BLAST
(Best Life After School Team)
After School Program

The BLAST After School Program provides elementary, junior high, and high school students academic, enrichment, and recreation opportunities every day after school.  Participating BLAST sites have trained staff members who offer a full service, enriched, and fun learning environment for all students.

BLAST is designed by staff trained in child development, education, and youth leadership.  BLAST creates a physically and emotionally safe environment conducive to learning while improving reading, writing, verbal, math, and social and communication skills.  At the elementary level programs are funded to serve approximately 150-164 students per school day. The junior high and high school programs serve approximately 110-150 per day.  BLAST provides a wide variety of opportunities for participating students.  BLAST program leaders and staff are fully trained in the program they deliver to students.  The BLAST staff is comprised of a diverse team of talented individuals; many are certificated teachers or college students.  Classroom teachers, CARD staff, and community partners round out the team that enjoy making a positive impact on our students.

Families with children enrolled in Chico Unified School District schools are eligible to apply if their school offers a BLAST program.  Currently, Fair View and Chico High Schools, Bidwell and Chico Junior High Schools, and Chapman, Citrus, McManus, Neal Dow, Parkview, and Rosedale Elementary Schools offer these after school programs.  BLAST is free to all participating families.  At many program sites, demand exceeds capacity; therefore, enrollment is based on need and compliance to the attendance policy.  Families will be contacted when they have been selected for an available opening.  Children who apply, but are not enrolled, will be placed on a wait list.  To be considered for enrollment, you must complete a BLAST After School Program application.  The applications are available at each school offering a program.  Applications will be reviewed and prioritized based on a rating system as needed.

BLAST operates every regular school day. Parents/guardians may choose to have their child(ren) attend the before school and/or after school program.

BLAST is available before school hours at the elementary and junior high program sites.  Start times vary among schools.  Before school programs operate for a minimum of 90 minutes.  Students are expected to attend every day for the full range of program hours.

BLAST begins operating after school is dismissed and remains open until at least 6 p.m. each day for a minimum of 15 hours per week.  Students are expected to attend every day for the full range of program hours.

BLAST offers up to 90 minutes of academic support to promote enthusiasm for learning and building skills in the areas of reading, math, writing, and science.  School principals work closely with community partners and program leaders to identify appropriate staff and to ensure that activities complement the regular school day curriculum.  This is the key to providing a comprehensive learning experience for every student.

Students may participate in a variety of fun activities with their friends and peers including arts and crafts, learning how to play musical instruments, dance, writing and performing plays, athletics and educational games.  BLAST provides a safe place in school campuses where students can strengthen academic skills and participate in age-appropriate activities while improving social skills.

Contact your School Site or
Chico Unified School District Office
1163 East 7th Street, Chico, CA 95928
(530) 891-3000, ext. 173
Barbara Akimoto

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Chico Area Recreation and Park District (CARD) also provides After School Programs.  These programs run from the end of school hours until 6:00 p.m. Children are signed in and out every day.  Activities include time for homework, arts and crafts, sports, and games.  The fee also includes field trips and special events.  Please call the CARD Office at 895-4711 to see what schools currently have openings.

• Elementary Schools
• Junior High Schools
• High Schools