Education is the foundation of The Fishing School programs. The Fishing School attempts to carry out its mission through the following initiatives:
The After School Program operates Monday through Friday form 3:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. from September to June. Using vans and a school bus, staff members pick students up from various schools in NE, Washington, DC. When students arrive they receive a nutritious snack and then begin activities that involve inspirational readings and self-esteem building discussions that have a different focus each month. Students also receive homework assistance, academic tutoring. Experienced teachers provide instruction in math, reading, music appreciation, financial and computer literacy. A hot, nutritious dinner is served at 6:15p.m. Students then begin the dismissal process and are released into the care of their caregivers.
The Summer Enrichment Program is an eight-week term and begins on the last week of June through mid-August. This program provides a combination of quality academic, recreational and cultural experiences. Students participate in reading, math, computer technology, financial literacy and martial arts classes in the morning. They enjoy swimming, bowling, ice and roller skating and museum trips in the afternoons. In addition, this program offers weekly all-day fieldtrips on Fridays.
The Female Youth Enrichment Program operates each Saturday at our Wylie Street location. Girls between the ages of 8 and 13 participate in self esteem, leadership development and character building activities. They used the theme, “Be Transformed Through the Renewing of Your Mind”. Volunteer speakers provide inspirational talks on traditional and nontraditional female career choices, goal setting, health and wellness topics. The girls also participate in a variety of arts and crafts and take field trips one Saturday each month.
Parent/Community Resource Center focuses on interactive parent/community workshops and training. We target parents of current Fishing School students. The workshops foster community ties and support for the community/parent resource information network. Workshops focus on topics such as child development, education, job readiness, health and fitness, financial planning, conflict resolution and parent/child relations.
The Job, Education and Training (JET) program was developed based on The Fishing School’s Life Skills for Adolescent Youth Project. The JET program functions as an extension of this effort, and focuses on job readiness skills, financial and money management, making the right choices, vocational exploration and field trips. The program began in 2006 and meets once per week. This year the theme focuses on Staying on Track for Life. This program is sponsored by NBC 4 and is coordinated by professional speakers and volunteer mentors from the 100 Black Men of Greater Washington in cooperation with In My Father’s House Ministries.
