Cornerstone Kids, Inc. after-school program started as a club in 1984 at St. James House of Prayer Episcopal Church. The club was financially supported by the church and successfully operated 3 days a week for many years until the program outgrew the parishioners support. In October 1998, it began operating 5 days a week as a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with a Board of Directors and the official name of Cornerstone Kids, Inc. The organization became a Kids Café agency of Feeding America Tampa Bay and began providing students a hot, well-balanced meal daily. After 38 years, hot meals are still served daily and Cornerstone Kids, Inc. provides a quality after-school program that serves 35-40 children in grades K-5 in Tampa Heights.
Cornerstone Kids Inc. was founded December 7, 1998 with a few members wanting to provide an after program where children could enhance their academic progress while advancing in social and emotional wellness. Cornerstone has successfully been in operation for 21 years, with programs catering to the scholastic advancement of students from Kindergarten through 5th grade.
Cornerstone Kids, Inc. is a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit comprehensive After School Program for children in the Tampa Heights Community. Program activities offered focus specifically on homework assistance/tutoring, reading and math programs, technology, mentoring, nutrition and the social- emotional development of at-risk children, ages 5-11 years old.
During the summer, Cornerstone Kids, Inc. operates on a modified schedule Monday through Thursday. The curriculum includes arts and crafts, Vacation Bible School, field trips, indoor board games, organized outdoor activities, reading and math programs and other enrichment activities.
The program also has a 6 week summer program that re-enforces and maintains academics so that children do not forget what they’ve learned throughout the academic year. The summer program is usually about 4 hours which gives tutors and staff more time to engage in activities focused on performance and visual arts.