After School Programs
BOOM
Launching Early School Success
Boom focuses on enhancing children's preparedness for school by actively engaging parents in their child's early learning experiences.
BAM
Books, Art, Music
BAM (Books, Art, Music) class reinforces skills learned at school to promote literacy and early school success.
STEAM Team
STEM + Arts Enrichment
STEAM Team participants enjoy STEM + Arts enrichment and reinforcement of classroom concepts through hands-on learning.
Rising Scholars
Rising Scholars focuses on social and emotional development, goal setting, early college exploration, and substance use prevention.
Thompson Scholars
Thompson Scholars includes components focused on college and career readiness, leadership development, and an earned scholarship.
Thompson Collegiates
Thompson Collegiates offers supportive services focused on enhancing college retention and degree completion, while fostering a network for economic mobility.
Building Community
Scholars build pride in their local community through enriching programming that supports the whole child.
Arts Enrichment
At Thompson Scholars, art isn’t just an activity – it’s a cornerstone of wellness. Throughout the year, scholars engage in a wide variety of creative experiences that nurture imagination, strengthen connection, and promote emotional well-being. We believe creativity is an essential ingredient in a healthy and connected life.
Family Engagement
Strong community ties and support for youth are reinforced when families can take part in youth activities. When possible, parents and families are included to foster those family and community relationships.
Neighborhood Outreach
One of several neighborhood initiatives is the Thompson Scholars’ annual Back to School Bash. To kick off the new school year, over 200 individuals in the Town Branch neighborhood received school supplies and made a commitment to strive for good attendance during the year.
Music Enrichment
Thompson Scholars hosted a brass trio from the grammy award-winning Louisville Orchestra. The Trio presented an entertaining and education event for the whole community, showcasing music from classical composers and surprising students with modern pieces such as Lin-Manuel Miranda's "We Don't Talk About Bruno".
Supporting Rural Libraries
Thompson Scholars presented $30,000 to six rural libraries ($5,000 each) who chose to participate in a project called "Diversity on the Shelves". Libraries in Central Appalachia serve as anchors for our rural communities. When their collections are expanded to be more representative and welcoming to all, our communities are strengthened.
Local Sustainability
Scholars are taking pride in their community through educational field trips. Here, they visited Carnahan Farms, where they learned about how the growing season can be extended through the use of high tunnels. They topped off the experience with a hands-on planting activity.
Growing Leaders
Thompson Scholars fosters a community-minded lifestyle by creating opportunities for community service and leadership development.
Career Exploration
Thompson Scholars connects students with professions through field trips and hands-on experiences. This broadens horizons and allows scholars to make informed decisions about their own career paths. Pictured, scholars learn about STEM opportunities at the Barbourville Water Treatment Plant.
College Tours
Opportunities are expanded as scholars are exposed to new options. Each year, we tour different colleges according to the interests of the Scholars. This year, we toured Union Commonwealth University, Berea College, and Kentucky State University.
Community Service
Through community service, scholars develop leadership skills, build community connections, and learn the value and fulfillment of volunteerism. A favorite annual project is volunteering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to construct beds for children in need within the community.
Thriving Together
Thompson Scholars promotes family and community engagement to strengthen the supportive network of those we serve.
Growing Friendships
When asked about their favorite part of being a Thompson Scholar, most participants express that it is the friendships they form and the lifetime memories they establish. The environment at the A-frame is family-like and respectful.
Supportive Mentoring
A large component of the after-school program consists of providing group mentorship to scholars. From modeling positive lifestyle choices to nurturing academic and sports skills in youth, the adults who lead the program provide consistent support to youth in unique and effective ways.
Promoting Wellbeing
A holistic approach to health lifestyle is part of the Four Pillars Model. Good nutrition, a focus on physical and mental health, and avoiding substance abuse are examples of how our programs and services contribute to serving the whole child.