Providing a safe and supportive space for middle school youth to learn and grow in the critical after school hours.

Afterschool

Western Youth Network provides afterschool programming in three counties: Watauga, Ashe, and Alleghany. Our aim is to support youth during the after school hours by providing quality programming that focuses on building youth with strong resilience and relationship skills. In each county we focus on the unique needs of youth in that community and we build programming that is meant to meet youth where they are.

During WYN’s after school program, youth have the opportunity to interact with supportive adults, receive tutoring, and build positive relationships with peers. WYN staff are trained in child development, Love and Logic, Reconnect for Resilience, and Motivational interviewing. We use a eclectic and creative approach to programming that creates an experience unlike a typical after school program. Our goal is to create programing that nurtures and empowers youth so that they can live healthy, engaged, and fulfilled lives.

Questions? Contact Heather Canipe, Director of Student Programs, at canipeh@westernyouthnetwork.org or at 828.264.5174

Watauga Afterschool Program

Ashe Afterschool Program

Alleghany Afterschool Program

Avery Afterschool Program

Afterschool Highlights

Student Advisory Council

To build the leadership skills of our youth and to create a sense of ownership in their program and their futures, WYN is creating a Student Advisory Council of students from our after school program. Nominated by their peers and staff supervisors, these Advisory Council members will provide recommendations for program activities and policies while inspiring their peers to contribute positively to the WYN after school family.

Financial literacy with Capital Bank

WYN was proud to be selected for a $10,000 investment from Capital Bank to implement a financial literacy curriculum in WYN’s programs. In the year ahead, Capital Bank volunteers will be sharing their expertise and teaching five topics that cover dignity, budgeting, banking products and services, credit and investing. “Financial literacy is a life-changing skill,” said Capital Bank Community Banking Group President, Richard Shaffer. “We know that financial literacy is not often a topic that children learn in school or at home. Our goal is to help students become confident about money so that they will be empowered to make financially sound decisions in the future.”

Birthday Magic

A birthday party. A simple way for loved ones to celebrate the life of a child and for that child to see how important their life is to others. Because many of our students have never had a birthday party of their own, WYN has committed to giving each and every student in our after school program a celebration for their special day with treats and a small gift of their choosing. On their birthday, our WYN students will know how truly important they are to us.

“The best thing WYN has to offer is the safe space that it provides. It allows kids from all schools and backgrounds to come together, learn better social skills and make friends.”

WYN Graduate

“WYN kept my son out of trouble. The structure and the tutoring got him on track. I love WYN!”

WYN Parent

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Give a child in your community the safety, skills and support they need to thrive! Keep WYN’s after school care running with a donation today!

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At WYN, we value what makes you unique, in fact, we celebrate it. We believe that when people feel respected, it provides space for them to thrive. Inclusion and acceptance fosters a safe environment for everyone. WYN is committed to providing a safe space for all, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. Together, we explore diverse perspectives to propel our initiatives forward and transform the High Country community. Everyone is welcome here, authentically and holistically.