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 from 3 to 6 p.m. according to Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness organization. As children transition from summer to fall, the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy are offering programs to school-aged children throughout Greater Middlesex County to keep youth active, busy and engaged during out-of-school time. Through a well-rounded approach to youth development, the Y’s 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 Rose Cushing, President and CEO, YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge & South Amboy. “Afterschool at the Y, and in the schools where the YMCA offers programs, 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.”

The Y is a leading nonprofit committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, supporting their social-emotional, cognitive and physical development from birth to career. In the YMCA of MEWSA’s afterschool programs, youth receive help with homework and can also explore the arts, music, sports and crafts and, in some programs, swimming lessons. Financial assistance is available to those in need, to ensure every child and teen has the opportunity to learn and grow at the Y.

Careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) are projected to grow 17 percent over the next few years, and the Y is helping youth develop strong problem-solving, planning, analysis and decision-making skills to succeed in the classroom and in high-demand careers through optional SCRATCH® and computer coding programs.

The YMCA of MEWSA employs Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in our afterschool programs that help build a healthier future for our nation’s children by encouraging healthy eating habits, limiting screen time and providing physical activity to keep every child healthy.

For more information about the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy’s afterschool programs, please visit http://www.ymcaofmewsa.org/programs/child-care/general-information