(After School Achievement Program at Rockford Public Schools)

Burpee Museum is a proud community partner with Rockford Public School District #205 and other area agencies in the After School Achievement Program. ASAP@RPS is funded by 21st Century Community Center Learning Grants through the Illinois State Board of Education and the US Department of Education.

Burpee Museum has been involved in the program since its beginning in 1999 and currently acts as Lead Agent for two sites, King Elementary School and Kishwaukee Elementary School, in addition to providing programming at other RPS#205 Elementary and High School sites. Students in the program receive daily tutoring in math and reading and homework help from school district teachers as well as natural history themed curriculum from Burpee staff. Each site serves up to 100 students throughout the school year. Students enrolled in the program also take field trips to Burpee Museum and other local sites, participate in enrichment and recreational programming provided by collaborative partners, and are invited to attend a number of family oriented events at the school and at the Museum.

The After School Achievement Program is helping academically at risk students make academic gains. Results show those students who attended 4 out of 5 days per week showed improved grades and improved homework completion.