March 06, 2025 -- At Wedgewood Middle School, learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Four days a week, students dive into hands-on immersive learning experiences like playing instruments and exploring robotics through Drone Soccer—all while receiving academic support in a dynamic after-school program.
Designed to expand learning beyond the classroom, the 21st Century PATH (Personalized Active Learning Methods Transforming Habits of Mind) program blends enrichment education, ensuring students not only to keep up with their studies but also build essential life skills.
Wedgewood’s 21st Century PATH program meets Monday through Thursday from October through May. With a maximum of 50 slots, parents can sign their scholars up on the school’s website. Transportation home is provided for participants.
This transformative initiative is funded through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, a five-year initiative dedicated to supporting expanded learning opportunities in Ohio. Wedgewood is currently in its second year of the grant.
“[Wedgewood’s extended learning program] is an opportunity for the kids to be outside and learn and grow with their friends,” Site Coordinator Esther Evans said.”We provide activities that are math based and reading based that really help our students.”
On Mondays and Tuesdays, the program focuses on youth development. Through a partnership with Columbus Recreation and Parks Department’s Center Without Walls (CWOW), students visit area attractions such as Scene 75, Big Run Athletic Complex, and Battelle Darby Metro Park. During these outings, students develop collaboration, communication, and social skills in real-world settings.
Wednesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to educational programming featuring community partnerships such as We Amplify Voices, the Franklin Park Conservatory, and A Tribe for Jazz. These partners bring unique, hands-on learning opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom.
Recently, Franklin Park Conservatory representatives awed the students with how science is embedded in the world around them. Students really dug their own hands into the dirt as they grasped the concept of how plants and other living things thrive in certain environments. Students gasped as they witnessed how a strike of lightning combined with hot glue and sand creates a beautiful piece of glass.
For sixth grade student Tamiera Faulk, such experiences complement what she learns in the classroom.
“When you learn the topic in school, it makes it easier to understand everything,” Faulks said.
Following the visit with the community partner, students typically engage in collaborative activities for approximately 90 minutes. This is followed by 30 minutes of individualized math tutoring tailored to each student's specific needs. The additional help is made available through Columbus City Schools Path4word Program.
Students also receive homework assistance and have the opportunity to explore career paths through project-based learning.
“It’s really blended learning and project-based,” Program Manager Gina Butcher said. “It’s a really structured program, and the students love it.”
Faulks noted the program offers multiple benefits. She values the homework support, thrives in newfound confidence, and explores places she once only dreamed of visiting.
“It definitely helps with grades and the bonds you build,” Faulks said.
Seventh-grade Wedgewood math teacher Susan Barnhouse sees her involvement in the program as a way to build relationships with sixth graders she may teach next year. She also noted that the program has increased student confidence and family engagement at the school.
“It makes Wedgewood a more appealing place for families, knowing that they have this kind of engaging and academically supportive programming,” Barnhouse said. “These kids are doing neat things, getting to have great experiences, and research shows students with more experiences learn better.”
Through enrichment, academic support, and hands-on exploration, the 21st Century PATH program at Wedgewood is empowering students and transforming learning beyond the classroom.
