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.
RegistrationSchool Year
Summer 2026 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. This year's summer program includes:
- Projects such as robotics, environmental conservation, children’s book writing, and a local project with the REAL Pirates Museum
- Afternoon Enrichment offerings such as Photography, Science Experiments, Art, Dance, and Team Sports
- Field trips such as kayaking, Museum of Science, State and county parks, Gloucester Maritime Museum, the REAL Pirate Museum
Additional Benefits:
- Breakfast and lunch provided daily
- Transportation available for students living more than a mile away (register by June 5th to be added to the bus list)
Join us this summer for an engaging, interactive, and inspiring learning adventure where you can explore, create, and connect with your community!
Space is limited!
TIME
8:30-2:30
DAYS
July 6 – August 6, 2026
Mondays-Thursdays
LOCATION
Collins Middle 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 2026.
Dali Cruz
Site Coordinator
For more program information, contact Dali Cruz using any method below:
617-329-1435
dcruz@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: October 6th- December 18, 2025
- Session 2: January 12 – March 26, 2026
- Session 3: March 30 – June 14, 2026
-
- 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 - 5:45 PM
- Location: Collins Middle School, Salem
Program Design
During the school year, the daily schedule is roughly as follows:
3:15-3:40 PM: Snack, games, team-building, homework assistance, and check-ins with Expanding Horizons staff
3:40-4:55 PM: Enrichment activities such as engineering, team sports, social justice/community service, video game design, and art
4:55-5:10 PM: Dinner Break
5:10-5:45 PM: Activity station activities that change daily and include building challenges, arts & crafts, science experiments, and homework help
See program flyer for current session offerings.
Additional Benefits
In addition to engaging programming, added benefits include:
- Daily snacks and dinner
- Transportation home at the end of the day
- Friendly staff of community partners, Salem Public School and LEAP employees
- Teen Center available once in high school
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.
Ruben Martinez
Co-Site Coordinator
For more program information, contact Ruben Martinez using any method below:
Google Voice (617) 843-3959
Email rmartinez@leap4ed.org
Dali Cruz
Co-Site Coordinator
For more information, contact Dali Cruz using any method below:
Google Voice617-329-1435
Email dcruz@leap4ed.org
