United Way BC's School's Out program, which debuted last fall, currently serves over 70 vulnerable children, with the hopes of helping more. (Image Credit: United Way British Columbia)

By Ian Holmes

School's Out

At-risk Nanaimo youth after school program sees strong uptake, financial boost required

Feb 20, 2026 | 5:28 AM

NANAIMO — Any hope of growing free after-school programming for local vulnerable students will require additional donations.

United Way British Columbia’s growing School’s Out program began operating in late September at four Nanaimo elementary schools for six to 12-year-olds.

Currently, 74 students are receiving educational and emotional care, health snacks, and physical activity among numerous supports on school days between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Trisha Dulka, United Way BC strategic initiative manager, said VIU students are staffing the initiative at Brechin, Georgia Avenue, Bayview and Fairview schools.

“They’re more likely to stay enrolled in school, they’re more likely to actually reach high school graduation and feel like they have a positive community behind them; that’s what we’re doing with School’s Out.”

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Dulka said program uptake has been strong, with roughly 18-20 students enrolled at each school.

She said the program started in the Lower Mainland in the early 2010’s, guided by University of British Columbia research.

School’s Out has since expanded to over 100 schools across the province, with Nanaimo being the first and only Vancouver Island participant.

Donations made by Nanaimo area donors to School’s Out benefit local children, Dulka said.

She’s hopeful the program can be expanded in Nanaimo, but said additional donations are required to make that happen.

“That’s only possible because of donors who are willing to give who understand the importance of investing in making sure that kids have a safe place to be in those critical after school hours.”

Dulka noted a challenging economic landscape disproportionately impacts lower income families, highlighting the importance of programs like Schools Out.

Additional information on School’s Out, including donating online, is available here.

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