After School Programs - The Banyan Community

Elementary School (Grades K–5)

Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE)

ECFE offers programming for children under age 5 and their caregivers, in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools.

Provides weekly Play and Learn drop-in classes that support early learning through play-based activities for children and their caregivers.

Also offer Seedlings, an evening program held twice a week, focused on holistic, multi-generational learning for families.

Thrive

An after-school and out-of-school program that nurtures the whole child through cultural awareness, educational enrichment, healthy meals, physical activity, homework help, and leadership development. Thrive also emphasizes relationship-building with caring young adults from the community, social-emotional learning, and teamwork.

Kids Club

A service-learning initiative that introduces children to the value of helping others through age-appropriate community projects.

Cool Off Days

A summer enrichment program that promotes social and intellectual growth through hands-on learning, field trips, and physical activities in a fun and engaging environment.

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Middle School (Grades 6–8)

SOAR

An after-school and out-of-school program focused on helping youth build life and career skills, explore personal values and identity, set meaningful goals, and participate in service-learning projects. SOAR also provides academic support through homework help and skill-building activities.

Cool Off Days

A summer program designed to build social and intellectual skills through exciting activities such as field trips, service projects, career exploration, science projects, and workplace visits.

Kids Club

A service-learning and civic engagement program that empowers middle schoolers to make a difference in their communities through meaningful outreach projects, such as creating care items for individuals experiencing homelessness or writing cards for seniors.

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High School (Grades 9–12)

Aspire

​​​An academic support program for high school students on scholarship at DeLaSalle or Cristo Rey. Helps youth with homework, building relationships, and explore careers with business and educational leaders. Meets only twice per week and in the evenings

Elevate

A support-focused program offering academic assistance, career exploration opportunities, and mentorship. Elevate helps high school youth prepare for post-secondary success by developing leadership, communication, and goal-setting skills.