Programs

SLACO After School & Summer Camp Programs

summer camp kids
summer camp science center

Founded in 1978, the St. Louis Association of Community Organizations is dedicated to advancing economic opportunities and empowerment for vulnerable individuals through advocacy, community programs, research, and leadership development. To support our mission, we provide after-school and summer programs aimed at improving the quality of life for youth and their families. The goals of our programs include: – Homework assistanceDevelopment of social skills through group play – and Arts and Science programming including piano lessons, and trips to expose our youth to all types of music and the environment beyond where they live. Participants learn to swim, learn yoga and exercise and have planted a garden to commemorate the coming of the Hodiamont Tracks Greenway.

We offer a safe and supportive environment for 20 children at a time who are currently enrolled in school. Our admission policy aims to address the diverse needs of single-parent households facing challenges. Our staff includes a Childhood Educator who holds a degree in childhood education. Additionally, our Urban Planner serves as the program administrator, ensuring the safety of the youth and developing resources and opportunities for the program, participants and their family members.

We believe our program is effective and offers numerous benefits to youth, families, and the community. We enhance academic performance through homework assistance and by providing backpacks and school supplies. Additionally, we help reduce risky behaviors among latchkey children and promote physical health by offering healthy meals and snacks in a safe, structured environment for the children of working parents. Our program runs for 52 weeks each year, excluding holidays and weekends. However, we are available to serve youth whenever they are out of school. All field trips are educational, and parents and siblings are welcome to join. We also provide transportation and food for these outings.

Research indicates that after-school programs, such as ours, serve as valuable resources for community development. Studies show that participation in these programs is associated with increased community involvement, volunteerism, and political engagement in adulthood (Catterall, Chapleau, & Iwanaga, 2024; Heath & Roach, 2020).

 

Selected Highlights from SLACO's 40 years of programs:

Celebrating 40 years as an advocate for Neighborhoods and the City Louis Community

Received 2018 CDA funding and CREA Funding to continue the Neighborhoods United for Change #NU4Change

Participated in the education of our neighborhood members in the Prop NS vacancy stabilization bond issue.

Successful implementation of the SLACO Vacancy LRA Sub Committee “Finest 15” Program

All Programs

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Revealing Our Humanity

Revealing Our Humanity

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Etzel Community Center Programs

Etzel Community Center Programs

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Gateway Neighborhood Fund

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Neighborhood History Project

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Emerging Leaders Institute 2023

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The mission of the SLACO Emerging Leaders Institute is to create an equitable and just society by advancing successful practices of younger resident training and engagement.  We shall do this with opportunities to further 15 younger citizens participation in public...

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Neighborhoods United for Change 2023

Neighborhoods United for Change 2023

The mission of the SLACO Community Development and Engagement Institute is to create an equitable and just society by advancing successful practices of resident training and engagement city wide.  We shall do this with opportunities to further citizen...

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Vacancy Committee

Vacancy Committee

Vacancy Approaches Seen as Critical to the Success of Neighborhoods The scourge of vacancy in St. Louis developed over many years for many reasons and needs a variety of approaches and time to address it. Vacant properties pose many problems, including: Attracting...

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We Need Your Help!

SLACO is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization that survives upon your donations.  If you appreciate our work, be sure to help us continue it.