IRL Video, 2011 

In Real Life

In Real Life (IRL) is a network of after-scho0l programs designed to provide safe, high-quality and fun learning opportunities to all Asheville City Schools middle school students.  Responding to interviews of students, parents and community stakeholders which identified barriers to participation in after-school programs, IRL works hard to address these issues head on. 

Transportation- IRL partners with the Asheville City Schools to provide transportation to and from different program sites and home at the end of the day to those students and families who need it. 

Affordable Programs- IRL programs are affordable and accessible for all Asheville City Schools middle school students.  IRL has full and partial scholarships available to students/families that need it.  We will not turn anyone away based on financial need! 

Clear Information & Registration Process- IRL strives to create one simple registration process to sign up for multiple programs for each programming session. 

Youth Leadership- IRL strongly believes in the importance of involving youth directly in the leadership and management of the IRL programs.  Youth provide input, make decisions and inform all aspects of the program.  In IRL, youth have a voice and choice! 

Community Partnerships- IRL partnered with over 20 local organizations and professionals to deliver a variety of high quality, fun and engaging programs that were informed by youth input and demand!  IRL would not be possible without these partnerships! 

According to several recent studies, students who participate in quality before and after-school programs show increased attendance in school, are two and a half times more likely to graduate from high school, and are 77 percent more likely to be engaged with and like school, all of which significantly contribute to improved academic achievement.¹

Contact Travis Herbert, Campus Director for more information:

email- irl@acsf.org

Phone- (828) 350-6270

What are students saying about IRL?

"I am in Debate and Theatre Arts and I have learned so much. I have learned stage direction, improv, and what it is like to be an actual member on a debate team, and I feel way more confident in my speeches. I also got off the T.V. a whole lot. I used to come home and watch T.V. for 3 hours. IRL has made me watch less T.V. for sure."   - 6th grader, AMS

"In Real Life is the best place to be if you don't have anything to do at home. It is the only place you can go to get help with your homework and a place where you can play soccer and basketball."    - 8th grader, AMS

"My experience has been great in IRL!  I am enjoying my after-school time."  -AMS student

"It's been pretty awesome!" -AMS student 

"I'm really excited about being in all my after-school programs!  It used to be where I just went home and got on my computer, on the phone, and I would just text all night long. Now, since I have after-school, I don't have that time anymore. Some of the after-school programs that I'm in are...Girls on Track which is getting us ready to run a 5K, FEAST Club which is showing us how to eat healthier, Debate, which is showing us how to argue the right way, and 21st Century Fun Fridays where we play games and get to know one another.  I love being in all my IRL programs!"   - 8th grader, AMS

Thank you to our generous supporters & community partners!

Asheville City Schools

Community Foundation of Western North Carolina

Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation

Progress Energy

Ethical Society of Asheville

Wachovia - A Wells Fargo Company

NC Governor's Crime Commission

¹ George, R., et al. (2007). After-school programs and academic impact: A study of Chicago’s After School Matters. Chapin Hall Center for Children at the University of Chicago; Huang, D, et al. (2000). A decade of results: The impact of the LA’s BEST after school enrichment program on subsequent student achievement and performance. UCLA Center for the Study of Evaluation (CSE) Graduate School of Education and Information Studies; Miller, B. (2003). Critical hours: Afterschool programs and educational success. Nellie Mae Education Foundation.