Many people will think that celebrities should give back because they have so much money! And to a certain extent that is so true, but here at BCG we celebrate the celebrities not for the fact that they give back, but rather the unique ways in which they use their celebrity to give back to the community. Case in point with New Orleans Hornets Chris Paul and his Afterschool Zone.
The Afterschool Zone is not in one specific building or one single afterschool program. Rather it is a network of providers in one neighborhood that have made a commitment to work together to provide a variety of safe, high-quality opportunities for children. Ten programs are being offered through eight different providers for children in their school as well as other safe places in the neighborhood.
“Growing up, I spent a lot of time after school learning things in addition to basketball. It helped me figure out who I wanted to be. Kids need after school activist as much as the need good classrooms and good teachers.” Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets.
CP3 Afterschool Zone presented by Chase provides quality programs from experienced providers with qualified staff, featuring lots of hands-on activities that build on what students learn in school.
Participating students will receive bus transportation to all programs, including field trips to locations outside of the neighborhood, with transportation back to central locations in the Afterschool Zone. Strong emphasis is placed on communication between school day staff and afterschool program providers as well as between sites to coordinate transportation and safety for all students. Youth at programs are also provided with healthy snacks each day.
To learn more about this great initiative with Chris Paul and the City of New Orleans visit http://nolayouth.org!
