As reported by the Society for Public Health in August, “Girls struggling to be successful in middle school are often dealing with negative life experiences that affect their ability to achieve academically”. About Parenting recently published an article about the loss of self-esteem some young girls face when they make the transition to middle school. Programs like After-The-Bell can provide an extraordinary benefit to young girls struggling with self-esteem issues. Offered in a safe and nurturing environment, girls choose to participate in activities that they enjoy and have the chance to form friendships with girls who have similar interests. Students in the program benefit from the commitment and compassion of volunteers who include retired teachers, college students studying to become educators, and many others who are committed to helping these students succeed.