OUR PROGRAMS
Before-After School and Summer Enrichment Plus (BASE+)
This is our primary and very robust program. 13th AV Dream Center children are transported to and from numerous School District of Manatee County schools during the before and after school programs. Our summer sessions are full day programs that include a variety of field trips and other fun activities. Children attending 13th AV Dream Center receive educational, cultural, recreational and social opportunities in line with our mission year-round. These opportunities include but are not limited to tutoring, literacy assistance and mentoring. Program hours are Monday-Friday 7am-6pm with extended recreational hours 6pm-8pm. Enrollment for our BASE+ program is open annually in April for the summer sessions and July for the school year sessions. Enrollment closes when program capacity is reached. Fees are calculated using a sliding fee scale, based on family income.
Reading Recovery and Leveled Literacy Intervention Program
Reading Recovery and LLI offers children in grades K-3rd a passport to academic success. This dynamic program is offered to children at a minimum of four times per week. Sessions are offered Monday through Thursday 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The unique and inspirational inclusion of Christ Church of Longboat Key’s Reading Buddies provides RRLLI with an educational and transformational experience like no other. Every other Thursday, youth enrolled in the program spend one-on-one time with their assigned Reading Buddy working on comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, and inspiring each other in ways that are substantial and life-changing. Conclusively, for the last 17 years, Christ Church of Longboat Key’s Reading Buddies and the UCC/13th AV Dream Center have contributed to the increase of grade level reading in the lives of over 780 K-3rd graders.
Cultural Arts and Physical Education (CAPE)
This comprehensive program introduces children to weekly cultural experiences as well as the importance of sportsmanship, discipline, and community service. Cultural Arts activities and opportunities are provided by UCC staff and community partners including ASALH, Kids Live and more. Indoor and outdoor recreational activities such as relay races, basketball and open gym promote health/wellness, team building, leadership and self-discipline. Participants are also educated on the importance of contributing to the wellbeing of their home, school and community through community service.
Delinquency Prevention Program
Our family resource center empowers at-risk youth with character development, social etiquette, and leadership skills. Since our goal is to provide tools for stronger, healthier families, we also emphasize awareness about the consequences of substance abuse. Participants are engaged in various mentorship opportunities and events including career path counseling, college tours and community service projects.
Peer Empowerment Programs
Our PEP program offers comprehensive prevention and intervention to at-risk youth ages 9-17. Topics include teen pregnancy, crime, self-esteem, social etiquette, good decision-making skills, and career development.
These programs are enhanced by partnerships with local fraternities, sororities and other community organizations. Partner organizations provide mentorship, group activities, events and field trips that align with our program goals.
Manatee Mustangs Sports Academy
This positive program serves as a community inclusive, recreational outlet. For some young children, these sports are the only form of exercise or chance to be physically active they may experience in their daily lives, which is essential for children’s motor skills. For many other children this program is a chance to be encouraged, to build self-esteem and discipline. This program also provides children with strong role models in the form of coaches and mentors, who can help them grow as members of their community.
Athletic programs include Pop Warner FYD football and cheer/dance, travel basketball, track & field and baseball/t-ball.
Register for Manatee Mustangs Sports Academy programs using the link below.
