NPL - Flipbook - Page 23
SP OTLIGHT
NAZA
The NAZA
program takes kids
off the streets and
puts them in an
environment where
they can learn
fellowship, and have
a good time.
Steve Fleming,
Bethlehem Centers
CEO
The hours between the end of the school
day and the end of a parent’s workday can be a vulnerable time for kids.
National studies show that unsupervised
students are more likely to engage in crime,
become victims of crime, or to try risky
behaviors between the hours of three and
six o’clock. While those hours can represent a precarious in-between space for
kids, Nashville Public Library believes that
space can be reclaimed for tremendous
exploration and potential. That’s why we
invest in the Nashville After Zone Alliance.
Nashville After Zone Alliance (NAZA)
is a nationally recognized network of
free, high quality afterschool programs
that provide Metro Nashville Public
S c h o o l s ( M N P S ) m i d d l e s c h o o l s t udents with safe spaces to learn and
explore creative outlets, both at school
and in the community. Designed to expand the horizons of our city’s youth,
NAZA supplements in-school learning
while introducing middle school students to new learning opportunities.
A t N A Z A - s p o n s o re d s i t e s , k i d s d o
homework, develop their social and
emotional skills, and participate in engaging academic and enrichment activities led
by caring adults.
Over the past school year, NAZA supported
the growth of 2,097 young people through
quality programming at 44 safe spaces in
middle schools and throughout the city.
The learning didn’t stop when the last
school bell rang, either. This summer, 304
kids participated in our STEAM programming offered in cooperation with Metro
Parks. We also partnered with the Mayor’s
Opportunity NOW initiative to provide 504
high school students with opportunities
through our Teen Explorers’ Camp.
Because we know that educators are at
the heart of thriving afterschool programs,
NAZA also offers professional support to
organizations working with Nashville’s
youth. This year, we conducted training for
309 youth workers. In doing so, we estimate
that NAZA has also indirectly benefitted
nearly 5,700 young people.
2017— 2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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