The city of Fremont, California (203,400), and the Fremont Unified School District jointly offer after-school recreation programs at all five of the city’s junior high schools. The city’s recreation services division provides $25,000 to each school, which hires its own teachers to offer a broad array of after-school activities. Students participate free of charge in activities ranging from drama and foreign language instruction, to wrestling and cheerleading, to journalism and woodshop. All the programs also offer tutoring and homework assistance, as well as extended library hours. Grades for participating students have risen, while absenteeism has dropped, especially on the days when programs are offered. Principals of all participating schools must make presentations to the city council and the school board four times a year. In addition to providing attractive recreation programming to young teens during the critical after-school hours, the program strengthens bonds between students and teachers. Ginny Duffy Recreation Superintendent City of Fremont 3350 Capitol Avenue Fremont, CA 94538 510/494-4330 Fax: 510/494-4753 E-mail: gduffy@ci.Fremont. ca.us