Prep Zone

Innovative Afterschool Programming for Secondary Students

Based on lessons learned operating secondary afterschool programs in urban areas and the latest research and best practices in youth development and education, Foundations’ launched the Prep Zone Consortium.

Through Prep Zone, hundreds of students from five Philadelphia charter high schools participate in positive, highly engaging afterschool activities designed specifically for their age group. These activities build academic, workplace and social development skills that will serve them far into the future.

Students can earn high school credit by building a portfolio of work based on their life experiences, such as working a part-time job, participating in the arts, or performing community service. Prep Zone also serves as an open-door academic on-demand center—a comfortable, resource-rich environment where students can get homework assistance, study for tests and access college information.