Originally known as Chess Masters, we began with a simple mission: provide fun and positive chess instruction to all students after school. We started small, garnering the attention of only a handful of schools brave enough to put their trust in a new and unknown after-school chess program. But we did not stay small for long!

Surpassing expectations, our first few programs were more successful than anyone could have imagined. Soon we had schools throughout Southern California wanting Chess Masters and inviting us to join them after school. As Chess Masters was offered at more and more elementary schools we noticed something odd. Despite the popularity of our chess program, there were still students who did not have a place to go after school.

It was then that Chess Masters took its first steps to becoming something bigger. We began to focus our energy into creating a fun and safe environment for kids to build self-confidence, critical thinking skills, and sportsmanship through a variety of programs. To achieve our goal, we developed new programs such as Spotlight Improv, Kids@Play, and Comic Creators.

Offering several programs, we renamed ourselves ASEPkids (After School Enrichment Programs for Kids). Under the name ASEPkids, we grew more than ever before. By offering programs that catered to the diverse interests of students, families, and schools, we were able to reach more students. With the same heart and passion that created Chess Masters, ASEPkids pushed forward raising the expectations of after-school programs.

ASEPkids grew rapidly. Soon we were serving students in over 200 schools and 35 school districts. Yet, just like before, we continued to see students with no place to go after school. This time it was the students from lower income backgrounds who could not afford the tuition cost. 

Focused on reaching all students regardless of background, we looked to our nonprofit status to help fund programs for those would could not afford them. It was during this time, we began asking what is most important in an after-school program? We spoke with families, schools, and even students. Everyone agreed that a fun and positive educational experience that gives every child the opportunity to learn and grow is the most important thing. It meant so much to us that the beliefs shared by the students, parents, and schools, were the same that we have been doing business by for the last 25 years.

Still, never wanting to become complacent, we surged forward to improve ourselves and our programs. Searching out new nonprofit opportunities, creating a robotics programs:STEMbots, and updating the curriculum of every existing program, we continued to set the standard of excellence when it came to after-school programming.

Same as it was with Chess Masters, we eventually outgrew the title of ASEPkids. Needing a new name to reflect our new image and focus on STEM and nonprofit programs, ASEP SoCal was born. As ASEP SoCal we continue to progress.

Listening to the feedback of parents, schools, and students, we created more STEM programs, introducing Brain Fuel to our lineup of enrichment programming. Desiring to reach more students we continue to partner with new schools, expanding into over 300 schools and counting!  Understanding that not everyone has time right after school, we opened the doors of the Brea Learning Center, providing Chess and Robotic classes in the evenings. We also began bringing our enrichment activities into the classrooms during the day, partnering with GATE and special instruction teachers.

We are proud of what we have been able to accomplish with the help of our partners since 1997. And even though we have been at this for a long time, we feel like our story is just beginning!