In Real Life

In Real Life

In Real Life (IRL) is a network of after-school programs designed to provide safe, high-quality and fun learning opportunities to all Asheville City Schools middle school students. Responding to interviews of students, parents and community stakeholders which identified barriers to participation in after-school programs, IRL works hard to address these issues head on.

Transportation- IRL partners with the Asheville City Schools to provide transportation to and from different program sites and home at the end of the day to those students and families who need it.

Affordable Programs- IRL programs are affordable and accessible for all Asheville City Schools middle school students. IRL has full and partial scholarships available to students/families that need it. We will not turn anyone away based on financial need!

Clear Information & Registration Process- IRL strives to create one simple registration process to sign up for multiple programs for each programming session.

Youth Leadership- IRL strongly believes in the importance of involving youth directly in the leadership and management of the IRL programs. Youth provide input, make decisions and inform all aspects of the program. In IRL, youth have a voice and choice!

Community Partnerships- IRL partnered with over 20 local organizations and professionals to deliver a variety of high quality, fun and engaging programs that were informed by youth input and demand! IRL would not be possible without these partnerships!

According to several recent studies, students who participate in quality before and after-school programs show increased attendance in school, are two and a half times more likely to graduate from high school, and are 77 percent more likely to be engaged with and like school, all of which significantly contribute to improved academic achievement.¹

Contact Meg Grandfield, Volunteer Coordinator for more information:

email- irl@acsf.org

Phone- (828) 350-6270