After School Care: 21st Century Community Learning Centers

After-School Programs Enrich Student Learning Through Environmental Education

At Gulf Shores City Schools, learning doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. Our after-school programs at Gulf Shores Elementary and Gulf Shores Middle School offer students hands-on opportunities to explore, care for, and learn about the environment around them.

Students in both programs play an active role in supporting school-wide sustainability initiatives, including:

Recycling Leadership – Students oversee the recycling programs on their campuses, helping to reduce waste and promote environmental responsibility.
School Garden Care – At Gulf Shores Elementary, students nurture and maintain the school garden, learning about agriculture, nutrition, and ecology.
Community Partnerships – At Gulf Shores Middle, students collaborate with the Gulf Coast Center for Ecotourism on a variety of engaging, place-based learning activities.

And that’s just the beginning! These after-school experiences provide meaningful ways for students to build environmental literacy, practice leadership, and connect with their community—all while having fun and making a difference.