ARL: Educational Resources in North Carolina

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North Carolina and the High Country

The Autism Society of North Carolina improves the lives of individuals with autism, supports their families, and educates communities.

Visit scouting.org to find out about the Boy Scouts of America. Scouting is adventure, family, fun, character, leadership, and so much more! In scouting, boys and girls start with their best right now selves and grow into their very best future selves. It’s fun, hands-on learning and achievement that puts kids in the middle of the action and prepares them for today – and for life.

The Family Support Network at Mission Children's Hospital is a parent-to parent program serving families of children with special needs. FSN offers outreach and community activities; emotional support; education and training; guidance navigating systems; and resources on many facets of caregiving to parents, caregivers, community agencies and professionals serving children with special health care and developmental needs.

Visit girlscouts.org to learn more about Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts unleashes the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ in every girl, preparing her for a lifetime of leadership—from taking a night-time hike under the stars to accepting a mission on the International Space Station; from lobbying the city council with her troop to holding a seat in Congress; from running her own cookie business today to tackling cybersecurity tomorrow.

Girls on the Run of the High Country inspires girls to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through our research-based curricula which includes dynamic discussions, activities and running games. Over the course of the ten-week program, girls in 3rd-8th grade develop essential skills to help them recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind.

NC Cooperative Extension has offices in Ashe, Watauga, and Wilkes Counties with 4-H Youth Development in all three counties. 

For more resources in your community, visit Resource Exchange for Appalachian Community Health (REACH) from Appalachian State University,

Ashe County

The Ashe County Arts Council is committed to promoting the arts as a hallmark of an active, engaged community.

Ashe Really Cares provides food, clothing, household items, and books and toys to children and families in need.

Generation Excellent is a Christian ministry that offers drama and music programs unified in faith. Generation Excellent is based in Ashe County.

Imagination Ashe provides a gift of free books every month to Ashe County children from birth to five years old through Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. In addition, Imagination Ashe hosts community events in support of early literacy.

Partnership of Ashe works to create opportunities for success for children and families in Ashe County. The Partnership provides A Safe Home for Everyone (A.S.H.E.), Family Foundations, Triple P, and early childhood and education programs.

Western Youth Network offers after school and summer camp in Ashe County.

Watauga County

The Children's Council of Watauga County works to build a strong foundation for children's learning and development by strengthening families, the early childhood system, and the wider community.

Children's Playhouse offers music, art, and science programs for kids of all ages.

The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts at Appalachian State University engages visitors from the university, community, nation and beyond in creating unique experiences through dynamic and accessible exhibition, education, outreach and collection programs, including free art classes for kids.

Western Youth Network offers mentoring, after school, summer camp, and community health to Watauga County.

Wilkes County

Wilkes Art Gallery offers art classes for kids during the summer and school year. While the gallery is not currently offering on-site classes, they do have many art-at-home projects available.

Wilkes Community Partnership for Children builds and supports programs designed to ensure that children enter school healthy and ready to succeed. Programs include Circle of Parents, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, Cooking Matters, and more.

Wilkes Playmakers hosts theatre workshops and classes for kids during the summer and school year.

YMCA of Northwest North Carolina has two facilities in Wilkes County, the Wilkes Family YMCA, and the Wilkes Express YMCA.