Pilot Program for Expanded Learning Opportunities Begins January 2022 for Second School District in Pierce County
[Tacoma, Washington]: Greentrike Out-of-School Time Intermediary (Greentrike OSTI) today announced a new partnership with University Place School District (UPSD). Greentrike OSTI launches the pilot Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) programming for UPSD schools, starting January 10, 2022. This partnership is the first time that ELO programming will be available for students in UPSD through Greentrike OSTI.
The goal of Greentrike OSTI’s partnership with UPSD is to create a seamless system to connect parents and students with ELO providers to deliver non-school-hours programs, activities, and clubs. ELO programming will include arts, enrichment, science, nature, academics, fitness, and sports.
ELO sessions are Pay What You Choose, a flexible pricing model that makes activities accessible for every student. During registration, participants decide on the amount to pay for activities. The payment sliding scale is between $0 and $150. Every dollar goes back into the ELO program hub to support the amazing providers and instructors who are bringing high-quality and enriching programs to UPSD schools. Pay What You Choose ensures activities are affordable and accessible for everyone.
Fahren Johnson, director of strategic initiatives at Greentrike, shared the values that Greentrike OSTI will champion, “Developing powerful, safe, high-quality, and culturally relevant environments where children and youth, as well as those who serve them can thrive and make connections is a priority for the work of Greentrike OSTI. It is equity work at its core.”
Fahren touched on the significance of the partnership, stating, “We are so excited to partner with UPSD because not only do their leaders understand the impact Expanded Learning Opportunities can have on all students, they are committed to ensuring students who are furthest removed from opportunities will have access first,” Fahren exclaimed, “I love that.”
ELO programming at UPSD will launch in the spring semester at four primary schools, with plans for future expansion in the fall semester. Evergreen Primary School, Chambers Primary School, University Place Primary School, and Sunset Primary School will be the first hubs for the pilot ELO programming.
“We are very excited to expand opportunities for our students with a high-quality community partner like Greentrike,” said Jeff Chamberlin, superintendent of University Place School District. Superintendent Chamberlin added,” This partnership builds upon our mission to deliver the best academic, recreational, and social activities for our students.”
Listed below are important information for the upcoming launch of ELO programming for UPSD:
- Registration for ELO sessions opens on December 14, 2021 and runs through December 17, 2021. Registration capacity is currently limited for the pilot program.
- Registration can be found at the specific Peachjar pages for Evergreen Primary School, Chambers Primary School, University Place Primary School, and Sunset Primary School.
- ELO sessions pilot program will launch on January 10, 2022.
- To become an ELO provider by visiting org/elo-for-providers.
- Learn more about Greentrike OSTI by visiting org/osti.
Greentrike OSTI is an initiative of Greentrike, the nonprofit organization with the mission to honor children and youth, and champion play. As of March 2021, Greentrike started leading the OSTI efforts for Pierce County to improve access and quality of Expanded Learning Opportunities. The partnership with UPSD marks the second school district to join Greentrike OSTI following the successful first launch of ELO programming at Tacoma Public Schools.
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About University Place School District
The mission of University Place School District (UPSD), in partnership with the community, is to ensure that all UPSD students are competent, contributing citizens. Officially established on November 2, 1895, UPSD serves the City of University Place, Washington.
