Week after week, Valentina sat at a small desk in her crowded second-grade classroom. And week after week, her spelling tests came back with scores of 2 out of 10. On paper, it seems she’s falling behind. But what these scores don’t reveal is that Valentina, who lives in a Spanish-speaking home, is navigating the complexities of learning to read and write in two languages.

Many students face similar barriers in traditional classrooms. Their struggles are not a reflection of their abilities, but a result of an educational system that has not yet adapted to support students from diverse backgrounds. This is a need that afterschool and summer programs can help address. 

In Holland, Michigan, Hope College Children's After School Achievement (CASA) and Step Up, are collaborating with local schools to provide year-round programming and ensure students have access to the tools they need for success.

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Hannah Clarke, an elementary education major at Hope and CASA operations manager, noticed that Valentina was struggling with spelling and knew a unique strategy was needed. Hannah fell in love with CASA while volunteering as a coach before joining the staff. She understands the importance of providing individualized support to help every student achieve their full potential. 

“I talked to my professors and together we developed a creative way to help her remember her words, her coaches implemented it, and within two weeks, her spelling test scores improved to 8 out of 10. She grew a lot this year because we found something that worked for her and took the time to try and do our best for her,” said Hannah. 

Since 1987, CASA has served more than 5,000 elementary students who were referred by local schools by pairing them with tutors—most of whom are future educators like Hannah. Students meet one-on-one with tutors twice a week throughout the school year. The program is free for families, including transportation as needed. Sessions begin with enrichment, snacks, and fun activities before schoolwork. In annual evaluations, referring teachers routinely comment on the value of the reading time and homework assistance that CASA provides. 

We really focus on relationships. Our tutors and coaches live out our guiding principle with every student: ‘Nuestra casa es su casa’ which means, ‘Our home is your home.’” 

[.attribution-name]Hannah Clarke[.attribution-name]
[.attribution-location]CASA operations manager[.attribution-location]

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Building on CASA’s success, Step Up launched in 2010 to provide middle schoolers with academic support throughout the academic year and enrichment over the summer. The summer programming engages students in real-world learning experiences and hands-on projects to encourage creativity and critical thinking. Step Up students learn about art and designing t-shirts with a local screen printer and learn about budgeting at the Peanut Store, an iconic local candy shop.

CASA and Step Up also nurture students’ emotional growth and help them build healthy relationships. Santiago, a middle school student with passions for origami and reading, initially struggled with making friends and managing homework. His relationship with his tutor helped him break out of his shell.

“Santiago has encountered mentors who aren't just tutors; they’ve become role models who have helped him gain a sense of confidence and develop essential life skills,” said Belem, Saniago’s mother. “I saw Santiago take a chance and participate in different activities at Step Up. To see this brought a sense of peace to my heart and mind.”

At CASA and Step Up, the motto “Nuestra casa es su casa” guides every interaction and strategy. By creating an inclusive environment where students feel valued and understood, these programs foster academic and emotional growth, offering hope for every student.

Learn more about how Hope College CASA and Step Up are collaborating with local schools to support young learners in the Holland community.