Extended Learning

Through Extending Learning programs, we offer enrichment opportunities for our scholars while promoting a sense of belonging and working with the whole child.

Vision: To enhance the academic, personal and emotional success of our students during after-school programming.

LOOP Programming

The LOOP program provides elementary and middle school kids a safe, fun place to learn about themselves and the world around them. LOOP is free in the Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) and offers academic support (tutoring, homework assistance, etc.) by certified teachers. The program also has an array of virtual youth enrichment activities including recreation, arts, and cultural activities, virtual field trips, and more.

The goal of LOOP is to meet the out-of-school time needs of area children. In a recent community survey, 90% of parents said after school programs are an important part of helping their children achieve academically and personally, and 87% of parents said they would like to see an after-school program for kids in every public elementary and middle school.

The LOOP after school program was developed through the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Initiative in partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Schools. The ELO Initiative is a coalition of over 120 community partners. The LOOP program is funded through the Michigan Department of Education 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLC) grants.   Each participating site is also licensed by the State of Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).

Regular School Day (In-Person) Program

The Loop is a school year program. Programs are offered 32 weeks during the school year for 2.5 to 3 hours a day, 4 days a week on Monday-Thursday. In addition, students may participate in 6 weeks of summer program offered Monday-Thursday.  School year programs begin immediately following the final bell and ends between 5:30 and 6:00 pm. Program attendance is required DAILY (Monday through Thursday) during the live synchronous learning sessions.

A typical schedule includes:

• Attendance and Snack
• Academic Support Hour-homework help, Tutoring, Loop curriculum, STEM/STEAM, Computers
• Enrichment Hour-health and fitness activities, character education, youth development and others
• Field trips
• Transportation home for students attending 3 or more days a week

Service Delivery Model

The LOOP program staff is always expected to adhere to adult/child ratios:   

Kindergarten – 3rd, 1:10

Grades 4th – 8th, 1:15

United Methodist Community House (UMCH), Seeds of Promise and the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids manage the after-school sites in collaboration with GRPS. These providers have expertise in youth development and coordinate with many other community partners to provide a variety of youth enrichment activities.