For over 30 years, the Lincoln OST program has been a part of Lincoln International Studies School and the surrounding community, evolving to meet the needs of those it serves. What began as a space for neighborhood kids to play basketball has transformed into an academic-focused program with evidence-based interventions designed to support underserved youth. This shift, part of a community-wide effort to boost high school graduation rates following the announcement of the Kalamazoo Promise, continues today at the Lincoln YMCA. Here, Kalamazoo’s Northside youth engage in after-school activities like mentoring, tutoring, home support, games, and social-emotional learning. During the summer, the Lincoln Y offers a summer achievers camp for K-5 students, focusing on combating the summer slide and enhancing literacy through the LitCamp curriculum taught by certified teachers. Afternoons are filled with YMCA camp activities, including CATCH or SPARK physical activities, arts and crafts, swimming and water safety lessons, and field trips, all with a strong family involvement component.
