Expanding Horizons is a free afterschool and summer program in Salem where you can discover fun, new activities (such as robotics, cooking, and art) with a caring community of friends and mentors.
Expanding Horizons is a 21st Century Community Learning Center program funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education and is run in partnership with Salem Public Schools.
It is not too late to sign up for the afterschool program! The Spring session will run from March 31- June 12 3:15 – 5:45. Students can sign up for Mondays & Wednesdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays or all four days. Join us to make comic books, create phone apps, learn to swim, and understand the power of social media!
RegistrationSchool Year
Summer 2025 at Expanding Horizons
Unlock your curiosity, explore your community, and make a difference!
This free summer program offers middle school students the chance to engage in exciting, hands-on learning experiences while making new friends. Students will identify their preferences for which interdisciplinary, project-based learning they want to focus on this summer:
- Environmental Action & Sustainability – Investigate local environmental issues and create solutions.
- Robotics & Innovation – Build and program robots to solve challenges and enhance sustainability efforts.
- Community History & Culture – Explore the diverse histories and contributions of the people of Salem, and collaborate with the Peabody Essex Museum on an exhibit.
- Storytelling & Documentary – Capture and share the stories of community members through photojournalism.
- Access to Healthy Food for All -- Explore healthy foods and the challenges some people face in getting access to them. Raise awareness of needs and resources.
In the afternoons, students can expand their creativity and skills by trying out photography, art, app coding, and sports & fitness.
The program also includes exciting field trips to local landmarks, museums, parks, and tech centers to deepen students’ understanding and inspire new ideas.
Additional Benefits:
- Breakfast and lunch provided daily
- Transportation available for students living more than a mile away
Join us this summer for an engaging, interactive, and inspiring learning adventure where you can explore, create, and connect with your community!
TIME
8:30-2:30
DAYS
July 7 – August 7, 2025 Mondays-Thursdays
LOCATION
Salem High School
Open to students residing in Salem, with priority given to students from economically disadvantaged households, English Learners, students of color, and first-generation-to-college students. Students need to be entering grades 6, 7 or 8 in September 2025.
Taylor Mimms
Site Coordinator
For more program information, contact Taylor Mimms using any method below:
978-595-2021
tmimms@leap4ed.org
Program Goals
- Discover Your Interests - try new activities and find something you’re passionate about
- Connect with Others - meet new friends, caring teachers, and people in the community
- Grow and Improve - set goals you care about and start to pursue them, get support with your homework
Program Schedule
School Year
-
- Session 1: September 30- December 19, 2024
- Session 2: January 13 – March 27, 2025
- Session 3: March 31 – June 12, 2025
-
- Days: Mondays - Thursdays (not including half-days and holidays). Students can sign up for 2 days (Mon/Wed or Tues/Thurs) or all 4 days. Additionally, students can sign up for Clubs offered by CMS teachers so students can also attend 3 days (adding a club to a 2-day Enrichment).
- Time: 3:15 - 5:30 PM
- Location: Collins Middle School, Salem
Program Design
During the school year, the daily schedule is roughly as follows:
3:15-3:45 PM: Snack, games, team-building, homework assistance, and check-ins with Expanding Horizons staff
3:45-4:55 PM: Enrichment activities such as engineering, team sports, social justice/community service, video game design, and art
4:55-5:30 PM: Activity station activities that change daily and include building challenges, arts & crafts, science experiments, and homework help
Additional Benefits
In addition to engaging programming, added benefits include:
- Daily snacks
- Transportation home at the end of the day
- Friendly staff of community partners, Salem Public School and LEAP employees
- Teen Center and College Success programming available once in high school
- District COVID safety protocols in place
Student Eligibility
Open to students residing in Salem, with priority given to students from economically disadvantaged households, English Learners, students of color, and first-generation-to-college students.
Taylor Mimms
Site Coordinator
For more program information, contact Taylor Mimms using any method below:
Google Voice 978-595-2021
Email tmimms@leap4ed.org
