The Center - CREATE Afterschool Program

CREATE — Creatively Relating Entertainment and Arts to Educate- is South Side Help Center's year-round afterschool program serving 6th through 10th grade youth across the Greater Roseland area, Washington Heights, Pullman, and West Pullman.

Built on the belief that young people learn best when they can see themselves in the work, CREATE empowers youth and teens to address important issues affecting their lives including but not limited to ATOD prevention, violence prevention, sexual health education, and mental health awareness.

Through engaging activities, creative outlets, and skill-building workshops, participants develop leadership skills, foster meaningful connections, and gain tools to make positive choices. Every student is welcome in every track.

No tryouts. No barriers. Just five days a week to grow, learn, and build something real.

MONDAY

Grind & Grow

Entrepreneurship + Skill Building

Grind & Grow gives youth the tools, mindset, and real-world practice to think like entrepreneurs and build like professionals. Every Monday, students move from ideas to execution — learning how to plan, pitch, manage money, and develop skills that translate into careers and businesses. High schoolers take on leadership roles as project leads and mentors for younger participants.

TUESDAY

Lead & Serve

Civic leadership + community action

Lead & Serve is where students become community builders. Every Tuesday, youth engage in civic education, conflict resolution, service learning, and 4-H leadership work grounded in the real conditions of the Far South Side. This track develops young people who don't just understand their community — they know how to organize, advocate, and act within it.

WEDNESDAY

Mind, Body & Me

Fitness, self-care, wellness + health education

Mind, Body & Me is CREATE's wellness track — a space where young people can slow down, check in with themselves, and build healthy habits that carry into every area of their lives. Every Wednesday, students engage in movement, mental health practice, and health education covering ATOD prevention, violence prevention, and sexual health. The goal is whole-person wellness, grounded in honesty and care.

THURSDAY

Level Up

Academic performance + college and career readiness

Level Up is where academic support meets ambition. Every Thursday, students get the structured help they need to perform in school — and the forward-looking tools to plan what comes next. From homework help and study skills to college applications and career exploration, Level Up meets students where they are and pushes them toward where they want to go.

FRIDAY

Express Yourself

Art, creative writing + spoken word

Express Yourself is CREATE's arts track — a Friday space where young people find their voice, tell their stories, and create work that matters. Through visual art, creative writing, spoken word, and literary exploration, students develop artistic identity, communication skills, and the confidence to share their truth with the world. Every term closes with a community showcase that celebrates their work publicly.