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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.
After-School Program:
The Moving Ahead Program operates Monday – Friday from 2:00 p.m to 6:30 p.m. when Columbia Public Schools are in session. Students are served an afternoon snack and dinner. Some transportation is available.
Summer Program:
The Moving Ahead Program offers a no-cost summer camp to eligible students when Columbia Publics Schools are NOT in session. The program operates Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m to 5:30 p.m. Students are served breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack and dinner. We have summer school lessons that abide by Missouri Educational State Standards, and in the afternoons students can participate in educational field trips. 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!
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
Please know, submitting an application DOES NOT guarantee acceptance. Columbia Housing Authority residents and Section 8 will have priority. We will contact applicants by phone and email if accepted into the program. The remaining applicants will be placed on a waiting list and will be contacted if spots open up.
Fall/Spring – Apply Here Summer – Apply Here
For assistance with the applications, please contact Michaela Flores at mflores@columbiaha.com or (573) 554-7045
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 League, 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.
Please call Michaela Flores, Interim Moving Ahead Program Coordinator at 573-443-2556, Ext. 7055 for more information or by email at mflores@columbiaha.com.
Meet MAP Staff
Thank you to our funders:
