Tulsa World
Opinion: Oklahoma working class hurt by lack of expanded learning programs
We hear often about public education in Oklahoma—what’s working, what isn’t, and everything in between. What we don’t hear about often enough is expanded learning. Encapsulating afterschool, summer, and before-school programming, expanded learning is as much an economic priority as it is an education priority.
TulsaPeople
Beyond the bell: New program from The Opportunity Project supports the education workforce and families through after-school programs
“Our mission is to ensure all Tulsa youth have access to safe, dynamic and engaging after-school and summer programs,” says Lauren Sivak, The Opp Project’s executive director. “We are committed to stewarding resources thoughtfully, equitably and effectively to enhance youth success in and out of the classroom.”
Tulsa News on 6
The Opportunity Project in Tulsa highlights importance of access to afterschool programs
The Opportunity Project works to improve the quality of afterschool programs, and increase access for children in Tulsa, particularly those from underserved communities. Executive Director Lauren Sivak joins us to share more about it.
StateImpact Oklahoma
The end of pandemic-era federal dollars may mean the end of some Oklahoma school programs.
During the pandemic, schools got a big boost from the federal government through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funds. But when that money ends, so may the after-school programs those funds made possible.
NPR
Pandemic aid for schools is ending soon. Many after-school programs may go with it
Many of Tulsa’s afterschool programs are supported by an organization called The Opp. Leaders there say ESSER funds allowed The Opp to expand its program offerings from seven school sites to 63. It supports 450 programs across those schools. But once the ESSER funds are gone, that will shrink to just 75 programs, unless they can find funding on their own.
TulsaKids
Magazine
The Opportunity Project Helps Mr. Calloway’s Students Thrive
The Opp partners with schools and teachers to develop programming “to ensure that all Tulsa youth have equitable access to after-school and summer enrichment programs that are dynamic, safe and engaging.” Teachers develop the activities according to their students’ needs and interests and are paid a stipend by The Opp for teaching the extra class. In the spring of 2023, 129 educators led clubs.