CASE Clubs: Student-Led Learning in CASE Afterschool Program

One of the new initiatives for the 2025-2026 CASE year is CASE Clubs. These clubs give students the opportunity to lead their own learning in a subject of their choice. They build a bridge between the skills and interests of CASE Site Leads and students’ desire to explore topics in greater depth. Clubs provide a space for project-based and student-led learning, allowing staff to prioritize students’ interests while continuing to foster a love of learning.

Each of our five school-based sites hosts two clubs weekly, giving students dedicated time to focus on a subject they are passionate about. Across all sites, students consistently choose Art as one of their clubs, while the second club varies—ranging from Sports to language learning, including ASL at DuPont Hadley and Spanish at LEAD Neely’s Bend. This variety, alongside the consistent demand for Art, demonstrates how important it is for students to have opportunities to drive their own learning—expressing what matters to them and why.

Personally, I have seen the impact at DuPont Hadley. Students have come alive with the chance to engage in subjects they don’t always have access to, such as ASL and Visual Arts. On Club day, they arrive eager to learn, sit attentively, and participate fully.

As educators, it’s important not to dismiss an interest by thinking, “That will only ever be a hobby.” CASE Clubs give students the chance to explore their passions on a deeper level. Art, Sports, and language learning all offer valuable skills and experiences worth investing in. By providing dedicated time to develop these interests, we ensure students feel seen, heard, and empowered.

I am confident that by the end of the school year, students will identify CASE Clubs as a highlight of the 2025-2026 CASE year. The projects, performances, and presentations they are working toward will showcase the seeds we are planting now, an inspiring culmination of curiosity, skill-building, and student-led learning.