It is CLASP’s 20th anniversary! We are exploring our founders and their stories during this anniversary year. It was fortunate that all three pioneers who brought the Claremont After-School Programs into existence were able to celebrate with us in November.

Henry Krieger, Harvey Mudd math professor and CLASP chief financial officer passed away in the summer of 2022. CLASP used donations made in his memory to create a college scholarship award for graduating senior high students. Those eligible for the award either participated in the program in elementary school or volunteered while attending high school. We caught up with the two 2025 awardees to see how things are going.

The ability to read is the foundational skill for academic success. Students who lack the vocabulary and other reading skills are challenged to do well in other content areas such as math or science. CLASP’s latest data indicated that 70% of the students that teachers referred to CLASP were two to three grade levels behind in reading proficiency.

This finding prompted CLASP to partner with the UC Riverside Institute of Reading Development for a pilot summer reading program in 2025.

CLASP opened its doors for the 2025-26 school year on September 15, 2025. So much has happened in just four months.

CLASP hosted its 3rd annual Family Holiday Party on Thursday December 11. The highlight for our Enrichment Committee which coordinates this event is having our picture taken with Santa!!!! No! It is seeing the children’s expressions when Santa arrives.

Barbara MacKenzie joined CLASP this fall as the Assistant Program Director. Barbara brings with her a wealth of experience inside and outside the classroom.

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.