Centro is an afterschool program that provides positive experiences to Fairhill’s young people that contribute to their success in and out of school.

Fairhill is one of Philadelphia’s most depressed and dangerous neighborhoods: 60% of Fairhill’s residents live below the poverty level; more than 50% of Fairhill’s children do not graduate from high school; and drugs sales are a Fairhill industry.

Centro serves more than 100 elementary and middle school children annually and maintains a waiting list. Parents rely on Centro as a safe haven for their children, a resource to help their children understand their homework, and a creative and encouraging environment for their children’s social and emotional growth. Centro’s services are as important now as they were when we started in 1995.

Learn more about our impact here.

Centro’s programs focus on arts and culture, but also use evidence-based best practices to boost academics and encourage healthy lifestyles and family engagement.

Centro reaches its goals by: 1) utilizing the project-based learning (PBL) method to engage children in arts and Latino cultural programming; 2) offering homework help; and 3) engaging children’s families and community in programming.

Research shows that attendance at afterschool programs is linked to improved school attendance, improved test scores and grades, increased engagement in learning, and increased graduation rates.

By making a contribution today you can help us provide the tools and supplies necessary to carry out our after school programs that have had proven success in the community.