After School Program Inspiring Real-life Excellence (A. S. P. I. R. E.), is an after school program in partnership with Gaston County and Gaston County Schools. This is a 21st Century Community Learning Center program that is funded through the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction. The program is free of charge to students who meet entrance criteria.

The goal of this program is to support students with general instruction, increase parent and family involvement in school related activities, and increase community involvement in schools. There will also be ongoing services available to the families of the children participating in the program such as financial literacy, family engagement, workforce development support, and GED classes. Students will receive general instructional support from a certified and/or a non-certified tutor.  Additionally, students will engage in STEM related activities, Social Emotional Learning, Physical Movement. The program is free of charge for students in grades K-5 meeting the following entrance criteria: Must attend H.H. Beam Elementary School and have scored a level 1 or 2 on the last district diagnostic test (iReady MOY).

The A. S. P. I. R. E. program will offer after school at H.H. Beam Elementary School Monday-Friday from 2:30-5:
30.  Students will receive snack and dinner from GCS School Nutrition. Students will also be transported home by Gaston County Schools for all the days we are in operation.  

Parents/Guardians must complete an A.S.P.I.R.E. application for students to be considered for enrollment in the program. Parents/students accepted for enrollment will be invited to a virtual orientation via email.  At this time,  we will explain the program and the services provided in more detail.

More Questions?  Contact Robert J. Felker (Site Coordinator) at 704-860-2891 or Dr. LeAnne W. Conyers (Program Administrator) at lwconyers@gaston.k12.nc.us