AEF Enrichment Classes Support Educational Opportunities Beyond the Classroom

by jill

Enrichment classes have been the backbone of AEF programming since our inception in 1982. Originally conceived to make up for program cuts resulting from State education funding cuts that began in the 1980’s, AEF’s Enrichment program has grown to offer educational opportunities in a vast range of subjects and fields from STEM, athletics, martial arts, visual and performing arts, and much more. These classes often provide hands-on experiences to augment what is learned in the classroom and expose students to instructors who are experts in their fields and who represent the rich diversity found in the Bay Area.

But it is our volunteer Enrichment Coordinators who make the program possible. Each participating site has a parent volunteer(s) who selects classes from AEF’s list of vetted providers, works with administrators to find locations for the classes, and deals with many of the day-to-day questions from parents.

This year, we have had to take most of our classes outside due to COVID related AUSD space restrictions, but thanks to the flexibility and creativity of our coordinators and instructors, we were still able to offer many programs this fall and will be offering more in the winter/spring sessions.

After the disruption caused by COVID passes, we hope to increase program opportunities at our Title I sites. For instance, we are partnering with Piedmont East Bay Choir to offer classes at Paden Elementary and hope to expand programming at more Title I sites.

We also hold Island-wide programs, such as a new golf program for students in K-8. These classes, run by Seth Pearman of All Square Golf Academy, do not require access to a golf course, making it accessible to more students from across Alameda.