After-School and Enrichment Programs

Summary:
BGCP provides after-school and summer programming for elementary school students at Fiesta Gardens, LEAD, San Mateo Park, and Sunnybrae. Students participate in academic support, social-emotional learning, sports, enrichment activities, and clubs in a safe and supervised environment supported by caring adult mentors.

Curriculum and Programs:

• Power Hour academic support and homework help
• Literacy Academic Tutoring and read-alouds
• Social-Emotional Learning
• Restorative Community Circles
• Sports and physical activities
• Barry Carr Sports Leagues, including soccer, flag football, volleyball, and basketball
• Art, STEM, and hands-on enrichment
• Student-choice clubs and leadership opportunities
• Activities that promote belonging, positive relationships, teamwork, and healthy decision-making

 Enrollment Process:
Returning families are contacted first to confirm their interest for the upcoming school year. New families may then submit an interest form or application for their school’s BGCP program. Enrollment priority is given to students who meet Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) eligibility requirements. Eligibility may be confirmed in partnership with the school district, including through the district’s school meal eligibility form.

Links:

Register for the 2026 - 2027 School Year

BGCP K-8 Afterschool Program Overview

Summary: A tutoring and family-support program serving students in grades 3–5 in the San Mateo-Foster City School District who have been identified as needing academic support beyond the school day. Founded in 1998, the program emphasizes individualized attention, family engagement, and community resources.

Curriculum:

• Individual and group tutoring in reading, English, and math
• Supervised homework completion
• Enrichment activities in science, art, and music
• Family Nights: shared dinners, literacy and music activities, and community-building events held two to three times per year

Enrollment Process: Students are referred by partner elementary schools within the San Mateo-Foster City School District (Baywood, Fiesta Gardens International, San Mateo Park, and Sunnybrae). Families do not apply directly; enrollment is coordinated through the school site.

Capacity Note: Homework Central currently serves more than 120 students per year. Because capacity is limited, the program cannot accommodate every student identified as needing support, and enrollment is prioritized based on demonstrated need.

Summary: Newton's After School Care program, offered through the San Mateo-Foster City School District's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), provides free after-school care and enrichment at three campuses: Laurel Elementary, Bayside Academy, and Abbott Middle School.

Curriculum:

• Play-based activity stations (building, games, sensory and STEM activities)
• STEAM and mindfulness-focused educational projects
• Study Hall for supervised homework completion
• A daily reading period
• Approximately one hour of outdoor play each day
• Runs on days school is in session, from dismissal until 6:00 p.m.

Enrollment Process: This program is offered by invitation only to currently enrolled students: TK–5th grade at Laurel Elementary, TK–8th grade at Bayside Academy, and 6th–8th grade at Abbott Middle School. There is no general application; families are notified directly by the school site.

Capacity Note: Because enrollment is extended by invitation and tied to available space at each school site, the program is not able to serve every eligible student, and placement is not guaranteed.

ELOP/Scholarship registration link: newton2s

Fee-Based Program link: newton2

Summary: A 13-year, metrics-driven program supporting highly motivated, first-generation-college, low-income students in grades 4–8 toward long-term college and career success, through academic preparation, career readiness, social-emotional learning, mental health support, and parent education.

Curriculum:

• PB Summer: a five-week, full-time summer program (8:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m.) focused on language arts, math, STEM, electives, and career exposure
• After-School Academy: two days per week of expanded learning aligned to Common Core standards, building creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills
• 8th Grade Academy: twice-monthly Saturday workshops preparing students for the transition to high school
• Parent Education and Engagement: virtual workshops and guidance from regional coordinators and the Parent Leadership Board

Enrollment Process: Admission follows a three-stage selection process:

• Eligibility Stage: families submit a preliminary application along with income documentation and report cards
• Assessment Stage: eligible applicants attend an Assessment Day
• Interview Stage: finalists attend an Interview Day, submit a parent questionnaire, and provide a teacher recommendation

Students must meet academic, income-eligibility, first-generation-college, and residency/school criteria to be considered.

Capacity Note: Peninsula Bridge is a selective program with a limited number of openings each year. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee admission, and the program is not able to enroll every qualified applicant.