After-School All-Stars Launches North Texas Chapter, Expanding After-School Programs to Serve Hundreds of Local At-Risk Youth
Dallas nonprofit leader Betsy Orton hired as Executive Director for ASAS North Texas
DALLAS, Aug. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- National nonprofit After-School All-Stars (ASAS) today announced the launch of its 13th chapter, ASAS North Texas, which will provide year-round, comprehensive, school-based after-school programs to keep local at-risk youth safe and equip them with the skills and experiences needed to succeed in school and life.
In Dallas County alone, more than 100,000 children between the ages of five and 13 are without adult supervision outside of the home after school. (Source: Dallas Afterschool Network, "Today's Children: Tomorrow's Communities.)
Beginning this fall, ASAS North Texas will fill a critical after-school need for kids and the community. ASAS North Texas will launch its school-based after-school programs at KIPP TRUTH Academy in Oak Cliff, a public charter middle school that equips traditionally underserved students in grades 5-8 with the knowledge, skills and character traits necessary to succeed in top-quality high schools, colleges and careers. In addition, ASAS has plans to expand to other schools in the North Texas area next year.
ASAS programs fuel students' passions by combining academics, enrichment opportunities and health and fitness activities. The programs also will give students a safe haven during the after-school hours when kids are most likely to be exposed to negative influences.
ASAS has appointed Betsy Orton, a leader in Dallas nonprofit growth and development, as the executive director of ASAS North Texas. Orton, formerly the director of development and marketing for the Texas Trees Foundation, has a successful seven-year track record in nonprofit leadership and fundraising. A Southern Methodist University graduate, Orton previously led marketing initiatives for the American Red Cross and served as an associate director for Friends of the Katy Trail, increasing membership and securing capital campaign funds while maintaining donor relations.
"We're excited to have Betsy on board to spearhead and grow our new ASAS North Texas chapter," said Ben Paul, president and chief executive officer of After-School All-Stars. "There is a clear need for after-school programs that provide North Texas students with a safe place to go while also building academic skills, healthy lifestyles, and community involvement. Under Betsy's leadership, we will grow our programs throughout the region and pursue our goal of helping all kids reach their potential by helping put them on a path to success."
Richardson-based MetroPCS Communications, Inc. has provided the funding to launch ASAS North Texas as part of a multi-year, national partnership with the national ASAS organization. With MetroPCS' support, ASAS is also expanding its programs in other cities where the nonprofit has existing chapters, including Orlando, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Atlanta, South Florida, New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area.
About After School All-Stars
Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars is a leading national provider of year-round, school-based, comprehensive after-school programs that equip children with the skills and experiences needed to become productive members of the 21st century workforce. Every day, children participate in free programs that include academic support, enrichment opportunities, and health/fitness activities designed to keep children safe and help them succeed in school and in life. More than 82,000 children from families of poverty benefit in 12 U.S. areas. In recent years, ASAS has launched four new national program initiatives to address America's high school dropout, obesity, economic and civic engagement crises. For more information, visit www.as-as.org.
SOURCE After-School All-Stars
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