Students at Salmon Creek Elementary School have the opportunity to participate in after-school enrichment activities thanks to a partnership with the Clark County YMCA and the Travis Hays Literacy Fund. The Literacy Fund, established after the death in 2000 of Salmon Creek fifth-grader Travis Hays, provides funding and support of the Travis Hays 21^st Century Learning Center, a multi-media hub at Salmon Creek.

Now in its fourth year of operation, the Travis Hays 21^st Century Learning Center offers weekly, one-hour classes during five- to six-week sessions. Class offerings have included Chess Club, Spanish Club, Lego Engineering, Theatre Workshop, and Husky Newspaper. Students have 30 minutes of supervised time before the start of the after-school classes during which they can do homework or read.

The cost of the after-school program is $20 to $60 per session depending on the class. Financial assistance is available. The YMCA provides a light snack, or students may bring their own snack. Students at Salmon Creek have priority for enrollment, but classes are open to all students in the school district.

Information on class offerings and schedules is sent home with Salmon Creek students on a regular basis. The YMCA handles all registrations. For additional information, please contact the Clark County YMCA at 360-885-YMCA (9622). Robyn Fields, the YMCA After-School program director, may be contacted at 360-885-9622 or rfields@ymca-portland.org.