IDEA scholars, parents, and community leaders from the IDEA Rio Grande Valley region are rallying for afterschool programs this month as part of Lights On Afterschool. This event celebrates the achievements of IDEA’s afterschool programs and draws attention to the need to serve the millions of children who are unsupervised each weekday afternoon.
Lights On Afterschool
Afterschool programs at IDEA in the Rio Grande Valley provide homework assistance, mentoring, tutoring, and classes and clubs in sports, music, mathematics, chess, and dozens of other subjects.
IDEA Public Schools in the Rio Grande Valley is proud to be home to 26 of approximately 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events taking place across the nation this month to emphasize the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school.
Dena Shaath, IDEA Family Engagement Specialist, attests to the impact of supporting strong afterschool programs for students.
“At IDEA, we believe learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. We set high standards for our afterschool programs because every child deserves a safe and enriching place to go when the school day ends,” Shaath said. “That’s exactly what afterschool programs provide.”
IDEA Rio Grande Valley is home to 26 afterschool programs in South Texas, spanning from Brownsville to Rio Grande City. This week, we shine a light on the variety of programming and afterschool specialists across the region.
IDEA Palmview College Prep Cheer
Viceny Garcia, 10th grade student on the IDEA Palmview Aggie Cheerleading team attests to the confidence, teamwork, and resilience inspired by being involved in afterschool programs through cheerleading.
“Being a cheerleader reminds me that I am strong, capable, and resilient, Garcia shared. “Every time I hit a move or finish a routine, I feel proud of myself, and that confidence carries into everything else I do.”
For fifth year cheer coach Alexis Garza, she has seen the benefits of afterschool cheerleading pay off for her students.
“It’s a special experience to see them transform from nervous beginners into confident and powerful performers,” Garza stated. “Beyond the impressive stunts and tumbling passes, what truly fills me with joy is helping them build a strong sense of teamwork and resilience.”
IDEA Tres Lagos Academy Arts & Crafts
For Academy students at IDEA Tres Lagos, afterschool Arts and Crafts club opens the door for students to showcase their unique personalities. Arts and Crafts instructor Elizabeth Cantu is proud of the opportunities that are available to students to discover new skills and ways of expression after the bell rings.
“It’s amazing to watch their creativity grow while also seeing their confidence, friendships, and academic skills improve,” Cantu said.
IDEA Edinburg College Prep Folklorico Club
At IDEA Edinburg College Prep, the Folklorico club welcomes dancers of all levels and is an inclusive space where dancers can grow together as a team. Marco Romero, AP Teacher and Dance Instructor, has goals of inspiring pride in the culture of folklorico and the joy of self-expression.
“Whether you are new to folklórico or have danced before, everyone is welcome to join and experience the joy of this art form,” Romero said.
For the dancers, it’s more than an opportunity to have fun.
“Folklorico made me feel more confident and taught me how to be on stage without being scared. It also gives me an opportunity to be active with the dances, but also teaches me about teamwork,” Romero added.
IDEA Harlingen CP Culinary Club
If anyone knows about teamwork, it’s IDEA Harlingen College Prep’s Culinary Club. With the unique opportunity to use the school’s kitchen, campus Child Nutrition Program Manager Sergio Ramirez is putting an empty kitchen to use after school.
“This is a space for creativity, teamwork, and hands-on learning where members can explore cooking techniques, share recipes, and celebrate the art of food together,” Ramirez explained.
Learning the basics of cooking and experimenting in the kitchen with his classmates is something middle school student Jonah Saldivar is thankful for.
“I appreciate all of my classmates, and I will never forget the experience that I am having here cooking,”Saldivar shared.
Learn more about afterschool programs in the Rio Grande Valley here or find your nearest campus to learn more about their offerings.
