Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI) knows that K-8 educators and administrators face a number of challenges when it comes to afterschool programs. With much of the country facing a severe teacher shortage, VAI is deploying an affordable K-8 Project-based Afterschool Program that can support all teachers - new, experienced, or even non-teachers - in fostering cross-curricular learning events that align to grade-level standards. These project-based learning (PBL) experiences are flexible and come fully equipped to meet a variety of educational settings.

Additionally, VAI's K-8 Project-based Afterschool Program was designed to target the biggest obstacles educators and administrators face when searching for effective programming:
- Affordability: VAI believes that cost should never become a barrier to ongoing education. All lessons and resources are created to deliver maximum quality while avoiding financial strain.
- Support: VAI PD is teacher tested, with a variety of workshops and ongoing coaching so that educators can develop the skills and knowledge they need to be effective.
- Alignment: All Blue Apple projects are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). This allows teachers to promote enrichment and differentiation while also applying the necessary standards for each grade level.
- Equity: Afterschool programs should be accessible to all students, regardless of their income or background. VAI provides free local afterschool programming to meet these needs and can even help with transportation. (Limited to local schools. Call 616.234.5528 for details)

By partnering with educators through an affordable afterschool program, VAI hopes to build spaces where students can have fun, meet learning targets, and interact positively with their community. To learn more about VAI's K-8 Project-based Afterschool Program, visit vaei.org.