2025 marks the twentieth year since Claremont After-School Programs (CLASP) was formed through the merger of the Claremont Tutorial Center at Vista Valle Townhomes with the Claremont Youth Wellness Center operating at Saint Ambrose Church.  The annual Celebrate CLASP party held on November 9th recognized the service of seven tutors who have been with us 15 years or more—from the very beginnings of the program.

Celebrate CLASP 2025 honored seven people whose volunteer service to CLASP goes back at least 15 years, and in some cases back to the very beginning in 2005. Without dedicated people like these, CLASP could not achieve the incredible impact it has on the lives of our students.

Claremont Chefs Academy taught 24 of our CLASP junior chefs how to make pizza. The event ended with empty plates and plenty of smiles on hand.

CLASP received the Partners in Educational Excellence Award for its exemplary partnership with the Claremont Unified School District.

CLASP students and their families participated in Dr. Art Benjamin's entertaining and educational Math Magic program on March 6 at Claremont Presbyterian Church.

Six Words You’ll Never Forget: Kids do well if they can.

Now that I’ve served as the president of CLASP for eight months, I’m beginning to appreciate how much goes on behind the scenes to keep CLASP organized and running - things beyond operating sites and tutoring students.

On a beautiful November day, 200 people gathered in the lovely garden of the President’s House of Claremont Graduate University to celebrate CLASP for 19 years of providing after-school tutoring to students in the Claremont Unified School District.

It is time to pause and consider what we are grateful for as we move into the season of thanksgiving. To start with, this is my first term as the president of the CLASP board of directors. I am very grateful to have been asked to serve this wonderful organization.

Our actions with them must be intentional. A high five, a fist bump, a simple smile, or an atta-boy or girl will never be replaced by a computer-generated accolade. That’s our human touch and one that I am so happy and proud, of which to be a part.

During the week of parent-teacher conferences, CLASP students welcomed the Fall season by tasting apples, voting for their favorites, and making and eating apple-themed crafts and snacks.