PASA was smart: it didn’t create another layer of bureaucracy, nor did it try to duplicate existing programs. Instead, it set out to enlarge the existing pool of after-school activities and improve their quality. PASA divided up the city into separate zones, which radiate from a middle school. The challenge: to persuade non-profit organizations that they would get a lot more out of collaborating with their colleagues than going their own separate ways.

The After School Alliance has two major goals: to improve school attendance and reduce suspensions by offering students incentives to not only attend school, but to do well while they’re there. PASA currently offers a total of 47 activities in its five After Zones.

“We were looking at the success of PASA and listening to those people who are active in serving high school students,” Bliss said. “We want to develop a strong after-school program for high school youth.”

The middle school initiative was launched with the prospect of a five-year $5 million grant from the Wallace Foundation, which asked Providence to apply for the funding. The high school proposal has no such backing from a prominent charitable organization like Wallace.

But Salmons said, “We think there are opportunities out there because of the mayor’s national leadership and the excitement around PASA. We are attracting national attention.”

There are definite advantages to starting a high school after-school program. For starters, the city already has a number of innovative programs, from New Urban Arts to the Everett Dance Theater. The challenge, Bliss said, will be persuading high school students, many of whom have jobs or child care responsibilities, to make time for after-school activities.

“That’s why we’re turning to those people who have been active in this field,” he said. “We want you to come forward. We’re looking to develop a team of providers to lead the planning process and we’re asking that you collaborate with the school department.”

Cicilline has committed $100,000 to finance the planning phase, which will last approximately 10 months. The planning team will figure out what entering ninth-graders need, track their achievement and monitor their graduation rates; explore how PASA can provide organizational support; and identify how many high school students should be targeted for the program.