Building
Thriving
Futures

Building Thriving Futures

students reading after school

Aspire expands learning opportunities to help historically underserved 3rd through 8th grade students in South Arlington fulfill their potential through afterschool and summer learning programs. Aspire is committed to closing the opportunity gap and offers our programs at no cost to families.

programs

Supporting The Whole Child

Aspire has developed an innovative and holistic program model that provides strong continuity of services across the three main aspects of children's daily experience.

School-Connections

School Connections

Aspire’s AmeriCorps members offer classroom support in 6 Arlington public schools and connect afterschool support with classroom lessons.

Afterschool-Summer

Afterschool & Summer

Aspire provides high-quality afterschool and summer academic support for students in 3rd through 8th grades at 3 sites in South Arlington.

Home-Community

Home & Community

Aspire works with families to provide opportunities to develop new skills, gain confidence, and support their children’s development and education.

Where We Serve

Aspire has three program locations near and along the Columbia Pike corridor in South Arlington, ensuring afterschool program access to families who need help the most.

Map of Aspire Locations

Outcomes & Impact

Reading changes lives!

When students read on grade level they are able to keep up with academic content and stay on track to graduate from high school.

students served intensively every day after school
+
hours of dedicated literacy support each year
%
of students improve their reading levels each year
%
of students qualify for free or reduced lunch
%
students of color
%
of students live in non-English speaking households

Why We Love Aspire

Juan Otal

“Aspire is not just an afterschool program, it's like an extra connection from the school. It really does a great job of communicating with teachers. That sometimes can be a hard connection for a lot of families who aren't used to the U.S. educational system. Having someone like Aspire come and communicate with the family and school makes a big difference.”

Juan Otal

Teacher, Carlin Springs Elementary
Iman Aspire Student

“My 4 reasons why I love Aspire:
1. Aspire has good and kind people.
2. The staff are open and always helpful.
3. You can always make friends at Aspire.
4. Aspire is one of the best afterschool programs.”

Ayesha

Aspire Student
Abby from AmeriCorps

“I serve because I want to make a difference in my community. It is crucial that young learners build their literacy skills in order to succeed later on. I am proud to work at an organization that provides students with the support and community they need to grow as learners and as members of their community.”

Abby

AmeriCorps Member
Parent and student

“Aspire has gone above and beyond the scope of their mission. They are an extended family to the students that they help out and care for in program.”

Aspire Parent

Anthony

“When I came to Aspire when I was younger, I saw the volunteers and I connected with them really well. It did seem like something I would want to do. Now, being the person that the kids look up to and being a role model for them and helping them out, it feels really good.”

Anthony

Former Student and High School Volunteer

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News & Events

A girl smiling at the camera, sitting in front of a Christmas tree with a red stuffed animal next to her.

Student Wish List: Make the Holiday Season Magical for an Aspire Students

The holidays are right around the corner, and we’d really appreciate your help in ensuring that all of our students receive gifts that will make their holiday season…

Read More »

coffee
Event

Coffee Chat

Join Executive Director Paula Fynboh and special guests from our board and program team for coffee & conversation as we look at where Aspire is today and our bold vision for the future.

More information »
A small house made out of paper, colored and sitting on a piece of colored green paper.
Event

Student Showcase

Come see the projects that Aspire students have been working on this spring and hear them explain their hard work. This fun community event is open to everyone, and we hope you’ll join us.

More information »