Understory’s after school enrichment program provides healthy, skill building activities to young people. The programming is designed to teach students new skills in fun and engaging ways. The primary objective of the program is to enhance students’ executive functioning. As their executive functioning skills develop their performance will improve in educational settings. Additionally, through games, arts and crafts, and movement activities, participants will increase self-confidence and improve their ability to manage relationships. Finally, the location of the program is within a natural environment that inspires awe and wonder.  

It is critically important for students to develop strong executive functioning skills as these correlate closely to successful school performance. Executive functioning refers to a set of processes that enable individuals to regulate their complex cognitive functioning to stay organized, plan for the future, maintain focus, and inhibit impulses. Understory staff work closely with participants to increase their self-awareness, self-management, and competence in school-related activities through direct instruction, modeling, and coaching.

The after school enrichment program serves students in grades 3^rd through 12^th. The program is inclusive to general education students, students receiving special education, and students benefiting from section 504 plans. Students who have emotional and behavioral challenges related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, and autism spectrum disorder level 1 are all welcome. A brief intake assessment will be completed to ensure that every child’s needs can be met safely.   

At Understory, we believe young people learn best when they are taught new skills within a context of trusting, safe adults and peers. Our after school enrichment program utilizes best practices to create a dynamic, enjoyable learning environment to grow healthy and curious young people.