YMCA of the Black Hills – Edgemont Kidstop
The Edgemont YMCA afterschool program means peace of mind for families knowing their children are safe and supervised while also providing them with engaging activities that support their academic and social-emotional development. The grant funds from United Way provided crucial support for working families. Fostering economic growth by awarding an increase in productivity and financial stability for businesses and prevented employee absenteeism. This program is vital for economic development. Where 77.4% of all parents' work, having safe and reliable childcare is necessary. Based on participant surveys, data indicates that 100% of respondents were satisfied with the program offerings and the services provided to the community. The program has demonstrated measurable success in supporting student achievement, youth development, and overall well-being through its after-school, summer, and enrichment programming. One key outcome is increased student engagement and satisfaction. This outcome reflects the program’s short-term goal of providing engaging, high-quality activities that meet the needs and interests of students and families. In addition, the program supported academic growth through tutoring and enrichment opportunities. A majority of regularly attending students demonstrated improvement in academic performance, as measured by grades, teacher feedback, and program monitoring data. This aligns with the program’s goal of helping students meet state academic standards and reinforcing learning beyond the school day. The program also contributed to positive youth development and wellness outcomes. Through participation in activities such as youth sports, swimming lessons, and wellness programming, students developed skills related to teamwork, physical health, and confidence. Survey data indicated that a high percentage of participants reported increased confidence and improved social skills, supporting the program’s long-term goal of promoting healthy, well-rounded development. In response to community needs, the program also provided consistent access to nutritious meals for participating students. Over the course of the program year, more than 1,400 meals were served, helping to address food insecurity and support student readiness to learn. This outcome aligns with the program’s broader goal of supporting the well-being of students and reducing barriers to participation. Collectively, these outcomes demonstrate the program’s impact in providing meaningful, high-quality opportunities that support academic success, personal growth, and community well-being.