Submitted photo Mia Angel, 11, a sixth-grader at Lincoln PK-8 School, left, and Trinity Bonner, 13, an eighth-grader, work on an academic project during Warren City Schools’ after-school program, 21st Century Community Learning program. The program expanded from two schools to all four elementary schools this year.

WARREN — For Tristan Baskins, Warren City Schools’ move to expand its 21st Century Community Learning program from two to four buildings this year has been a game-changer.

“He’s always been a quiet kid,” explained his mother, Angelena Baskins. “This has really been good for him. It’s bringing him out of his shell more and more all of the time. You see that with students in this program.”

Tristan, 13, a seventh-grader at Lincoln PK-8 School, is discovering a little bit more about himself. For example, he’s realizing just how good he is at computers and basketball. And, he said, he likes spending extra time with his classmates after school.

The district launched its 21st Century program in 2012 at Jefferson and Willard schools. With the 2024-25 school year, the district expanded the program to all four PK-8 schools, now also offering it at Lincoln and McGuffey. The added schools brought additional children. This year, 171 students among the four buildings registered for the program.

With the expansion comes a new face at the helm.

Sharanita L. Brogdon was named program manager in September. She oversees the after-school activities and opportunities at all four of Warren’s 21st Century Community Learning Centers.

Brogdon said her goal is to help the students who are served through the program to recognize their strengths and build upon them, while also encouraging them to embrace their challenges and work diligently to overcome them.

“I firmly believe that the 21st Century staff plays a crucial role in providing academic support that helps students enhance their grades, develop effective communication and critical thinking skills, and gain essential life skills, all in a fun and engaging environment,” she said.

The program is open to students in sixth to eighth grades. Through its centers at each school building, 21st Century provides academic, social-emotional and recreational opportunities with certified teachers and credentialed community members. Each center has a site coordinator.

Mesa Morlan, 21st Century building site coordinator at Jefferson, said the program has been “very impactful” for the students this year.

“The enrichment activities that have been provided, such as table top games, have been very successful at Jefferson. The program has grown over the number of years and you can see the difference it makes in our students, the growth they experience and the confidence it builds.”

The centers run four days a week, Monday through Thursday, October to May. Recreational / artistic / social emotional / STEM classes are offered daily by community partners and district teachers.

“It’s rewarding being part of this program and watching it grow and seeing the students become part of the community,” said Nicole Mizner, 21st Century Building Site Coordinator at Lincoln.

Trinity Bonner, 13, an 8th-grader, said she appreciates the extra help she’s getting with her studies.

“It’s nice being able to work on different things,” she said. “It’s really helpful.”

This year’s partners include The Ohio State University Extension, Compass Family & Community Services, Crocheting, Chess is Life, Junior Achievement, Robotics, Art, Drums Alive, Cricut, Freedom Block, STEM is Us 2.0, X-Treme Step, MyPath Mahoning Valley and Table Top Stations.

The program, funded by a U.S. Department of Education grant, also provides opportunities for family engagement and field trips. In December, all four programs hosted family events with 87 family members in attendance

“I am thrilled to take on the role of program manager,” Brogdon said. “It’s a privilege to be part of Warren City Schools and contribute to this outstanding after-school program. As a proud graduate of this district, I am deeply committed to dedicating my time and expertise to supporting the students of Warren.”