Title
Expanded Learning Program Annual Update
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FileID
File ID: 2026-00479
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Location
Location: Citywide
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Recommendation
Recommendation: Receive and file.
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Contact
Contact: Katie Houser, Recreation Manager, (916) 808-6046, khouser@cityofsacramento.org; Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
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Attachments
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
2-Presentation
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Description/Analysis
IssueDetail
Issue Detail: Issue Detail: The Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Department oversees 17 4th “R” sites, 5 START sites and Summer Oasis throughout the Greater Sacramento area.
4th “R”
Below is the comprehensive list of 4th “R” Locations and the School District they serve:
• Alice Birney - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Hubert Bancroft - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Caleb Greenwood - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Crocker Riverside - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Didion - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Heron - Natomas Unified School District
• H Allen Hight - Natomas Unified School District
• Leonardo DaVinci (formerly Hollywood Park)- Sacramento City Unified School District
• Natomas Park - Natomas Unified School District
• Paso Verde - Natomas Unified School District
• Phoebe Hearst - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Pony Express - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Regency Park - Twin Rivers Unified School District
• Sequoia - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Sutterville - Sacramento City Unified School District
• Two Rivers - Natomas Unified School District
• Witter Ranch - Natomas Unified School District
The 4th “R”, in operation since 1986, is a licensed school age program. The program serves children grades TK through 6th and offers a variety of recreational activities while providing a well-rounded, nurturing environment promoting healthy development of each child. The 4th “R” program operated 17 locations serving Natomas Unified, Sacramento City Unified and Twin Rivers Unified. The program continues to build relationships with Twin Rivers Unified in offering joint intersession camps and with Natomas Unified to offer additional spaces in afterschool with Expanded Learning Opportunities-Program funding (ELO-P). The program operates Monday through Friday, 7 am to 6 pm with most locations operating year-round.
The 4th “R” program is in 6 different council Districts and served 2,895 participants in the 24/25 school year. Below is a list of 4th “R” sites in each District:
D1 - Regency Park, Heron, H Allen Hight, Natomas Park and Paso Verde
D3 - Witter Ranch and Two Rivers
D4 - Caleb Greenwood and Phoebe Hearst
D5 - Leonardo DaVinci (formerly Hollywood Park)
D6 - Hubert Bancroft and Sequoia
D7 - Crocker Riverside, Didion, Sutterville, Alice Birney, and Pony Express
Key Achievements & Milestones Aligning YPCE Strategic Goals For 25/26:
Strengthening Partnerships & Community Engagement
• Celebrating 40 Years of Service
o Anniversary Celebration on June 6 at North Natomas Community Center & Pool
o Honoring partnerships, community leaders, families, and volunteers
• Continued ELO-P partnerships with:
o Natomas Unified School District
o Twin Rivers Unified School District
• Ongoing collaboration to deliver high-quality before-school, after-school, and intersession programs
Expanding Youth Programs & Educational Support
• $1,428,000 ELO-P funding secured to serve:
o 420 LEAP students per month, Natomas Park, Two Rivers, Paso Verde and Heron
• Twin Rivers ELO-P funding at Regency Park:
o 40 before-school participants and 60 after-school participants
• Continued ELO-P intersession camps at Regency Park:
o Fall, Spring, and Summer breaks
Supporting Families & Youth Development
• Quarterly Family Nights offered at multiple locations to strengthen family engagement
• Enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year remains steady, reflecting program stability and community trust
• Ongoing focus on youth development, enrichment, and safe learning environments
Promoting Health, Wellness & Accessibility
• Child Action Cost of Care Plus Rate continues through June 2026
o Supports affordability and access for families
o Strengthens childcare workforce sustainability
• Facilities and programs continue to support:
o Physical activity
o Mental wellness
o Safe, inclusive spaces for all participants
4th “R” partnered with community-based organizations to provide special events and programming including:
• Sacramento State University to place College Corp Students and CHAD majors within program operations
• Sacramento Police and Fire
• Sacramento Library
• Natomas Unified afterschool Enrichment providers: Nexplore, iCook, iSTEAM, Kodely, All things Pretty, B Street Theater, 916Ink, Tortoise Shell Fitness
• Partnered with Superior Sports to run program at Crocker Riverside 4th “R”
• Natures Critters
• Los Rios Community College
• Jesuit HS
• Green Acres
• Home Depot
• Play Works
• Shriners Children’s Hospital
Sacramento START
The ASES (After School Education and Safety) program which began in November 1995, provides academic and enrichment support to students in an after-school setting. We are providing ASES programming in partnership with the Robla School District, with the District now serving as the grant holder. This transition strengthens program sustainability, alignment with district priorities, and collaborative oversight while continuing to deliver high-quality before- and after-school services that support student academic success, enrichment, and overall wellbeing. The contract goes through the 2027 school year and is in the amount of $975,866 per school year.
Below is a comprehensive list of ASES sites in the Robla District Serving:
• Bell Avenue Elementary (D2)
• Taylor Street Elementary (D2)
• Glennwood Avenue Elementary (D1)
• Robla Elementary (D2)
• Main Avenue Elementary (D2)
The enrollment of ASES and ELOP students for School Year 24/25 was 802 students.
Key Achievements & Milestones For 25/26:
Strengthening Partnerships & Community Engagement
• Celebrating 30 Years of Service
• Anniversary Celebration with the Robla Community
• Honoring partnerships, community leaders, families, and volunteers
Community Involvement & Relationship Building
• Strengthen partnerships with schools, community organizations, and volunteers.
• Increase community engagement through events, outreach, and communication.
Youth Participation
• Increase youth participation in recreation, enrichment, and leadership programs.
• Expand access through school and community partnerships and youth voice opportunities.
Skill Building
• Provide programs that build life, leadership, workforce, and wellness skills.
• Support physical and mental health development through structured activities.
Youth Development & Support
• Expand inclusive programs supporting youth development, special needs, and family support.
• Create safe, welcoming environments that promote belonging and connection.
START partnered with community-based organizations to provide special events and programming including:
• 7-Eleven
• Sac. P.D.
• Kona Ice
• Food Literacy Center Farmers Market
• United Way California Capital Region
• Playworks
• Robla School District
• Girl Scouts
• Running for Rhett
• Kids Scoop
• Sacramento Food Bank
• 4-H
Summer Oasis
Campers participated in an unforgettable summer day camp experience combining summer camp traditions with enrichment and educational activities. Weekly themes created a great environment for day campers to play fun games, sports, create cool arts and crafts projects, explore nature, and much more. Activities incorporated educational features disguised in fun and entertaining activities and projects.
Below is a comprehensive list of summer camps offered through Expanded Learning (6 other locations are operated by the community center team):
D1 - N Natomas Regional Park
D7 - William Land Park
Summer 2025 Expanded Learning increased camp enrollment number to 120 spots per camp per session and worked with families that needed to register in person allowing for those with no access to a computer an equal chance of enrollment. Total enrolled campers for summer 2025 was 440 participants.
Key Achievements & Milestones For 25/26:
Expand Connections & Communication
• Partner with Community Centers to use the Tots building in Land Park.
• Collaboration with Sac PD for Officers to come and speak
• Host family showcase or community days.
• Work with school district to provide lunches
Provide Diverse Recreation & Enrichment Programs
• Offer arts, sports, STEM, and outdoor play for all age groups.
• Create age-based and interest-based activity groups.
• Rotate activities daily to keep campers engaged.
• Celebrate cultures through art, music, and themed weeks.
• Use inclusive materials and activities.
Support Physical & Mental Health
• Schedule daily physical activity and fitness time.
• Include mindfulness, relaxation, and emotional wellness activities.
• Maintain safe, accessible, and welcoming facilities.
• Provide inclusive and adaptive activities for special needs.
• Offer leadership training with older campers.
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PolicyConsiderations
Policy Considerations: Not applicable.
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EconomicImpacts
Economic Impacts: None.
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EnvironmentalConsiderations
Environmental Considerations: Not applicable.
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Sustainability
Sustainability: Not applicable.
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Commission/Committee Action
Commission/Committee Action: Not applicable.
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RationaleforRecommendation
Rationale for Recommendation: Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment provides annual updates to commission on Community Centers and Community Recreation.
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FinancialConsiderations
Financial Considerations: Not applicable.
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LocalBusinessEnterprise
Local Business Enterprise (LBE): Not applicable.
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