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J.C. Parks Elementary · Charles County, MD

Future Ready Leaders Academy

Empowering Young Minds. Expanding Possibilities. Preparing Future Leaders.

A free, innovative after-school program helping students in grades 3–5 strengthen academic skills, build confidence and leadership, and explore future opportunities.

Grades 3–5J.C. Parks ElementaryFreeLaunching Nov 16, 2026
ELEVATE recruitment flyer with elementary students

About the Program

Success in school. Possibilities beyond it.

Hosted at J.C. Parks Elementary School, ELEVATE combines academic enrichment with hands-on experiences in STEM, career exploration, entrepreneurship, financial education, leadership, creativity, and social-emotional development.

Academic Achievement

Reading, mathematics, and targeted academic enrichment.

STEM & Innovation

Science, technology, engineering, creativity, and problem-solving.

Future Readiness

Career exploration, entrepreneurship, financial education, and real-world exposure.

Leadership & Life Skills

Communication, teamwork, confidence, social-emotional learning, and positive decision-making.

Enrichment

Interactive projects, creative learning, hands-on exploration, and engaging experiences.

Family Engagement

Family learning, celebrations, workshops, and school-community connections.

Program schedule · 2026–2027

Student launch
Monday, November 16, 2026
Program days
Monday–Thursday, per the approved program calendar
Student hours
3:45–6:45 PM
Future Ready Workshops
Select Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM
Family Engagement & Signing Day
Saturday, November 14, 2026
Steering Committee Meeting
December 2026 · Date TBD

Parent Enrollment

Give Your Child the Opportunity to ELEVATE!

ELEVATE is accepting applications for eligible students in grades 3–5 at J.C. Parks Elementary School. The program is free, with academic enrichment, future readiness, leadership development, and engaging learning experiences.

The application opens in a new tab. Need help completing it? Contact the ELEVATE team below.

  • Applications are for eligible students in grades 3–5 at J.C. Parks Elementary School.
  • Enrollment is subject to eligibility, available space, and program confirmation.
  • Submitting an application does not automatically guarantee enrollment.
  • Families will receive additional information about attendance, dismissal procedures, and program expectations.

Future Ready Thursdays

Bring the World to Our Students!

What if just one afternoon could inspire a child's future? Jus One Academy invites professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators, artists, businesses, universities, and community organizations to share their expertise through ELEVATE Future Ready Thursdays.

From artificial intelligence, robotics, aviation, medicine, and engineering to music, culinary arts, fashion, sports, entrepreneurship, and financial education — we want students to discover possibilities they may never have imagined.

We want students to do more than listen. We want them to build, create, experiment, explore, and discover.

Location
J.C. Parks Elementary School
Schedule
Select Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM
Participants
Grades 3–5
Opportunity
Volunteer-led interactive workshops, demonstrations, and hands-on activities
Commitment
One or multiple Thursdays, based on availability

Partners select preferred dates and share their area of expertise and proposed activity. Our team coordinates details and confirms participation, subject to school scheduling and volunteer screening requirements.

Volunteer for Future Ready Thursdays

This sign-up is for volunteer community partners only — not paid positions.

Family Engagement

Families Are Part of the ELEVATE Experience!

  • Family engagement events and celebrations
  • Parent workshops and learning experiences
  • Meet program staff and community partners
  • Family feedback and surveys
  • Volunteer or contribute your talents
  • Future parent leadership and advisory opportunities
Bilingual ELEVATE family flyer

Parent & Family FAQ

Got Questions? We've Got Answers!

A quick guide to the ELEVATE experience and family expectations.

What is ELEVATE?

ELEVATE is a free afterschool enrichment program for 3rd–5th grade students at J.C. Parks Elementary. It helps students build academic skills, confidence, leadership, and future readiness through fun, hands-on learning.

How were students invited to apply?

J.C. Parks identified students who may benefit from additional academic support and enrichment. Families of selected students were invited to apply. If more students apply than spaces are available, a waitlist will be created.

What happens after school on ELEVATE days?

Students go directly from their classrooms to ELEVATE, enjoy a healthy snack, and participate in academic enrichment, leadership activities, social-emotional learning, and career exploration.

What will my child do?

Students will participate in literacy and math enrichment, STEM, social-emotional learning, leadership, creative projects, tutoring/homework help, and career exploration activities.

Is ELEVATE tutoring?

No. ELEVATE is an academic enrichment program that includes tutoring and homework support, but it also offers leadership, social-emotional learning, STEM, and career exploration to help students grow as whole learners.

Is attendance required?

Yes. Regular attendance is important because the program is designed as a connected experience. Please notify the Site Coordinator if your child will be absent.

What if my child will be absent?

Please contact the Site Coordinator to let us know. Staying in communication helps us keep your child safe and connected.

Does ELEVATE provide transportation?

No. Families are responsible for arranging pickup at 6:45 PM. Please ensure your child is picked up on time and by an authorized adult.

What if pickup is late?

We understand that occasional delays happen. If you are running late, please contact the Site Coordinator as soon as possible. Consistent late pickups may affect your child's continued participation.

What should we know about Family Engagement Saturdays?

Family Engagement events are held once per month on scheduled Saturdays. These events include literacy and math activities, financial literacy, workshops, STEM, and fun learning stations for the entire family.

Will my child receive a snack?

Yes. A healthy snack and hydration options will be provided each day.

Will interpreters be available?

Yes. Interpretation support will be available for families as needed. Please let us know if you need interpretation when communicating with the program.

Bilingual ELEVATE parent and family FAQ flyer

Upcoming Events

Mark your calendar.

Tentative

ELEVATE Family Kickoff & Signing Party

Saturday, November 14, 2026 · 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

Meet the ELEVATE team, learn about the program, get enrollment help, and enjoy family activities. Date pending final approval.

Scheduled

J.C. Parks Academic Night

Tuesday, November 17, 2026 · 5:00–7:00 PM

ELEVATE participation is being coordinated with the school.

Program Updates

  • October 2026

    Applications are open for eligible J.C. Parks students in grades 3–5. Students begin Monday, November 16, 2026.

ELEVATE Gear

Rep the Movement!

Official ELEVATE student gear is on the way — grade-team shirts for our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade Future Ready Leaders, plus more. Same mission. Different grade. Brighter tomorrows.

Full ELEVATE gear catalog: student shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts, water bottles, wristbands, lanyards, keychains, and parent and family gearELEVATE grade team shirts for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade studentsELEVATE shirt designs showing front and back prints for each grade team

Be the first to know when the store opens!

Leave your email and we'll let you know as soon as ELEVATE gear is available to order.

Online store coming soon

Contact ELEVATE

Questions? We're Here to Help!

Families may contact the ELEVATE team for help with questions and enrollment.

Jus One Academy · ELEVATE: Future Ready Leaders Academy

www.jusoneacademy.com