At Kingdom East School District, we believe learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings, it expands! From our youngest learners in PreK to our middle school students, we are intentionally building the Developmental Assets that research shows help children grow up healthy, caring, responsible, and confident.

Through our Kingdom East Afterschool Program (KEAP) and our Experiential Learning initiatives, we are intentionally cultivating the Developmental Assets young people need to flourish academically, socially, and personally.

Creating Supportive and Empowering Environments

Family-school partnerships, caring relationships, and community support are foundational assets for young learners. KEAP extends that support beyond regular school hours by offering creative academic, enrichment, and recreational activities across all district schools. These activities help students form warm relationships with caring adults and peers in safe and structured settings.

Activities like community service projects, gardening, robotics, and theater productions allow students to practice collaboration, responsibility, empathy, and problem-solving — all critical developmental strengths. These mirror assets like other adult relationships, service to others, and children as resources in the Search Institute framework.

Supporting Academic Engagement and Love of Learning

Experiential Learning, both during the school day and through KEAP partnerships, brings learning to life. From cross-country skiing and mountain biking to science explorations and fencing lessons, students engage actively with the world around them.

This aligns with assets such as achievement motivation, children engaged in learning, and stimulating activity and homework. Students are encouraged to think critically, explore interests, and take ownership of their learning, fostering motivation and deeper engagement with school.

Growing Character and Social Skills

KEAP’s enrichment offerings, like Girls on the Run, chess clubs, learning kitchens, and group outdoor experiences, help students practice positive values such as caring, responsibility, and honesty.

Beyond academic enrichment, these experiences support development in areas such as:

• Interpersonal skills — through teamwork and peer interaction
• Peaceful conflict resolution — working through group challenges
• Cultural competence — interacting with community partners and diverse activities

By engaging in collaborative, hands-on experiences, students build confidence, empathy, and healthy self-esteem — rich internal assets that lay the groundwork for lifelong success.

Developing Transferable Skills Through Experiential Learning

Experiential learning doesn’t just make learning more engaging, it also gives students the opportunity to build transferable skills that serve them well beyond the classroom. Unlike traditional learning, which tends to focus on memorizing facts, experiential learning places students in real-world situations where they actively participate, reflect, and adapt. This type of learning intentionally supports the development of skills such as communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are all abilities that can be applied across academic settings, future careers, and everyday life.

For example:

• Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving: Students evaluate challenges in hands-on activities and devise thoughtful solutions.
• Communication & Collaboration: Working with peers, adults, and community partners strengthens students’ ability to express ideas clearly and work cooperatively.
• Leadership & Initiative: Experiential projects encourage students to take ownership of tasks, lead elements of their work, and make meaningful decisions.

By engaging in these authentic learning experiences, whether through outdoor education, community partnerships, or project-based challenges, students strengthen a repertoire of skills that are versatile and lifelong.

Constructive Use of Time + Healthy Lifestyles

After school at KEAP is not idle time, it’s structured and meaningful. Programs run until 5pm with free meals and include weekly enrichment activities that are fun and educational.

Whether learning strategic thinking through robotics, exploring locomotion skills in cross-country programs, or simply engaging in play, students benefit from creative activities, physical wellness, and time spent in positive, supervised settings, which are all key assets for healthy development.

Giving Students a Voice and Leadership Opportunities

Through partnerships and student choice in enrichment cycles, KEAP encourages learners to express interests and take part in shaping their experiences. This nurtures personal power, sense of purpose, and positive future outlook — core internal assets that empower students to value their role in school and community life.

Conclusion

By integrating experiential learning opportunities and a robust afterschool program, Kingdom East School District intentionally builds the Developmental Assets that matter most: support, engagement, boundaries, constructive experiences, learning motivation, social competency, and positive identity.

Through KEAP, students don’t just stay after school — they grow, connect, discover, and thrive!

2025-2026 KEAP Photos: