Programs We Sponsor
GASP (Gotwals After School Program)
The Gotwals After School Program (GASP) is part of an on-going partnership between Bryn Mawr and Norristown, PA. Gotwals Elementary, in the heart of Norristown, serves nearly 500 students in grades K-4. Around 70% of the incoming kindergarten students speak Spanish as their first language. The after school program, developed at the request of Gotwals parents and staff, was piloted in the Spring of 2011 and has continued to grow since then. GASP is a place for students to find homework help, read, and participate in fun projects and activities.
GASP runs Monday through Thursday, 4-5:30, throughout the school year. As a GASP volunteer, you’ll serve as a mentor, tutor and teacher, helping to both plan and run the program. You’ll travel with a group of Bryn Mawr and Haverford students to Gotwals once a week for a full semester or more based on your availability! You’ll also get the chance to meet with other GASP volunteers on a biweekly basis to reflect on and plan for the program together.
During the after school program you’ll work in small groups of students on reading, homework assignments, and a variety of literacy-focused activities and games. Because of the small group focus of the program, you’ll have the opportunity to develop long-term and meaningful relationship with the students, and truly have an impact. Volunteers are encouraged to be part of the program throughout their time at Bryn Mawr and Haverford!
Please contact Marta Guerrero (meguerrero@brynmawr.edu), Sarah Jenness (sjenness@brynmawr.edu), or Ellie Esmond (eesmond@brynmawr.edu) with questions or to sign up.
