Native American After-School Program

Dear Supporters,

The AfterSchool Program carried strong momentum into the summer months, offering students a safe, joyful space to learn, play, and grow.

STEM Club was a highlight. Students experimented with radios, paper helicopters, solar cars, and bottle rockets. Not every project worked the first time, but staff reminded them that real engineers rebuild and try again. Watching students troubleshoot and celebrate their successes showed us how confidence grows through persistence.

LEGO Club added creativity and fun, with timed challenges and monthly prizes that encouraged teamwork. Prevention lessons were woven into each session, focusing on selfesteem and positive communication. Students practiced giving compliments and learned how small acts of kindness can brighten someone’s day.

Language and culture remained central. Through the I:mig curriculum, students practiced O’odham greetings, played kahoot games, and shared stories. They learned about districts and communities, family trees, and local history, ending the storytelling cycle with the origin of the ha:san cactus. Traditional games like Toka and Songiwuld brought youth together across districts, strengthening bonds through play and shared meals.

Physical activity was constant. Popup sports, soccer, basketball, capture the flag, and ping pong, kept students active and built teamwork skills in a fun, lowpressure environment. Community events like promotion ceremonies and socials also brought families together to celebrate milestones, reminding us that the program is as much about connection as it is about learning.

Because of your generosity, more than 30–40 youth each week found joy, confidence, and cultural pride in our program. As fall approaches, we are preparing new STEM challenges, cultural running events, and expanded language immersion. We look forward to sharing more stories of growth and resilience with you.

With appreciation,

The NAAF Team