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What is the Moving Ahead Program?
The Moving Ahead Program is a high-quality, state-licensed, after-school, and summer program in the J.W. “Blind” Boone Community Center that provides an effective mix of one-on-one tutoring and fun cultural and physical activities for children in Kindergarten through 12th grade. MAP offers wrap-around services, including an extensive family development and education program, to ensure that the student and the whole family can build healthy social connections, overcome personal barriers, and grow! We currently serve over 100 Columbia youth.
The program operates Monday – Friday from 2:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m. when Columbia Public Schools are in session. A full-day summer program is offered in July and early August. Some transportation is available.
Who is Eligible for MAP?
To be eligible for the Moving Ahead Program, the household must be 200% below the federal poverty rate. Columbia Housing Authority Residents and Section 8 get first priority. Also, students attending the list of schools we serve:
Elementary Schools:
- Benton
- Fairview
- Grant
- Locust Expressive Arts
- New Haven
- Parkade
- Shepard Boulevard
- West Boulevard
Middle Schools:
- Jefferson
- Lange
- Oakland
- Smithton
- West Boulevard
High Schools:
- Douglass
- Hickman
- Muriel Battle
Enrollment
’23 Fall Enrollment is now closed. To sign up for the waitlist, please use the link below:
Core Components of The Moving Ahead Program
Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS):
The MAP program specializes in PBIS, trauma-informed care, and de-escalation. At MAP, we are advocates for our students. MAP values teaching youth self-discipline, self-regulation, and self-esteem all through positivity.
Academic Retention and Enrichment:
The MAP program prioritizes student academic achievement. We offer one-on-one tutoring services, and the teachers in our classrooms conduct daily lesson plans abiding by Missouri educational state standards. MAP also does educational enrichment activities in the subjects of math, English language arts, STEM, art, nutrition, and social studies for all students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. MAP also maintains constant communication with Columbia Public Schools to ensure our students are being supported academically in and out of school.
Family Education & Development:
The MAP program believes that to support the child we must also support the child’s family. We offer weekly parenting classes and education courses facilitated by trained professionals so we can provide our participants with effective parenting tools and coping skills to foster safe, positive, and fulfilling family connections.
Community Engagement & Partnerships:
The MAP program value to Columbia community and believes in actively engaging in the community resources that we provide to our participants. We have partnerships with the Columbia Art Leauge, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Columbia Scouts, Crown Counseling and many other community programs. Our partnerships allow us to provide students with diverse and exciting experiences and our parents with an array of helpful resources.
Summer Camp:
The MAP program offers a free summer camp. In the summer we provide breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner to all our students. We have summer school lessons that abide by Missouri educational state standards, and in the afternoons we go on educational field trips with our students. Some examples of places we have visited are the Kansas City Science Center, The St. Louis Zoo and even the Magic House. With the MAP summer camp, students can maintain academic retention as well as have fun!
Please call Janice Brooks, Moving Ahead Program Coordinator at 573-443-2556, Ext. 1283 for more information or by email at jbrooks@columbiaha.com.
Meet MAP Staff
Thank you to our funders:
