Salvation Army of Champaign County launching free teen after-school program

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) — The Salvation Army of Champaign County will open a new teen after-school program this fall.

The "Ignite" program will open in August, providing a safe and supportive space for students grades 6-12 to receive mentorship, improve academically, build stronger friendships, and learn future-readiness skills, according to The Salvation Army.

Captain Melissa Sivels said teenagers and young adults need more after-school programs.

"Teens can be a trickier age group to try and serve," Sivels said. "I think a lot of people write them off as disinterested in something like this."

The no-cost program will serve up to 50 students. It will run during the school year on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-5:30 p.m., and on Wednesdays from 2:30-7 p.m. It will be held at The Salvation Army location at 502 N. Prospect Avenue.

"We want to create something that kids want to be at. We don't want them to dread coming here or feel like their parents are just forcing them," Sivels said. "We want Ignite to be a place that kids genuinely want to spend their time."

The Salvation Army said the programming focuses on helping students improve grades, develop future readiness, explore careers, build stronger friendships and teamwork skills, and access technology, open gym, and the gaming zone. Faith programming will also be available for students who wish to participate.

"Too often, teens are under-served when it comes to safe and supportive after-school care that offers holistic programming to help them grow academically, socially, physically, and learn new skills that will prepare them for adulthood," Captains Kenyon and Melissa Sivels, corps officers of The Salvation Army of Champaign County, said. "The Ignite program will be an impactful program built upon The Salvation Army's many years of providing youth programming in our community."

In-person registration events will be on July 20 and July 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Salvation Army Church and Worship Center at 502 N. Prospect Avenue in Champaign.

Parents can also register by contacting Youth Services Director Brayden Stuckey at Brayden.Stuckey@usc.salvationarmy.org or 217-331-4574. Online registration will close on August 12, or until the program is full.

Volunteer opportunities are available for community members interested in providing homework help, mentorship, and leading activities.

Anyone with questions about participating in or volunteering for the program is also asked to contact Stuckey.