Borderland nonprofit hopes to provide affordable after school care

School is back in session in the Borderland, and some working parents might feel stressed about how to take care of their children after school, especially when after school enrichment activities can be costly.

One program is trying to change that. The YWCA nonprofit is pricing after school programs partially based on income. Your child can receive a scholarship if you make less than $38,000 dollars a year.

The group runs on-site programs in more than 40 elementary schools in the El Paso area. The focus is on enrichment activities surrounding STEAM education, which stands for science, technology, engineering, art and math.

A recent study by the Rand Corporation found that in the United States, highest-income families spent almost seven times more on enrichment activities for their kids than low-income families. This creates an opportunity gap. The study also found that after care programs can improve academic outcomes and social well-being.

YWCA programs are offered at EPISD, SISD, YISD, and Canutillo ISD schools. More information can be found on the group’s website.