Since 1995, the Dunn Police Athletics/Activities League after-school program has offered opportunities to local youth once the final school bell rings. The PAL began with a single softball team 23 years ago and has since blossomed into one of the most developed and involved PAL chapters in the nation, with over 200 students, parents, volunteers, and staff contributing to the program’s events annually.
In addition to after-school tutoring and hot meals daily, the PAL offers STEM, Media Arts, a Youth Leadership Council, and youth mentoring. Athletically, the program includes basketball and wrestling teams for students to participate.
This year, the PAL was not able to secure grant funding that had been fueling the free after-school program since 2011, forcing the program to begin charging families for their involvement in the 2018-19 school year. Initially, the price was set at $30 a week per student. Currently, they are running a special to help make this more affordable for new and returning members.
Per the Dunn PAL Facebook, “The discounted rate is $10 (Cash) per student per week from October 1, 2018 until May 28, 2019. This is approximately 30 weeks. If you register during the special period and pay the first week at time of registration you lock your child in for that rate. If you miss a payment or register after the discount deadline it goes back to $30 a week per student. Deadline to register and pay is Friday, October 5, 2018. All registrations after October 5th will be $30 per child per week no exceptions. Questions call 910-892-1873.” Online registration through dunnpal.org is also an option, though at a slightly higher rate.
The PAL is open from 9AM to 7PM Monday through Friday. Students arrive directly after being dropped off by their respective schools, and stay from 3-6PM Monday through Thursday as part of the regular schedule. Friday’s are reserved for students that are strictly STEM, Media Arts, or Youth Leadership for meetings and enrichment.
New to the program beginning this semester will be assistance with college registration, applications, and scholarship searching. In addition, the program will be launching a work-study program to provide students with the opportunity to intern and learn in the career field of their choice. These new additions will take effect next month and will include resume crafting, interview prep, and career readiness. The inclusion of these programs will hopefully build and strengthen bridges between the PAL, local businesses, and universities to improve their students’ post-high school plans and propel them into the work force, military, or higher learning institutions.
