Frank Escobar, afterschool program manager for Visalia Unified School District, oversees the implementation of ASES programming for four middle schools in partnership with community agencies. His program, called “The PULSE,” is known for high quality enrichment and recreational activities. But Frank was seeking ways to increase student academic improvement while getting the schools’ principals more connected to their afterschool program. He found a solution in the development of afterschool Academic Enrichment Centers (AEC).

On a chance site visit in southern California, Frank discovered a breakthrough academic support model being used afterschool at Granger Middle School and National City Middle School. Shortly thereafter, Granger’s developer and vice principal Bobby Bleisch was on his way to share the model locally, courtesy of the Region VII lead office and the Central Valley Afterschool Foundation.

On the home page of Fresno Unified’s Elizabeth Terronez Middle School, you may find this prominent posting:

"After School Program Band: Third World Democracy (This is a large file, so wait about 90 seconds, but it’s worth the wait! Click the blue arrow.)"

Make no mistake, the enthusiasm for the Terronez afterschool program is front and center. It’s no wonder. Located in a low socioeconomic region of southeast Fresno, the school’s API scores rose 32 points after the first year of the program. They have been advancing students from low to basic to proficient levels ever since.