West Charlotte after school program seeking support ahead of Giving Tuesday

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - A West Charlotte woman is hoping the national day of giving can provide more support for the students in her program.

Innovative Learning Inc. was created in 1998 to provide additional learning support to Charlotte-Mecklenburg students.

The program is not just an after school program, but also a CMS learning site for virtual and in-person lessons.

The program was housed at Northridge Middle school up until March when the pandemic forced them to find a new location.

Thanks to the members of Derita Presbyterian Church, both the program leaders and students have a new place to call home.

They’ve been operating out of the church since the beginning of November. While they’ve conquered getting a new building, they’re looking to draw in donations to expand the program’s STEM and art components.

“To allow the children to get perhaps STEM kits that would include robotics and coding, those types of activities as well as art supplies where the children can be very creative in working through some of our art activities,” said Belinda Colter, the executive director.

Registration is open now for students in kindergarten through the eighth grade. To donate or register, click here.