After-School Program
The after-school program led by The Inner Hero offers a safe environment for growth and learning!
This year’s after-school program started on September 8th. Our program serves students in grades 3 through 12 to enrich their learning experience and prepare them for success.
Every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 3:00-7:00 pm.
Transportation is available to and from Brooklyn Center Elementary.
1500 59th Ave. N. Brooklyn Center – Door 1 Purple Building B202
Fun * Exercise * Homework Support * Snacks
Registration Now!!!
2025-2026
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program – Weekly Recap
Community in Action. Connection in Motion.
The Inner Hero After School Program was honored to attend the Community Care & Connection Gathering, a powerful evening of unity, dialogue, and support for our community.
In partnership with LaToya Turk, Director of the Office of Community Prevention, Health & Safety for the City of Brooklyn Center, we joined youth, families, leaders, and organizations committed to building stronger, safer, and more connected communities.
Our young leaders had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, connect with vital resources, and experience firsthand what it means to come together in times that matter most. This is what The Inner Hero is all about: educating, inspiring, and building Community Heroes.
Together, we are not just responding to challenges… we are creating solutions, building relationships, and moving forward as ONE community.
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program – Weekly Recap
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program – Weekly Recap
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program Opioid Awareness Training Series
This week, our students participated in a powerful Narcan and opioid overdose response training, learning how critical it is to call 911, administer Narcan, and perform CPR in life-threatening situations. The instructor shared his personal story of surviving six overdoses because someone was there to act quickly and call for help.
Our young leaders asked thoughtful questions and gained real-life knowledge that could one day help save a life. At The Inner Hero, we believe that empowering youth with life-saving skills builds stronger, safer communities.
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program – Weekly Recap
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program – Weekly Recap
This week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program was centered on meaningful engagement, personal development, and purposeful mentorship. Our students focused on cultivating strong peer connections, strengthening analytical thinking, and working together as a team, all within a nurturing and structured environment.
Through thoughtful discussions and hands-on activities, including strategy-based games and collaborative challenges, our youth developed stronger communication skills, patience, and creative problem-solving abilities. Experiences like these remind us that education extends beyond academics; it grows through relationships, mutual respect, and learning how to both lead with confidence and follow with humility. With so much unfolding in our communities, we remain committed to maintaining a secure and welcoming space where students feel heard, valued, and encouraged.
Character building, responsibility, and wise decision-making remain at the core of our program. At The Inner Hero, our mission goes beyond academic success; we equip young people to recognize and activate the greatness already within them. 💪🏾 We are deeply grateful to our parents, dedicated staff, and community partners for your ongoing support and belief in this mission. Together, we are shaping bold, disciplined, and positively driven leaders for tomorrow.
The Inner Hero Afterschool Program: Weekly Update.
This week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program, our space remained a safe, supportive environment for our students to grow and find purpose. Our young people showed up ready to learn, ask questions, and support one another.
Through Mentorship Square, academic support, and open conversations, we focused on character development, emotional wellness, responsibility, and leadership, helping our students process what’s happening around them while staying rooted in respect, discipline, and hope. We are especially proud of how our students practiced listening, teamwork, and accountability, reminding us that when youth are given a safe environment and consistent guidance, they rise to the occasion.
We remain committed to providing a space where every student feels seen, heard, protected, and empowered. Thank you to our parents, staff, mentors, and community partners for trusting us with your children and for standing with us as we continue this important work together. As always, The Inner Hero Afterschool Program is more than a program; it is a family, a refuge, and a training ground for tomorrow’s leaders.
With the arrival of 2026, our goals and the aim of The Inner Hero remain unchanged. To help students thrive and develop into positive members of society who show leadership and demonstrate resilience.
On Saturday, December 6th, The Inner Hero Organization proudly hosted our Year-End Family Engagement Night, a beautiful evening filled with unity, celebration, and gratitude.
We were honored to welcome representatives from Hennepin County, Propel Nonprofit, Brooklyn Center, Excellence Health Career Center, our dedicated parents, committed students, and our beloved Community Heroes. Your presence made this night truly special.
Throughout the event, we recognized outstanding students, highlighted family achievements, shared valuable resources, and celebrated the incredible work happening within our After-School Program. It was a night that reminded us why we serve — to uplift, empower, and build stronger families and communities.
A special highlight was the Above & Beyond Award presented to Elshaddai T. Russell, Program Coordinator of The Inner Hero. Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and service have strengthened every part of our mission. We honor and appreciate her sincerely.
From heartfelt moments to joyful smiles, the evening was a true reflection of community, purpose, and hope.
🙏 Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making this night a success.
Together, we are building something powerful.
Together, We Are The Inner Hero.
Impacting the next generation one day at a time!!
We’re serving the next generation!!
As we continue into the school year, it’s fantastic to see our students and staff really hitting their stride and falling into a rhythm!
We can feel the school year picking up speed! Our students are diving deeper into their subjects, which means they’re needing more focused support with their English, math, and science homework. We continued our successful routine with some fun basketball time at the end.
Our dedicated mentors provided one-on-one help with math, science, and reading, helping students grasp new concepts and build confidence. It’s rewarding to see the progress our students are making, both on their homework and with their skills.
Our mentors assisted students with their math, English, and science homework, as well as other subjects. It’s been great seeing our students get the concepts we’re helping with and seeing new students come with a desire to learn.
What a fantastic second week for our After-School students! Our amazing mentors helped students with their math homework, and we were even able to assist with Google Sheets, Science, and English. It was a busy week, but we love seeing our students gain new knowledge.
Our first week of The Inner Hero After-School mentorship program was a great success! Our mentors helped students tackle math assignments, build confidence, and start the school year off right. We’re excited to see the students grow!
2024-2025
The Importance of Character Building
Strengthening Leadership & Teamwork Through Play!
At The Inner Hero, we harness the power of sports and recreation to inspire, build confidence, and bring communities together! Our youth had an amazing time on the court and playground, developing teamwork, strategy, and resilience—all while having a blast!
A huge thank you to our mentors and coaches for guiding the way! Together, we’re shaping the next generation of leaders—one game at a time.
Grateful Beyond Words!
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Karri McAfoos of The Bieber Foundation, our number one supporter since day one! Karri flew in from Denver, Colorado, and visited our office in South Minneapolis. It was an absolute honor to welcome her and her brother, James Bieber.
Your unwavering support has been a driving force behind our mission at The Inner Hero, and we are beyond thankful for your belief in the work we do.
The Inner Hero After-School Program is in full swing!
Every week, we’re building stronger minds, brighter futures, and unstoppable leaders! Our program provides a safe, engaging, and empowering space where students can learn, grow, and thrive. From mentorship and leadership development to academic support and life skills training, we’re equipping the next generation of Heroes!
🚀 Join us as we continue to inspire and uplift our youth!
✅ Engaging Activities
✅ Positive Mentorship
✅ Leadership & Life Skills
✅ A Safe and Supportive Community
Let’s keep making a difference, one student at a time! Tag a parent or student who needs to be part of this movement!
Exciting things are happening at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program!
We’re thrilled to welcome our new math mentors, who will help our students build a strong foundation for success!
Catch a glimpse of the magic as board member and longtime supporter Keith Deanes stops by to show his support and witness the impact our program is having.
Join us in celebrating this new chapter of growth and learning.
This week was so fantastic that all the students were making successful progress with their grades, maturity, and social skills. thank you to all of the parents for being part of this great opportunity. We’re looking forward to working with you and our future scholars next week.
🎉 The Inner Hero Afterschool Program: A Year of Impact in 2024! 🎉
As we close out an incredible year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who made 2024 a success! Together, we’ve empowered over 3,000 youth, young adults, and families through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
To our students – Your growth, resilience, and achievements inspire us every day.
To our parents and families – Thank you for your trust and support in our mission.
To our staff and volunteers – Your dedication and hard work continue to shape futures and strengthen our community.
To our board members – Your leadership and vision drive our impact forward.
This year, we’ve built stronger partnerships, launched innovative programs, and created lasting memories. Together, we are shaping a brighter future!
Here’s to an even greater 2025!
A big thank you to the Brooklyn Center Elementary School for being our partner!
To be a part of The Inner Hero 2025 programming success, consider donating.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on our adventure to the Timberwolves game. We had 38 in our group in total. That was an amazing turnout. Another Successful Week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program. Thank you to everyone for making this possible!!
A heartfelt thank you to all the staff, students, and parents for an amazing week! See you all next week—wishing you a blessed and restful weekend!
We want to extend a big thank you to all the staff, students, and parents for an amazing week! Your hard work and dedication made it a success, and we’re excited for a productive week ahead. Thank you from The Inner Hero—where we Educate, Inspire, and Build our community Heroes!
Thank you for an incredible week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program!
Dear Parents, Students, Staff, and Brooklyn Center Elementary School Team, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each of you for the positivity, dedication, and teamwork that made this week at The Inner Hero Afterschool Program so impactful. Your hard work and encouragement create an environment where our students can thrive, grow, and feel supported every day.
- To our parents, thank you for your constant support and commitment to your children’s growth. It’s a privilege to work alongside you, supporting our young people’s journeys.
- To our students, your enthusiasm, kindness, and focus on learning make each day a pleasure. Keep up the fantastic work!
- To our staff, your dedication and passion are the foundation of this program. Thank you for creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring space for our students.
- And to the wonderful team at Brooklyn Center Elementary School, we’re grateful for your partnership and the positive environment you foster for our students and families. Your support is vital to our shared mission of building strong, empowered young people.
- Here’s to more weeks of success, growth, and collaboration. Thank you all for making The Inner Hero such a special community.
With appreciation, The Inner Hero
A special thank you to all the parents, students, and staff for your weekly commitment to this program and for helping to improve the lives of our future leaders. We are grateful for your dedication and everything you have done. Together, we are making progress one day at a time. Let us continue to guide the next generation, ensuring they grow into productive citizens. Thank you for your ongoing support of this program.
Shout out to the incredible students in The Inner Hero Afterschool Program! Your dedication to learning and growth is inspiring, and we are so proud of your hard work! A big THANK YOU to our amazing staff for your unwavering commitment and to Brooklyn Center Elementary School for welcoming us into the building. Together, we are creating a space that uplifts, educates, and shapes our future leaders! At The Inner Hero, we believe in the power of education and mentorship to build our next generation of leaders. Join us in being a part of a community dedicated to educating, inspiring, and building the next generation!
