management of their workload can go a long way toward assisting them in the organization of their lives.

4. Promote extracurricular activities

It is beneficial to a teen’s sense of belonging when they participate in extracurricular activities outside of the classroom, such as theater club, art club, or playing a sport. Teamwork and a sense of belonging are two important building blocks for self-confidence, and encouraging participation in organized school activities can help students develop both.

Be Strong International

Ensure that your teen is confident and prepared for a successful school year. Maintain close contact with your teen while also giving them the independence they require to grow into unique and strong individuals. As mentioned in our list above, boosting teenage self-esteem with activities is a great way to start. Be Strong International, for example, is an organization that helps teens navigate all areas of their lives.

Be Strong International is a non-profit organization based in Miami-Dade County with the mission of guiding individuals and families from brokenness to wholeness by providing educational services and resources to assist them in developing and maintaining healthy relationships. They are dedicated to assisting teenagers in becoming strong and thriving individuals in school and in life.

Their Project H.O.P.E. program assists teens and young adults in making better decisions about their relationships, character, careers, and finances. These interactive workshops are intended to guide and empower young people from public and private schools, churches, and community organizations. Every kid is welcome! This program addresses difficult topics and deals with real-life situations. The Project H.O.P.E. staff fosters an educational environment that is open, honest, realistic, and evidence-based. For more information about Project H.O.P.E, click here.

Their “After-School Club” program aims to guide middle school aged children by integrating holistic enrichment activities such as arts and academic support, as well as a unique curriculum that meets their social, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs. For more information about the Be Strong After School Club, click here.

The “Girls Empowerment Mastery Sessions” (GEMS) program at Be Strong aims to provide teen girls with the tools they need to “find their voice” in all aspects of life, including social, emotional, mental, and physical dimensions. According to research, it is quite common for girls approaching adolescence to experience what is known as “loss of voice.” This is defined as the inability to fully express or value one’s own thoughts and feelings. This program will help her discover her own voice and building confidence in your teenager. For more information about the Girls Empowerment Mastery Sessions, click here.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us through our Contact Us page or write to us on the Chat Box located on the bottom right corner of this website.

Rhys Lewis just graduated from the 6th grade at Palm Glades Preparatory Academy.  He enjoys joking around with family and friends, playing football and video games.  He is candidly honest and has an amazing since of humor!

Rhys and his family moved from Texas to Miami when the pandemic started in 2020.  With little to no contact with friends back in Texas, starting over and adapting to the culture in South Florida has proven to be difficult at times for Rhys. He has even experienced being bullied because of his size and the color of his skin. Fortunately, he gained many new friends when he joined the Be Strong After School Club (BSASC).

Through BSASC, Rhys has discovered a passion for photography and is even learning to cook, thanks to our Chef, Vanessa Garcia.  These new skills should come in very handy, given that he has a big family, with 10 siblings!  Lots of moments to capture and mouths to feed!

Rhys dreams of one day playing football in the NFL! He is incredibly gifted in the sport, both as a receiver and running back.  

Through the Heart Skills curriculum offered at the Be Strong After School Club, Rhys has learned to show compassion, empathy, and patience towards others.  At his young age, these skills have helped him to gain new friendships and strength his confidence.

There is more to Rhys than humor and athletics. He is also an A student in the classroom.  He is well above his grade level in Mathematics. He credits some of that success to the BSASC certified teachers, especially Ms. Brown, who always encourages him to work beyond the assigned lessons in the online program, SuccessMaker® Math.  

Rhys has a bright future, and we hope to be a small part of it by giving him, and all the kids at the Be Strong After School Club, not just a place to hang out…but a safe environment where they can have fun, learn, grow, and build long-lasting memories.

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.

Shakilah Elain Woodside loves hanging out and “being goofy” with her friends. She is proud of the medals she has won for shot-putting in track and field, “and I absolutely love hugs!” she adds happily. Shakilah, 12, is a seventh grader at Richmond Heights Middle School in Miami. She has a lot of happiness in her life, and her family is one of the brightest parts. She carries a photograph of her mother wherever she goes. But before she began attending the esteem-building program at Be Strong International, she faced many challenges.

“Growing up, I’ve witnessed and experienced bullying, which really hurts my heart,” she says. “It has made me create a tough exterior to not only stand up for myself but for others as well. I spend a lot of time with my younger cousin, which I try to be a good role model to and that’s where Be Strong comes in.”

Shakilah joined Be Strong After School Club after a friend invited her to visit. “They are amazing!” she says. “I was overwhelmed by the support the adults and mentors provide us daily and love the super fun field trip. Be Strong has even showed up to support our schools’ sports programs when they play on campus. Be Strong has changed my life by helping me bring out the best in myself whether in the classroom, on the field, or around others. I am free to be who I am, unapologetically. Be Strong After School Club is a safe place to learn, grow and thrive.”

Shakilah praises the wide range of classes and activities at Be Strong After School Club, located at Richmond Heights, Palm Glades Preparatory Academy in Miami, and now at Miramar Multiplex in Miramar, Florida. “I heard a lot of good things about Be Strong, and that’s why I decided to join. Now, I can be one of those good things too. Be Strong has helped me visualize my future even clearer,” Shakilah says. “I see myself attending college and doing Track and Field while uplifting others in the process.” One of the great lessons she learned at Be Strong After School Club comes from Mrs. Vanessa, who teaches culinary arts, “You don’t have to do anything special to be special.”

After-school clubs have played an integral role in childhood for many years now. The last school bell rings and then we freely dash off to our after-school club or activity. In fact, in the beginning, it was just a means to supervise children while parents were still at work, but now it has evolved into so much more. As a result, it has become the norm and parents want to know what to look for in choosing the best after-school clubs for kids today.

Here are some key elements that should be considered in the decision-making process:

– Staff
– Environment
– Programs
– Self Development
– Relationships

Together, these elements will help in narrowing down your selection of clubs and activities and provide the assurance that you and your child need when choosing the best after-school club. Let’s dive in and take a closer look at each.

Programs

After-school clubs cover a wide range of activities and interests such as sports, hobbies, academics, etc. The school day accounts for the academic enrichment of your child, while after-school clubs provide more transformative experiences. Moreover, after-school programs can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional and social development. Children who participate in a variety of activities can improve their skill level, gain confidence, build healthy friendships, and discover new areas of interest.

Keep in mind that what may appeal to you on the list of clubs may not appeal to your child.

While you want to expose your child to new experiences, you also want to be mindful of who your child is; according to Roseanne Lesack, a licensed psychologist and the director of a child psychology clinic at Nova Southern University in Florida. You must ask yourself what do you want your child to get out of the program? Will it appeal to them? (Care.com) After-school clubs should not only benefit you as the parent but should also support your child’s interests and development.

After-school clubs can help to engage children in activities that will develop their academic, social, emotional, and professional skills — as well as teach your child to be independent. Having a well-established routine builds confidence, familiarity, and independence in children.

Research has shown that children who participate in a quality after-school program are more likely to attend and stay in school. They complete their homework on time and achieve higher grades. (WashingtonPost.com) In general, as a parent, you will applaud the effort made to encourage and motivate children to “get off social media and video games” and into clubs that expose them to activities they might not otherwise experience.

The activities that children and youth participate in outside of school hours are crucial to their overall development, placing a strong emphasis on the need for good after-school programs in every community. After-school programs are now in high demand, with almost 10.2 million children and youth participating in an after-school program each year, with 10 million attending summer camps and 6 million participating in programs from grade 4 up to high school. (Youth.gov)

Staff

When looking for the best after-school club for your child, look for one that has a great staff. You want to know that the staff at your child’s club not only enriches his or her life but is also trustworthy to look after him or her. Great staff will also hold your child accountable in the completion of activities or studies with adequate follow-through. You want somebody you can rely on to keep your child on track. Communication is essential in after-school staff-parent connections. Reports on a child’s progress and development may be given to parents by staff.

After-school staff and educators carefully arrange these programs to guarantee that children return. The best after-school programs recognize that schools alone cannot educate and care for our children but that their success is a collaborative effort with the schools and teachers to achieve this goal and produce activities that enhance and complement, but do not replicate, the school day.

Environment

Working families, single-parent families, and businesses alike, all benefit from after-school programs that provide a safe environment for children while they are still at work. The best after-school clubs will provide a caring and safe environment for kids. And participation in an after-school program results in increased adult supervision, which helps children feel safer and minimizes instances of being left unaccompanied with peers outside of school and engaging in risky behaviors.

A safe atmosphere is a key feature to look for in the best after-school programs. You want to make sure that your child is secure between the time that the last school bell rings and parents arrive home from work. You know where they will be, and you will have the necessary contact information in case you need to get a hold of them. There is no possibility of them leaving school unattended or unaccounted for if they have a scheduled activity to go to. (PikMyKid.com) Activities are supervised and organized allowing children to be monitored.

Relationships

An after-school club allows your child to meet new people and build new friendships. Being away from school might even provide a reprieve from the normal cliques or social pressures. Relationships both within and outside of school are critical to your child’s mental well-being. The best after-school clubs can develop your child’s interaction with their teacher or staff members.

Participating in an after-school program may help a kid learn how to communicate with others, build interpersonal skills, and learn how to be respectful to others.

The programs can help foster the development of positive character traits and teamwork. A solid relationship between the child and teacher or staff member will help them feel more at ease. Being able to trust adult figures at school makes the child more confident. The ability to trust adult figures in school encourages children to raise inquiries and share concerns. Opening this communication between a kid and a trusted adult has saved many from having to cope with difficulties such as bullying, poor self-esteem, or family problems on their own.

Self-Development

Many children battle with confidence, especially in their pre-teen and adolescent years. Participating in after-school programs with their peers encourages them to establish and sustain relationships. Some of a child’s best pals are developed during their elementary and middle school years. Getting out and participating in activities while also connecting with peers is a terrific way to build self-esteem in children and a great way to spend time.

There are also chances for kids to become leaders in their respective clubs or activity. Your child will develop a more active voice if they have solid communication skills and are assertive. According to a Boys and Girls Club survey, 82% of children in their program have participated in leadership roles such as student council, overseeing activities or aiding in the office. (Youth.gov) Many of the kids who participate in after-school clubs and extracurricular activities are preparing for a future that will set them apart.

Be Strong After-School Program

Now that we’ve discussed the key elements in choosing the best after-school club for your child, let’s introduce one.

Be Strong International is a non-profit organization based in Miami-Dade County with a mission to guide individuals and families from brokenness to wholeness through the use of educational services and resources that help them develop and maintain healthy relationships. Be Strong has a strong devotion to youth and parents in the communities and provides several programs that cater to them. Their program, the After-School Club, aims to guide middle school children through the integration of holistic enrichment activities such as arts, academic support, and a unique curriculum that meets their social, emotional, mental, spiritual, and physical needs. This club embodies all the important qualifications in your search for the best after-school club. The program includes:

– Academic Assistance by Certified Teachers
– Photography Classes
– Cooking Classes
– Dance Classes
– Heart Skills
– Field Trips
– Healthy Snacks
– Prizes
– Parent-Student Engagement Events
– End of Year Showcase
– And More!

For more information click here Be Strong’s After-School Club.  You will find a wealth of information about this program and others.

While you are here, be sure to check out Be Strong’s parenting programs that are aimed at helping to build healthy and strong parent-child relationships, whether you’re a single parent or a unit.

Be Strong International is always looking for volunteers to help lead the next generation and make a difference in their communities. Be a world changer click here to contact us for more information on becoming a volunteer.

Is your middle schooler looking for something fun to do after school? Are you looking for an activity to help them learn valuable skills and build positive relationships with other kids? Then, sign them up for the Be Strong Intl. After School Club – they’ll get both benefits! 

The Be Strong Intl. After School Club is a unique enrichment program that guides middle school youth’s social, emotional and academic growth, empowering them to be socially, physically, emotionally and mentally healthy.

And it’s free!

Join the Be Strong Intl. After School Club

From enrichment classes like cooking and photography to special activities like field trips, our club gives middle schoolers the fun kind of learning that starts when the regular school day ends. Kids also get academic help and join interactive groups that encourage social and emotional learning. Sessions are held on Zoom.

There’s something for parents and other caregivers, too. They can enjoy engagement events with their children and take parenting classes. Be Strong Intl. can also link them to other agencies providing family services they might need. 

Be Strong Intl. Q&A

Here are some questions we’re often asked about the program. You can also visit our After School Club page and download an informative flyer. 

How does the After School Club help kids?

Be Strong Intl. After School Club was designed to develop healthy, well-rounded individuals by helping kids build the social, academic and life skills they need for success. It helps them work on skills like self-awareness and self-management of thoughts and emotions; empathy toward people of diverse backgrounds and cultures); establishing and maintaining healthy relationships; and responsible decision-making.

What happens at the sessions?

Our virtual program schedule varies, but all sessions begin with a well-being check-in. Then, students are  given academic support from certified teachers and join an interactive social-emotional learning activity with other kids in the program. On two days a week, the afternoon includes an interactive enrichment activity such as cooking or photography.

Do the kids in After School do better in school?

Yes, students in after-school programming generally do better in school. The program gives them a place where they feel safe learning and have fun with friends. In addition, all students are engaged socially, emotionally and academically, so they’re mentally refreshed and ready to tackle the academic responsibilities before them. Not to mention, we have certified teachers providing the educational assistance.

What might they be doing if they weren’t coming to After School?

We have found that many students who do not participate in after-school programs are more likely to spend most of their time isolated. They’re more likely to spend their time over-indulging in social media, TV and video games or becoming involved in unhealthy risky behaviors.

Why is it important for kids to attend programs like this?

The struggles of today’s middle school students are unlike any faced before. Although many other programs encourage youth to get involved with sports and other activities, they often are inaccessible during this current pandemic. Furthermore, they may not provide students with additional support like social-emotional learning skills and academic support. 

We have found that many students are bombarded with the pressure to disengage from healthy social interactions and spend most of their free time on electronic devices. Unfortunately, this can encourage them to become isolated, gravitate to unhealthy friendships or get involved in risky behaviors that can compromise their future. 

Programs like ours aim to support students in their journey toward future success by providing them with necessary social-emotional learning skills, academic assistance and youth enrichment opportunities. Otherwise, students can be left feeling unmotivated, uncared for, alone and hopeless during a critical period of their life.

After School Club Success Stories

We have a seventh-grade student who has been in our program for two years. She often says Be Strong Intl. After School Club means a lot to her because she does not really have many friends, but Be Strong Intl. always feels like family to her.

Another seventh-grader shared this story about his experiences in the program: 

Before I was introduced to Be Strong Intl., I was so unmotivated, very sad and just not being the best me that I could be. I was in a horrible mental state, constant stress and worry. Always had to stress about one thing or another. I felt so uncomfortable in my own skin. I used to look in my mirror and think, if this was the person I became, how did I go from a happy person to this? I was overall not in the best place, but one day my close friend Tedria was talking to me about this after-school program. At this point, I was desperate, so I decided to join the meeting and check it out. 

I was surprised to see how welcomed and loved I was. I was so surprised to see these people who I’ve never met before were so understanding and willing to put their time and effort into making me and others feel better about themselves. The way that these people just accepted me into their group so quickly because they saw something in me when I didn’t even see it was amazing. The love, support and joy they brought to my life were impeccable. So, I continued to go every week on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and slowly my life started to turn around. I  finally had a motivation to get up in the morning and do something with my life, finally something to look forward to. 

This support and love they showed me in my time of darkness really was heaven-sent. I thought I was never gonna get out of this cycle of sadness and darkness. Be Strong Intl. proved me wrong. They showed me so much affection and support that was so life-changing and fascinating. They gave me the motivation to do better in school, they gave me the motivation to love and appreciate myself and what I had, they taught me how to cherish and respect my peers and myself. They were the guiding light in the blank darkness. Words can’t explain how they truly impacted me.

 My life is finally back on track, and so many opportunities are opening and showing themselves. I owe it all to Be Strong Intl.. They were my true saviors.

Be Strong Intl. After School Club Activities

• Arts/Photography – A professional photographer teaches photography techniques and how to bridge the art form with others, such as drawing and painting.
• Cooking Classes – A professional chef teaches students how to create various recipes using everyday and/or specialized ingredients.
• Field Trips – Live and/or virtual excursions take place on select teacher planning days. Space is limited, and parents must give consent.
• Social/Emotional Learning Activities – Students learn to recognize and understand their feelings, feel empathy, make decisions and build and maintain healthy relationships.

Be Strong Intl. provides free supplies for all activities. 

Kids: Want Some Fun After School?

Join other middle-schoolers for fun, FREE activities on Zoom! You can look forward to:

• Arts/photography classes
• Cooking classes
• Learning activities
• And more!

​Register now and tell your friends that you joined!

Be Strong Intl. Tutoring

Are your kids struggling during the pandemic to keep up with school?

We may have just the solution!

The Be Strong Intl. After School Club now offers tutoring for middle school students. The services are free, but space is limited. Please note:

• Students must be enrolled in middle school to participate.

• Parents/caregivers must submit a consent form.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, Be Strong Intl. After School Club is operating online only.

​For more information, contact:

Jasmine Lang – jasmine@bestrongintl.org

Vasti Thomas – vasti@bestrongintl.org

Or call 305-969-7829, ext. 109. 

Miami, FL – Be Strong’s After School Club (BSASC) hosted their end-of-year field trip on May 28^th at Paradise Ranch in Miami, Florida. Their students finally met one another for the first time outside of a virtual environment since the pandemic began. During this event, students were able to participate in a cooking activity, receive program awards and enjoy time with friends and family.

“This was one of my most memorable moments this year because we got to see and honor our students in-person and before their loved ones,” said Jasmin Lang, BSASC’s site supervisor. “Since our program has been virtual all year, I really enjoyed witnessing live student smiles, laughs, and tears, especially during the award acknowledgments where all students were highlighted and appreciated for the ways they contribute to our Be Strong After School Club.”

Be Strong’s After School Club is an enrichment program that guides middle school youth’s social, emotional, and academic development, empowering them to be socially, physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. For more information, contact Jasmine Lang at jasmine@bestrongintl.org or Vasti Thomas at vasti@bestrongintl.org or call them at 305-969-7829, ext. 109.

For inquiries or to arrange an interview, contact Nicholas Fernandez at nicholas@bestrongintl.org

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