Resident Spotlight: Anthony Singer Jr.

Anthony Singer Jr. is astonished by all of the talented kids he sees coming through After-School All-Stars, a free, enrichment program that partners with local schools in 19 cities throughout the US. It was founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was the Governor of California.

Singer started as a program leader and then worked his way up to senior site manager after he graduated with a degree in sociology and entrepreneurship from Bowling Green State University in 2017.

Instead of venturing into the corporate world, Singer decided to follow his mother’s example and begin a career in social advocacy, specifically helping kids who come from low-income households.

“My mother always kept me in some kind of community service whether that be a Sunday school teacher or volunteer,” Singer said. “But honestly, I always had a passion to work with kids.”

Singer says it is really important to let kids know that there is someone in their corner.

“When kids come out to After-School All-Stars we give them love and that support they crave,” Singer said. “We are showing them something different than what they're used to.”

Singer said that After-School All-Stars nurtures all kinds of activities that kids might not otherwise be exposed to like hitting the city parks or local museums. Singer says that art and writing are also very important elements in the program.

“I don't even know where to start,” Singer said. “Journaling is a great part of our program. It really allows kids to just write it out. And if they can't write, you know, they can also draw as well. They are all very talented kids!”

Singer says that his kids trust him. He is open and approachable. He considers himself a mentor as well as an instructor.

“I try talking to them, like I really try to see what's going on in their lives,” Singer said. “I want to kind of be that pillar or that role model to help drive them forward and keep them on a path to be a productive citizen in the community.”

Singer, who was born and raised in Toledo, plans on staying in the city and working for the health and well-being of kids in the community.

“Toledo has always been home to me,” Singer said. “I have a love for Toledo and I want to make a difference here. At the end of the day these kids are our future.”

For more information on After-School All-Stars go to:
After-School All-Stars Toledo