Parent to Parent: Aspira

WSVN -- These middle school students are getting a chance to play sports like soccer and volleyball, along with the keyboard and other instruments opportunities they might not otherwise have.

Fernando Lopez: "A lot of the enrichment programs have been cut because of budget spending."

Budget cuts would have left these kids mostly from the inner cities high and dry, but thanks to the organization Aspira of Florida meaning "Aspire" their charter school in Midtown Miami is about to undergo a major expansion.

George Cabrera: "Basically, what we want to do is transform our students lives through leadership skills and development skills."

With the renovation funded by Aspira, kids like 11-year-old Wisley can enjoy programs like this one that allows them to shine.

Wisley Bernard: "I play keyboard, piano, drums and guitar."

11-year-old Lakesha is also happy to have the chance to be creative.

Lakesha Obas: "We have music because it brings joy to our life and it gives us an opportunity to be ourselves."

The principal here says the expansion program will help them to double their enrollment and offer more students a chance to excel in academics and beyond..

Fernando Lopez: "A lot of our parents are not able to offer the enrichments outside of classes or outside of the school, so we want to be able to bring them back."

And that's really important to 12-year-old Francisco who says the courses here really challenge him.

Francisco Hernandez: "I'm taking advanced language arts, advanced math, advanced science."

And the best part is even if your child does not attend an Aspira school, they can still benefit from the programs free of charge.

George Cabrera: "Send us an email, some information, give us a call, and we'll guide them depending on where they're located, where they live, to where the services are being offered."

Lynn Martinez: "Aspira offers sports programs and after school tutoring."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Aspira of Florida:
www.aspirafl.org