Sports-Based, After-School Program Raises ESOL Statistics

This article is presented in partnership with CA Lottery.

Experiential. Transformational. Empowerment. These are more than just words, they are the foundation of after-school programs which bridge the opportunity gap for kids learning English as a second language in Los Angeles, who might not achieve as much, or go as far, without them. One of these programs is arc: Afterschool Programs, a provider of educational opportunities presented through a sports lens. Through arc, 30.1 percent of English language learners who were committed enough to attend after-school programs an average of 23.5 days out of the school year, were able to become re-designated as Fluent English Proficient in 2013-14; that's quite a powerful statistic. This is how they do it.

Leveling the Playing Field

Brad Lupien, a former probation officer turned special education teacher, founded arc to teach social and emotional skills through sports like rock climbing and kayaking. "Having seen firsthand the transformative power of these experiences, my motivation was a desire to get these types of life-changing opportunities to urban youth and under-served communities, particularly where kids were learning English as a second language," he explains. Already providing comprehensive after-school programs for middle and high school students, arc, along with strategic partner CORE Educational Services established the Teen Adventure Challenge with the help of school district funding to meet a growing need.

The Challenge

A wilderness race that catapults kids out of their comfort zones, the Teen Adventure Challenge is an annual event which provides an opportunity for close to 1,000 kids to get out there and stretch themselves to the max. "Kids get chosen by signing up through our after-school program or through a variety of local organizations. Over 120 teams are comprised of four students and one adult each," explains Lupien. The race takes place at Hansen Dam Aquatic Center in Los Angeles and is comprised of a variety of soul and body-stretching activities and challenges. Kids complete each leg of the race through running or mountain biking and are required to complete challenges at each stop. These include rock climbing, solving math problems or conquering an obstacle, such as getting over a wall. Team-centric, everyone stays together for the entire race. "The event is eco-challenge-focused and transformative for everyone who participates," adds Lupien.

The Result

The Teen Adventure Challenge was certainly life-altering for past participant, David Montoya. "When I was 12, I moved to LA from Mexico City with my family. Not able to speak a word of English, I decided to participate in after-school programs to learn the language and improve my job prospects after graduation. I participated in the Teen Adventure Challenge for four years. The communication with my teammates not only helped me with my language skills, it also taught me leadership qualities," he says. Upon graduation from high school, Montoya immediately went to work for arc-experience. Now age 20, he looks forward to being part of Teen Adventure Challenge each year as an adult and helping other kids like himself learn English and do better in school.

Goals of the Challenge are far reaching and benefit students from all walks of life. These include:

• Physical Fitness
• Love of nature and California's local parks
• Community awareness
• Exploration of self-potential

In addition to the Teen Adventure Challenge, arc manages a variety of comprehensive after-school programs. These are geared for middle and high school students, many of which are learning how to master English for the first time.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.