DUSD ends affiliation with ASPIRE

DOWNEY – Downey Unified School District unanimously voted to enter a partnership with Downey Foundation for Educational Opportunities (DFEO) on Tuesday, signaling the end of the long running ASPIRE afterschool program.

DFEO will manage the District’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) Grant starting July 1 this year, launching their new educational and enrichment after school programs in August at the beginning of the next school year.

The DFEO was started in part by Linda Salomon Saldana, who was elected to the Downey Board of Education in November.

The city-managed ASPIRE program will officially come to an end on June 30.

In a statement released by DFEO, Superintendent Dr. John Garcia gave “sincerest thanks to the City of Downey for running the ASPIRE program for the last 20 years” before expressing excitement over the District’s new partnership.

“The sunsetting of our agreement with the City on June 30, 2021 gave us an opportunity to reevaluate our after-school offerings for our students,” said Garcia.

“Given DFEO’s success managing after school classes since 2017, we felt it was a good opportunity for the Foundation to take over the ASES Grant administration and mirror their programs with current enrichment offerings to expand before and after school opportunities for our students.”

According to staff, the change is more logistical, and parents and students should see no change.

DFEO Executive Director Sheila Tetangco-Bartolone said that the non-profit organization was” thrilled about the opportunity to provide broader after school opportunities.”

“DFEO’s programs will include indoor and outdoor activities that include a daily nutrition, fitness, tutoring, and enrichment component,” said Tetangco-Bartolone.

“What’s most exciting about this partnership is expanding the access that students will have to the Arts, College Prep, and Health and Fitness activities; imagine dance classes, visual arts, soccer, basketball, music classes, theater and even homework assistance.”

Families currently enrolled in ASPIRE will be able to pre-register through DFEO.

Additional details will be released in April, with registration beginning in May.