Our Mission
We deliver STEAM-focused afterschool and summer programs to elementary-aged children from underserved communities. By integrating the power of STEM and the arts and fostering a nurturing environment, we strive to help every child develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in the future of work.
Our Story
For over three decades, TFS has been a steadfast pillar of support for underserved communities in DC, realizing our founder, Tom Lewis’ vision to inspire, educate, and prepare every child in underserved communities to realize their full potential. Tom was inspired by the adage, “If you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will feed himself for a lifetime.” Today, we carry his legacy and his inspiration in our programming.
To do this, we deliver STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math)-focused out-of-school activities that build students’ reading, math, critical thinking, creativity, and interpersonal skills. These are skills students will need to succeed in the future of work, no matter the profession. We also know that STEM careers are the fastest-growing career sector, which commands high salaries. The introduction of STEM careers early in a child’s education is supported by research and, we believe, provides the greatest opportunity for a pathway out of poverty.
Who We Serve and Why
We serve students from communities across Washington, DC, and the surrounding area who often face barriers to success. Unstable housing, underemployment, food insecurity, and a lack of access to transportation can make learning difficult. We provide a safe space for students enduring these challenges.
Unfortunately, the gaps in access to high-quality STEM education are most significant for children from marginalized communities. In DC, less than five of the 129 current Deputy Mayor’s for Education grantees offer comprehensive STEAM programming for elementary-aged children.
Additionally, STEM is in the periphery of middle- and high-income students, with family members or friends who are more likely to engage in STEM careers. Further, while DC Public Schools have adopted science curricula, few elementary students receive science instruction because classroom time primarily focuses on basic math and reading concepts. All these factors put low-income students at a disadvantage once they enter high schools where science courses are more prevalent.
Our Programmatic Goals
1) 40% of students improve math and reading scores;
2) 85% of students increase attitudes, behavior, and knowledge about STEM;
3) 85% of students improve comfort with creative expression;
4) 85% of students improve knowledge of how to manage their feelings; and
5) 30% of caregivers improve their knowledge about reinforcing learning at home.
Our Approach To Afterschool Enrichment
Our STEAM-focused afterschool and summer programs consist of three main components: 1) hands-on STEM projects, 2) Creative arts through literacy and fabric art projects, and 3) social/emotional skills development. During the school year, students also receive homework assistance, and recreation is part of the daily schedule year-round. In addition, we provide opportunities for families and caregivers to participate in year-round engagement activities and events designed to increase their knowledge of youth development and empower them to use best practices to aid their children. These activities include providing resources and tips for families and including them in Literacy, STEAM, and Program-end showcases.
58% achievement gap in math
57% achievement gap in reading
4x more likely to drop out of high school
Students who are not proficient in reading by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school than proficient readers.