Supporting Students Beyond the School Day: Inside the Nabe’s After-School Program

Every afternoon, students come from school to the Nabe where learning, connection, and care continue long after the final bell rings. The Nabe’s after-school program, managed by Nabe staff member Sharon Johnson, serves students enrolled at Potrero Hill’s Starr King and Daniel Webster, providing a supportive environment during the critical hours after school.

Each day, students receive homework support, enrichment activities, and structured time to learn and grow. But the Nabe’s commitment goes far beyond academics. Staff engage with each student individually, taking the time to understand their strengths, challenges, and goals. Just as importantly, they build strong relationships with parents and guardians, sharing progress, celebrating successes, and addressing concerns together.

That support often extends into the morning. When Sharon notices chronic tardiness or absenteeism, she goes so far as to call students and families early in the day to make sure students are awake and getting to school. It’s a simple act, but it reflects the Nabe’s deeper approach: showing up consistently and doing what it takes to keep students connected to learning.

With family consent, Nabe staff also work closely with teachers and, when needed, school counselors. By maintaining a clear picture of each student’s academic goals and areas of concern, the program can tailor after-school activities to reinforce classroom learning and support individual needs. This close coordination ensures that students receive consistent guidance across both school and after-school settings.

Students notice this commitment. Seeing Nabe staff at their schools, checking in with teachers or attending events, means something. It signals care and continuity, and students often light up with pride when they realize the adults supporting them after school are also showing up for them during the school day.

At its core, the Nabe’s after-school program is about more than homework help. It’s about relationships, consistency, and opening doors, making sure young people feel supported today while preparing them for the opportunities of tomorrow.