News

Woodmen and Cheyenne Editions, page 6

January 6, 2012

Excitement is emerging in the south part of Colorado Springs for parents and students. After School University, a local tutoring and enrichment facility located on Briargate Blvd., is pleased to announce that they have opened a new location in the southern Colorado Springs area to K-12 students in the fields of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, English, foreign languages, and test preparation such as ACT, SAT, IB, and AP testing. <Read More> (page 6)

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What the future holds: Important things to consider when selecting your degree The Gazette, December 11, 2011 by: Dr. Anatoliy Glushchenko ....... As a physics professor at University of Colorado Colorado Springs, director of the Center for Innovations in BioPhysics & Energy Research, Advanced Technologies & Optical Materials (CiBER-ATOM), and through active participation in UCCS Industrial Partnership Program (which collaborates with technological companies), I have the privilege of working with a variety of students, academics and technological professionals from varying backgrounds. This experience has allowed me to play an active role in the research and development of future technological trends, and to understand what skills and knowledge are required from students and new professionals in order to be strongly competitive in the technological workforce. What the future holds and how it will influence the job market the jobs and demands of the future will be dictated by the biggest problems the world will face: energy, health, food supply and water accessibility. No matter whether the technology or solution exists today or must be developed, the skills that will be in most demand in the United States and the world will be connected to finding best solutions to the above problems. Out of the current jobs, professions like engineers, mathematicians, physicists or doctors will continue to stay in high demand. However, there will be a large number of jobs that either do not exist yet, or have yet to be imagined. Nevertheless, with a great degree of confidence, we can say that many of these new occupations will be a combination of existing professions and the skills associated with them. <Read more>

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Colorado Springs Business Journal

By: Monica Mendoza ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

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Free College Preparation Workshops at After School University in July
July 15, 2011, Woodmen Edition

Any student or parent knows they can spend hours, days, weeks and even months trying to find the resources available for grants, scholarships and internships for college. It’s time consuming, tedious and often a waste of valuable time. Knowing the right steps to take in your research will make all the difference. It’s never too early to start planning for college, however, now it’s more than just good grades and extracurricular activities that get students into the college of their choice. Much more is involved, but the good news is that scholarships, grants and awards are available not only to the straight A, honor society students, but to students who plan ahead as well. Sure, good grades are important, as well as ACT and SAT scores, but so is planning an intricate course of action and following through. With colleges and universities constantly increasing tuition costs and the admission process becoming more competitive and rigorous, knowing the proper procedures to follow is crucial to obtaining college acceptance and much needed financial assistance.

 

But most importantly, no one should apply to a university without knowing how they can get the most out of the experience and how they can mold their college activities to more fully support their future aspirations. The next workshop is Thursday, July 14 and will focus on “Getting In.” July 21 emphasizes “Funding Your College Education” and July 28 highlights “Making the Most of Your College Experience”. All workshops are free, from 6-8 p.m., and held at After School University in Briargate, 7689 N. Union Blvd., in the Gold Gym Plaza Center. For more information, contact Maria at 659-5979. Remember, it’s never too early to plan for your child’s academic future.

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Fundamental Knowledge "PLUS" Program:

The key concept behind After School University's approach to learning

July 10, 2011

After learning that the United States has fallen far behind its global competitors in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Maria Feekes founded After School University and the “Fundamental Knowledge PLUS” program. The ultimate goal of this program is to increase the number of STEM professionals educated in the United States by providing students ages K-12 with a core knowledge of STEM skills.

The program’s strategy incorporates three key components. The first is fundamental knowledge at an early age: elements of STEM disciplines such as physics, computer programming, chemistry and biology are taught in elementary school, with curriculum beginning in middle school and continuing throughout high school. The second is an experimental component, reinforcing theoretical learning in the classroom with hands-on lab classes that encourage inquiry-based learning. The third promotes the interconnection between core STEM disciplines such as physics and programming, programming and math, or biology and physics: connections that serve to strengthen the learning of STEM concepts while eliminating any gaps between the distinct disciplines.

In creating an environment to promote these components, the “Fundamental Knowledge PLUS” program involves four groups of individuals. Students become interested in, learn, pursue, and succeed in STEM fields. Undergraduate students are instructors, simultaneously teaching, practicing, and learning more about the STEM fields they excel in. In-service teachers inspire students to pursue careers in STEM fields through instruction, while STEM professionals further encourage these interests by mentoring students and sharing their own STEM knowledge with them.

This program is implemented in After School University through a small business model that allows for the immediate implementation of the program and the self-sustainability of the business. After School University maintains industry and community partnerships through the Accelerating Student Achievement Project (A.S.A.P.), that offers internships, workshops, and free classes to the underprivileged community. They also partner with local school districts to encourage current elementary, middle, and high school students to pursue any interests in STEM fields.

After School University’s “Fundamental Knowledge PLUS” program is not only the core of the business, it is also a prototype to determine whether this kind of strategy will be effective in reaching its goal of increasing the number of STEM professionals educated in the United States.

This article was written by Amber Galik, Marketing/PR Representative for After School University. She is currently studying English and Journalism at the University of Notre Dame. To contact Amber, please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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A.S.A.P. Scholarships for Underprivileged Students

A.S.A.P. – Accelerating Student Achievement Program

(June 8, 2011) “Winning the future depends on being able to out-innovate, out-build and – yes - out-educate our competitors, and that the development of a tech-savvy workforce starts in the classroom…” announced President Obama, launching the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Educational Committee.

The Accelerating Student Achievement Project (A.S.A.P.), organized by After School University, is focused on providing opportunities for 200 underprivileged students in the Colorado Springs area to go through an accelerated training before the beginning of the 2011 school year. The A.S.A.P. Scholarships allow selected students to advance greatly in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer programming based on comprehensive curriculums in each subject.

A.S.A.P. Scholarships allow will help students:

1. Raise their grades in mathematics to an A by going through comprehensive curriculums from basic mathematics up to Algebra II, Pre-calculus and beyond

2. Build strong foundation for standardized tests: CSAP, ACT/SAT, AP, IB

3. Study subjects not offered in school and explore opportunities and scholarships in the future

4. Have opportunities for to advance in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and computer programming and develop independent study skills required for success in top universities

Nominate a child or student for an A.S.A.P. scholarship today!

Application Due Date: June 31

Location: After School University, 7689 N. Union Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Information: Maria Feekes, 719-659-5979 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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April 30, 2011: "Students find pathway to higher paying jobs" ; Gazette

As a parent, we feel pride and love towards our children. We want nothing but the best for them, and we try our hardest to make sure they are supplied with what they need. However, when it comes to a child’s education, is your student receiving the right dose of education to ensure that your student is set for the future he or she wants?

Survey results show that middle and high school students in the Colorado Springs area are below adequate scores required for colleges. The problem with subjects like math, is once a student starts to fall behind, it is very hard to catch up. The student may not have the learning steps needed to achieve positive test scores in math and continue to under perform in this category. If a student is under performing, this may generate poor self-esteem, self loathing, and loss of ambition. This could be very detrimental to a budding student who has a bright future ahead. After all, if a person believes that they cannot complete a task, that person will not try. This works the same way with students.

Poor results in academics can result in limiting possibilities for a student both with selecting a good college and future possibilities. Did you know that in 2009, The Colorado Springs Gazette reported (released from the Colorado Department of Education) that 143,503 students from 4th-10th grade who were failing in math, would not have the chance to catch up? Where does your student fall in these numbers? Is he or she struggling with day to day learning and homework and has no ambition to even try anymore to succeed in classes? Your student is not alone. (http://www.cde.state.co.us/index_home.htm)

The Quality of Life Indicators Report for the Pikes Peak region reported on CSAP math results, “Not one district scored above 50%. This abysmal performance makes comparison to other districts meaningless. Although a few districts have improved, over 5 years the percentages don’t indicate great improvement. Even worse, the CSAP standards are some of the lowest in the nation and have fallen over the last few years (The Proficiency Illusion, Thomas B. Fordham Institute, October, 2007)” www.pikespeakqualityoflife.org Where is your child now? Did you know, based on world accepted practices of math, you can study many subjects at an earlier stage? How would you feel if your child could learn a year’s worth of school material in a month, and be the strongest student in that area? Summer is a perfect time for this!

“We get many students that are struggling with various math subjects. The testing shows that the knowledge gaps that were carried over from Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 are affecting these students in higher math. This slows their learning ability and diminishes academic confidence. Strengthening students? Knowledge base is core mathematics allows them to become independent learners not only in the immediate school material, but also in the core math material that will be the basis for any future math topics in a school or university class.

For elementary students, adding a strong math curriculum that is also fun was crucial in helping them to prepare and transition to middle school.” Prof. Glushchenko, Ph.D

What are After School University Parents saying?

“My sons actually come home now and do their math homework. They even go out of their way to ask their teachers what they can be doing to get caught up instead of feeling so overwhelmed and frustrated. They are finally taking personal responsibility. My son Josiah’s success and attitude towards math is a complete. 180. The communication between us and the staff at After School University is amazing. The team looks at their personalities and matches them with the right tutor for their learning style, and this is very beneficial. I would recommend After School University to any parent with struggling students.” – Pamela G., Colorado Springs, CO

“I felt my son not only needed math instruction, but also inspiration. I could have found any number of tutors to bring his grade up. I was really searching for a motivating factor. My son began the program at the beginning of March. I have notice more confidence and interest, not only in math, but his other activities. He has been more likely to tackle his responsibilities and take pride in his work. I would like to see Zane be unafraid to pursue any path he chooses. After School University is helping to achieve that.” – John M., Colorado Springs, CO

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March 1, 2011: "After School University – Improving the Lives of Students" by Maggie Quinones; Fresh Inc

“I am so grateful you were able to tell me what I love and what is special about me. You made me feel good and strong. I am very loved and happy about myself. You were very kind and smart. I would love to sit down again and have this done a...gain. I am so thankful I came. This was a learning and growing experience. I am an air sign. I have a special gift in Math and health and in family. I have very spread heritage. Thank you. Love. MagDahlia Kay-Lee Quinones”

As a 6^th grade student in a college preparatory school, I am given homework that can be very hard at times. I happen to be lucky enough to have a grasp on math, however not many students my age an older do. Also when homework and studies are hard, it really takes a toll on self confidence. As a student, if I lose my self confidence then I have a hard time believing in myself which is seen in my homework.

My Mother, who works in the education industry, understands how important it is for me to feel great about myself. To find out who I am and what I am good at, she brought me to After School University to participate in their “Spark Project”. This was really neat because I met with Maria Feekes (the owner) and Laurie Marshall who sat with me and created a portrait of myself. This portrait wasn’t any regular portrait, it showed who I was, what I was about and what I was good at. Laurie asked me a ton of really neat questions and made me feel really good about myself and who I am. The portrait brought out my talents, which helped Maria understand where I needed assistance in my education. This didn’t just help me out, but it helped out a lot of children who had their own special talents, which included my best friend and my cousin.

After School University is a business that helps students struggling with academics. They offer programs in math, science and even computer programming. They help students of all ages and difficulties. They even help students like me who already are good at match reach a higher level that schools may not yet teach. I am about to enter computer programming, and I am very excited to learn all about computers. I feel that this will help me succeed in the future to go to the college I want to go to and be who I want to be. By working with After School University, I am not afraid to reach my full potential that I was shown in my self portrait.

After School University can help other students like they helped me. Like my Mom always says, knowledge is a gift that will only make my life better. Education will help me reach my dreams, and can help your student reach his or her dreams too!

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February 17, 2011: "A Big Dream in Briargate" By Christine Ryktarsyk; Woodmen Edition

“Spark Project” portraits, depicting area students and their dream professions, helped build confidence among the students at “After School University.”

Maria Feekes believes that society can be enriched when people understand their talents and inherent value.

Big dreams need a lot of enthusiasm and enthusiasm is often contagious. Good news for the Briargate area is that one of its residents has a big dream, one that’s out to enrich society one person at a time.

Maria Feekes has long been interested in preparing the next generation to thrive in a world with problems. After receiving her Masters in Business Administration in 2007, she worked with Fortune 100, educational and non-profit organizations. During that time, she became acquainted with Laurie Marshall, founder of Unity Through Creativity. Feekes is using the insight she gained from Marshall to bring something good to Briargate. READ MORE

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January 23, 2011: "CSAPs, flexibility send parents shopping for schools"; Gazette

Read more

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January 12, 2011: "After School University making a positive difference for many students"; Fresh Ink

Achieving academic success has never been a problem for Yash Raval, a 2007 graduate of Rampart High School. But Raval relishes a challenge and wishes After School University had been around to provide that a few years ago. Raval, a senior at UCCS, is a paid instructor at After School University, which provides tutorial services and a diverse curriculum to area students, mostly those from middle school and high school, although elementary students have recently joined the program. READ MORE

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January 12, 2011: "A new school offers hope for students"; Fresh Ink

My father was a college professor, so education was a priority in our household. Good grades were expected. I was thankful for that environment, and for learning to read at a young age. READ MORE

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January 7, 2011: "After School University - Now Open in Briargate!"; Woodmen Edition

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December 15, 2010: "After School University - Business Profile"; Fresh Ink

What does your business specialize in?: After-school classes and math tutoring for elementary, middle and highschool students. We start at the level where each student is and very quickly bring him/her to the level exceeding any school expectation.

What sets you apart from the competition?: 1. Our background, partners and teachers 2. Our unique accelerated tutoring methodology 3. Our core curriculum 4. Our focus on strong study skills.....READ MORE (web)