Beyond the Bell

A free after school program that helps children learn, grow, and belong.

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Beyond the Bell

Program Description

Beyond the Bell is a free after school academic achievement program that removes barriers to learning and ensures vulnerable students receive the support they need to succeed. Beyond the Bell is unique to the YMCA. There is no other program like it in BC; it removes barriers and offers measurable outcomes.

October–June
Free
40 students
Y Membership Required: No
Beyond the Bell
Program overview

As a leader in healthy living, we know that living in poverty is often linked to an increase in health-related issues in kids, including poor nutrition, obesity, increased behavioural and emotional problems, as well as low academic achievement. When the gap is wide, children can fall through the cracks and our program aims to close the achievement gap.

  • Research shows, as early as kindergarten, children from middle-income families already have a 6-month academic advantage over children from low-income backgrounds due to access to early reading and pre-school education that aren’t always available to low-income children.
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  • By grade 5, low-income children can be 2.5–3 years behind academically. This gap continues to widen each year and ultimately affects their future academic and career opportunities as well as their overall health.
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YMCA BC’s Beyond the Bell is a philanthropically funded after-school academic achievement program that gives vulnerable children the additional help they need to keep pace with their grade level and peers.

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This program provides a safe, nurturing, and inclusive learning environment for 40 identified students at Glenview Elementary School, Prince George. With a low 1 to 5 leader ratio, staff can offer individualized support that honours each child’s unique strengths, background, and learning needs.

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Program benefits
  • Homework help and skill building
  • Recreation and movement to support wellbeing
  • Healthy snacks to fuel learning
  • Literacy and numeracy enrichment
  • Values based programming that builds character and confidence
Program eligibility
  • We work with schools to identify students who may benefit most
  • No cost to participate
  • Currently delivered at Glenview Elementary School
  • Contact our team to learn more about availability
Support this program
  • Beyond the Bell is unique to the YMCA. There is no other program like it in BC; it removes barriers and offers measurable outcomes
  • This program is offered free of charge to 40 identified vulnerable students at Glenview Elementary School, in Prince George
  • The YMCA is eager to expand as funding permits. Beyond the Bell exists because of generous community donors who believe every child deserves access to learning, belonging, and opportunity
  • It costs about $2,000 per child each year to run this program. The estimated societal cost of one high school dropout is $10,782
  • Your support helps remove barriers and gives children the chance to feel capable, confident, and hopeful about their future.
  • Thank you to our donors!
  • We gratefully acknowledge the supporters who make this program possible, with special recognition to Subaru of Prince George
  • Their commitment helps children in our community learn, grow, and thrive
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Beyond the Bell
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Our youth support and development programs are offered in the regions listed below. Select a region below to learn more and receive next steps.

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Program FAQs

Find answers to common questions about our program below.

Why is the program unique?

The low 1 to 5 leader ratio allows for meaningful connection, individualized support, and measurable improvements in confidence and skills.

How are students selected?

The school identifies vulnerable students who would benefit most based on academic and social indicators.

How does this program support equity?

Beyond the Bell ensures that children who experience barriers receive the academic, social, and emotional support they need to succeed. It closes achievement gaps and provides learning opportunities that families may not otherwise be able to access.

When you join the YMCA you join more than a gym. You join a community.