YouthQuest has selected Randels Elementary as the newest program site.  Randels operates in the Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools District.  YouthQuest will begin programming at Randels in January 2012.

Randels students will have the opportunity to join the 1,200 students across Genesee County who participate in YouthQuest afterschool programs each day at 14 elementary and middle school sites in four districts, including:  Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools, Flint Community Schools, Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools and Montrose Community Schools.  Randels joins Dye, Rankin and Woodland Elementary schools to become the fourth Carman-Ainsworth school to serve as a YouthQuest site.

“The value of high-caliber afterschool programs is immeasurable,” said Bill Haley, Superintendent, Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools.  “This is an important chance for a greater number of our district’s students to benefit from the impactful programs that YouthQuest offers.  I know first-hand how YouthQuest benefits children and it is a great thing that the students and parents at Randels will now be able to participate.”

According to Bonnie Haffajee, Principal of Randels Elementary, YouthQuest is a welcome addition because her school’s goals echo the goals of YouthQuest.  Both organizations focus on the whole child and promoting the academic, social, physical and emotional growth of every student.

“We are very excited that YouthQuest is coming to Randels,” said Haffajee.  “Through exposure to new learning approaches and new ways of experiencing the world and their approach to it, I believe Randels’ students will benefit from this gold mine of outcomes and benefits.  This is a great opportunity for our entire school community.”

In 2010, YouthQuest provided free after-school activities and services for more than 2,800 students.  Rhetta Hunyady, Group Vice President of Operations and Employer Education and Training Connection for the Regional Chamber, says that Randels is a great addition to the YouthQuest family and it is a good thing that a greater number of students will benefit from the programs.

“Now that YouthQuest is coming to Randels we look forward to working with the parents and the entire community,” said Hunyady.  “In addition to academic and enrichment activities, the program keeps kids safe, helps working families and inspires success among youth.  YouthQuest covers a diverse spectrum of experiences, including the arts, leadership and health.  We are pleased that YouthQuest is expanding to include Randels and I encourage parents to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Parents interested in enrolling students in YouthQuest should visit www.yquest.org or contact YouthQuest at (810) 422-5904.