Encouraging hearts. Inspiring minds.
Our Response to COVID-19
Our primary purpose is to empower elementary students in economically disadvantaged areas of Austin academically and teach them more about Jesus. In this season of new normals, we are pursuing this mission in new ways. We are giving our students and their families food donations, gift cards, face masks, and learning care packages to continue developing academically at home. If you want to join us in supporting our students, please click the orange Hope 2020 button above.
We journey side by side with kids encouraging and equipping them to reach their highest God-given potential as everyday leaders and heroes of tomorrow.
Our Program
Side by Side Kids (SBSK) is the only free, faith-based afterschool program in East Austin. We serve 300 elementary students annually in some of the most under-resourced neighborhoods, where thousands of kids have no supervision or safe place to go after the bell rings. SBSK encourages and equips our children through personalized homework help, a healthy meal, mentoring, and faith- and character-building curriculum.
Our program is privately funded with the support of individuals, churches, foundations, and businesses. 98% of our students advance to the next grade level, and Side by Side Kids was the sole Texas-based recipient of the Chick-fil-A Foundation's 2016 "True Inspiration Awards," which recognizes nonprofits around the country for their impact on youth.
Our Mission
To inspire and equip kids in East Austin to be excellent students, make wise choices, and follow Christ.
To help us meet our mission, we worked with the professional support of The University of Texas professors to develop a new curriculum for our program. Each week, we focus on different biblical character traits such as faithfulness, compassion, and perseverance. Our Afterschool Teachers use a variety of teaching strategies, including physical activities, music, and art.
Take Action!
Get involved by working with us, volunteering with us, donating, or sharing our mission with your friends, family, and on social media!
Founded in 1996
3,069
total kids served
20
years of afterschool programming
8,343
total volunteers
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Matthew 19:14