YMCA Beyond the Bell is a philanthropically funded after-school academic achievement program that gives vulnerable children the additional help they need to keep pace with their grade level and peers. When the gap is wide, children can fall through the cracks and our program aims to close the achievement gap.

Research shows, as early as kindergarten, children from middle-income families already have a 6-month academic advantage over children from low-income backgrounds due to access to early reading and pre-school education that aren’t always available to low-income children. By grade 5, low-income children can be 2.5–3 years behind academically. This gap continues to widen each year and ultimately affects their future academic and career opportunities as well as their overall health.

Beyond the Bell is unique to the YMCA. There is no other program like it in BC; it removes barriers and offers measurable outcomes. Beyond the Bell is offered free of charge to 40 identified vulnerable students at Glenview Elementary School, in Prince George. The YMCA is eager to expand as funding permits. The very low ratio of 1 leader to 5 children sets this program apart from any other. Programming includes; homework help, recreation, healthy snacks, values education, literacy and numeracy.

Help us save YMCA Beyond the Bell. We need your support to ensure a seamless continuation of this program. YMCA Beyond the Bell would like to extend a warm thank you to our generous donors.