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 GEP After-School Enrichment Program provides a loving, caring environment beyond school hours where children have the opportunity to do their homework, improve academic skills and socialize with friends. GEP provides stimulating and fun activities, which help children to develop into healthy well-rounded youth. Tutoring, sports, cultural activities and computer awareness are just a few of the activities that fill their after-school hours in a safe and nurturing environment. GEP follows a curriculum parallel to the NC Standard Course of Study. Site Coordinators, Teachers and School Administrators work together to ensure that the GEP program supplements the learning that takes place during the school day. Along with academic support, GEP focuses on children’s social needs. Program staff serves as positive role models and must treat children with respect and positive encouragement.
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Welcome to site of Greater Enrichment Program! |
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One of Charlotte’s oldest programs designed to help children achieve educational success.
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To provide an out-of-school time educational program that is fun and enjoyable for eligible school-age (K-5th grade) students and their parents in which, regardless of their background and abilities, they fully realize their potential for academic achievement, cultural/social enrichment, positive self esteem and productive citizenship. |
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GEP is open to CMS K through 5th Grade students residing in areas designated by the City of Charlotte as “City Within a City (CWAC)” geographical area. Income requirements must also be met. You must also complete a registration form to apply.
After School Sites
GEP 08/09 three after school program sites located in CMS Schools and two Recreational Centers are:
- Ashley Park Elementary
- Bruns Elementary
- Merry Oaks Elementary
- Southview Recreational Center
- Wilmore Recreational Center
GEP staff and CMS teachers and Principals work together to best meet the needs of students.
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What A Student Gets At GEP |
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How To Know If You Qualify |
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1. Call 704/334-8518 to verify if your street is eligible for free After-School service. 2. Have the the following documents/information: - Proof of Residence (Lease, utility bill – no telephone or cable bills)
- Proof of Income (check stubs, SSI, Child Support, Disability payments, etc.)
- Child’s Immunization Record
3. Fill out the application and bring documents to: Greater Enrichment Program 2035 Patton Avenue (Off Beatties Ford Rd. between Johnson C. Smith & Oaklawn Avenue) Charlotte, NC 28216 At this time, your application will be reviewed for final eligibility and you will be able to receive the mandatory Parent Orientation the same day. Please set aside at least an 1 hours for this process. Now you are finished – Easy As 1.2.3.! ** 1 hour of time for 600 hours of “FREE” After-School service valued at “$1,836”** |
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GEP Special Programs and Events |
- Fall Festival
- November and December Holiday Program
- Black History Bowl
- Spelling Bee
- Scouting Program (Girls and Boys)
- Organized Sports (Flag Football and Basketball)
- “Free To Be” (Special prevention awareness program on pregnancy, drugs, HIV/AIDS
- World Cultural Celebration
- Talent Showcase
- Athletic Banquet
- Graduation and Awards Program
- Computer Workshops
- Fun Friday
- Annual Family Picnic
- Annual Community Service Projects
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Community Partnerships/Collaborations |
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GEP currently works with many agencies in Charlotte/Mecklenburg County throughout the year including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls Scouts, Boys Scouts, Public Library, Mecklenburg County Health Department, The Family Center, Discovery Place, Substance Abuse Prevention Services, UNCC, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Computer Access in Neighborhoods (C.A.N.) CMPD, the Fire Department and the Parks and Recreations Department. GEP also works with many local art and music educators as well as a host of children entertainers.
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Program staff is trained and qualified people who currently work in the education field. Each staff member serves as a positive role model and must treat children with respect and positive encouragement. Each site is housed with an Onsite Coordinator; six grade level associates and three classroom assistants as well as students volunteer from local colleges and universities. |
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Greater Enrichment Program |
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 The view from the Rev. George Battle’s office at Gethesmane AME Zion Church 32 years ago was bleak. All about him, he saw children in trouble. These were poor children failing in school, and eventually failing at everything else. So Battle along with the help of Adelaide Hunt the program's first director started the Gethesmane program, which was later renamed Greater Enrichment Program Inc..
One of the area’s oldest programs was designed to help disadvantaged children holistically, providing academic, cultural, social and recreational enrichment. The sucess of the program has not gone unnoticed. It was one of three organizations receiving a national award from the National Community Development Association.
Love and Intervention
What has made the Greater Enrichment Program work? Cathy McIlwain, who directs the program, credits the “tender loving care that is given to all children along with a variety of learning opportunities”. It’s that and more, observers say. GEP provides the needed early intervention in children’s lives helping them overcome educational weaknesses and other deficiences often associated with low social economic status.
Currently the program serves 370 children at three schools and two recreational centers around the city , providing reading and math tutoring as well as music, art, drama and dance classes.
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Literacy activities