City After-School Programs to Help Students Start School Year Strong
Published on July 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
kjoy@wpb.org
(561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
City of West Palm Beach Helps Students Start the School Year Strong with Free After-School Programs
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (July 28, 2026) — As students head back to the classroom, the City of West Palm Beach is once again offering a variety of after-school programs designed to help children and teens succeed both academically and personally.
Through the Mandel Public Library and the Parks & Recreation Department, students can access free homework assistance, tutoring, enrichment activities, healthy snacks, recreation, and safe spaces to learn and grow throughout the school year.
"Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, both inside and outside the classroom," said Mayor Keith A. James. "By providing academic support, enrichment opportunities, and safe places to learn after school, we are investing in our students, supporting working families, and helping build a stronger community for generations to come."
Free Homework Help
The Mandel Public Library will once again offer free Homework Centers staffed by certified teachers for students in grades K-12. Students can receive assistance with homework, school projects, test preparation, reading, math, and study skills in a welcoming learning environment.
Homework Center (Grades K–5)
Elementary students can receive free homework assistance, project support and test preparation from certified teachers in a fun, encouraging environment. Free nourishing snacks are provided.
Location: Mandel Public Library, KidSpace, 3rd Floor
Schedule: Beginning Monday, August 10
Sam Dratch Teen Homework Center (Grades 6–12)
Middle and high school students can receive free homework assistance, project support and test preparation from certified teachers in all subjects. Reading support is available Monday through Wednesday, while math assistance is offered Tuesday through Thursday. No registration is required.
Location: Mandel Public Library, TeenSource, 2nd Floor
Schedule: Beginning Monday, August 10
Mandel Mobile Homework Assistance for Children and Teens
The Mandel Mobile brings homework assistance, internet connectivity and technology directly into neighborhoods throughout West Palm Beach. Students can access laptops, broadband internet, homework assistance from certified teachers and nutritious snacks in a convenient community setting.
Locations & Schedule:
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Fogelman Park: Beginning August 11, Tuesdays & Thursdays, 3 – 5 p.m.
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Sullivan Park: Beginning August 11, Wednesdays, 3 – 5 p.m.
For more information and a complete schedule of afternoon programming through the Mandel Public Library visit wpb.org/library or call (561) 868-7703 (TTY: 800-955-8771).
Fun Out of School Activities (FOOSA) and Power Hour
The FOOSA program offers children a safe environment with programming such as sports, arts and crafts, clubs, and enrichment activities. The program is offered at three City parks, Monday through Friday, from 2 - 5:30 p.m. Parents/guardians also have the option of a “power hour” from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Below are the locations, age groups, cost, and contact information for FOOSA:
Gaines Park (Grades 6–8)
Serving students from Roosevelt Middle School.
1501 N. Australian Ave. | (561) 804-4960
Pleasant City Community Center (Grades K–5)
Serving students from Northboro Elementary, Pleasant City Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, U.B. Kinsey/Palmview Elementary, and Westward Elementary. School pick-up is available based on enrollment.
500 22nd Street | (561) 804-5032
South Olive Park (Grades K–5)
Serving students from Belvedere Elementary, Palmetto Elementary, and South Olive Elementary.
345 Summa Street | (561) 804-4945
FOOSA Fees
Power Hour (Extended Care) Fees
Registration is required for the FOOSA and Power Hour programs. To register your child, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (561) 804-4900 (TTY: 800-955-8771), register at any City community center, or click here.
T.G.N.S. (Thank Goodness No School) Day Program
When school is out, the City keeps the fun going. T.G.N.S. Day program provides a safe, supervised environment where youth can engage in a variety of activities. Below are the dates & times, locations, age groups, cost, and contact information for T.G.N.S. Day:
2026–2027 Dates:
September 21, November 3, November 23–25, January 4, March 10, March 29, and May 28.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Gaines Park (Grades 6–8)
1501 N. Australian Ave. | (561) 804-4960
Pleasant City Community Center (Grades K–5)
500 22nd Street | (561) 804-5032
South Olive Park (Grades K–5)
345 Summa Street | (561) 804-4945
T.G.N.S. Fees
Registration is required for the T.G.N.S. Day program. To register your child, contact the Parks and Recreation Department at (561) 804-4900 (TTY: 800-955-8771), register at any City community center, or click here.
FREE Teen Drop-In Programs
The FREE drop-in program offers teens a structured, safe space dedicated to providing homework help, mentoring, resourceful programming, games, crafts, and life skill activities. The program is offered at the following two City parks, Monday through Friday, from 2:30-5:30 p.m.:
Pleasant City Youth Empowerment Center (Grades 6–8; Ages 12–18)
Serving students who reside in the Pleasant City neighborhood.
501 21st Street | (561) 804-4930
Coleman Park Community Center (Grades 6–8; Ages 12–18)
Serving students who reside in the Coleman Park neighborhood
116 21st Street | (561) 804-4965
To register your child for the free drop-in teen programs, contact the community center directly.
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About the City of West Palm Beach
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city on Florida's Atlantic coast. With a rich history, thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is a great place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the area with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit our official website or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and LinkedIn.
To contact the City of West Palm Beach, please dial (561) 822-1200 (TTY800 955-8771).