The Opportunity Project In Tulsa Highlights Importance Of Access To Afterschool Programs

The Opportunity Project works to improve the quality of afterschool programs, and increase access for children in Tulsa, particularly those from underserved communities.

Through collaborations with youth-serving organizations and school professionals, the Opportunity Project is responsible for overseeing a lot of afterschool programming.

Image Provided By: The Opportunity Project

Executive Director Lauren Sivak joins us on the Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages Porch. She is an experienced nonprofit leader whose impact has resonated across diverse initiatives.

"The nature of our intermediary role is multifaceted, encompassing advocacy, backend support for partners of varying sizes and types, data collection and dissemination, building citywide relationships, bridging gaps, and so on. The work at The Opportunity Project is ongoing, a perpetual journey that, in many ways, is just beginning," Sivak said.

Image Provided By: The Opportunity Project

The Opportunity Project seeks to improve the quality, access and delivery of expanded learning opportunities for youth in Tulsa by integrating the city’s array of youth-focused programs, services and curricula.

Sivak said as Tulsa's only intermediary, the organization believes that young people succeed and communities thrive by investing in afterschool and summer school programs.

Image Provided By: The Opportunity Project

She said it does this by focusing in on 5 strategic priorities: advocacy, continuous quality improvement, data, partnerships, and professional learning.

Why is this work important here in Oklahoma?

"A few months ago I was observing an afterschool program and I had a chance to chat with a student. While we waited for her chess club to begin she said to me, 'If I wasn't here, I'd probably be home alone.' The work of The Opportunity Project connects youth like her to experiences that are dynamic and enriching, and also safe and supervised," Sivak said.

What is the best part about being the Executive Director of The Opportunity Project?

"I get to work closely with a group of dreamers and problem solvers. There are a lot of challenges facing school communities today and I am proud that The Opportunity Project gets to be part of finding solutions. On everyone's mind right now is chronic absenteeism. During the 22/23 school year, students engaged in expanded learning were on average 43% less likely to be chronically absent. We know that after-school programming can't solve chronic absenteeism, but it has to be part of the solution.

COVID-19 relief funding will phase out at the end of this school year. This school year there are 350 free after-school opportunities for young people in Tulsa Public Schools. Next school year, that number will decrease to 75. So one of the other things our team is focused on is ensuring that we do not lose the momentum we have built over years of investment," Sivak explained.

Does The Opportunity Project have an event coming up?

"On Thursday, April 25, we are gathering Tulsa's brightest and brainiest for a trivia night at McNellie's Downtown! Team registration goes live on March 25. And all proceeds at the event will be used to support programming for next school year," Sivak said.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Opportunity Project and its programs.