After School Programs
After School Programs
Sylvia Mendez School offers two after school programs: Berkeley BEARS and Berkeley LEARNS. Both programs provide academic support, cultural enrichment, and recreation from the end of the school day until 6:00 pm during the regular academic year.
Berkeley BEARS
Berkeley BEARS also offers before school support. All Berkeley Unified School District (BUSD) students are eligible to participate, but students can only enroll at the program located at their school. Priority placement is given to currently enrolled students and their siblings, with additional spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Full-time enrollees (five days a week for three hours a day) receive registration priority. Part-time enrollment is accommodated when possible. Drop-in students are not allowed.
The program receives reimbursement for students who attend five days a week. The program is primarily funded by grants, parent fees (based on a sliding scale), and mini-grants. Academic support includes homework help, tutoring, and mentoring, with staff communicating with classroom teachers. Enrichment opportunities include visual and performing arts, music, life skills, science, and more, led by staff and specialists.
For more information contact the BEARS Coordinator Paulette Butler or see the BUSD BEARS page.
Berkeley LEARNS
Berkeley LEARNS provides academic support, homework centers, tutoring, and activities that develop literacy and math skills through hands-on activities such as storytelling, gardening, cooking, performing arts, and writing centers.
Parents/guardians are required to pay a fee based on family income. Income verification (paycheck stub, tax return, or CalWORKS documentation) is required for those paying below the full-fee rate. The first month’s fee and a deposit equal to the last month’s fee are due before the child begins the program. Special financial arrangements can be discussed.
Parents/guardians must attend an orientation before school starts and volunteer 10 hours during the year. Volunteer opportunities include attending family events, tutoring, teaching classes, chaperoning, gardening, cleaning up, or suggesting other ways to help.
New and returning families must enroll or register with the Program Coordinator, Jason Nealy, in the cafeteria Flex room A. Registration packets or online forms are available before school starts.
For more information contact the LEARNS Coordinator Jason Nealy or see the BUSD LEARNS page.
City of Berkeley After School Programs
The City of Berkeley offers several after school programs in parks throughout the city. Berkeley Unified School District may provide bussing with limited seating from Sylvia Mendez to the Willard, Live Oak, James Kenney, and the Francis Albrier after school programs.