Every Summer AND FALL
Beyond the Field
When school is out, More Than A Smile Foundation keeps Louisville's immigrant and refugee youth engaged, inspired, and connected through sports, arts, leadership, and cultural celebration.
200+
Youth served each summer
6
Weeks of programming
5+
Nationalities represented
20+
Volunteer staff and mentors
About the Program
A school break that changes everything
School breaks can be a time of growth or a time of loss and for many families in our community, the gap between those two outcomes comes down to access. Access to safe spaces, caring adults, enriching activities, and a sense of belonging.
Our Beyond the Field Programming fills that gap. Every year, we bring together youth from across Louisville's immigrant and refugee communities for weeks of structured, joyful, and meaningful programming free of charge.
Kids leave our summer programs with new skills, new friendships, and a stronger sense of who they are. Families leave knowing their children were seen, supported, and celebrated.
What We Offer
Pillars of Beyond the Field Program
Active & Outdoors
Sports & Recreation
From soccer and basketball to track and field days, our sports programming builds teamwork, discipline, and confidence. The Annual International Cup is the highlight of the summer — a celebration of cultures through the universal language of sport.
Creative Expression
Arts & Culture
Youth explore painting, drawing, music, dance, and storytelling — often drawing on their own cultural heritage as inspiration. Our arts programming gives young people a voice and a canvas to share who they are with the world.
Growing Leaders
Youth Leadership
Workshops, guest speakers, community projects, and peer mentorship; our leadership track prepares young people to advocate for themselves and their communities. Many of our alumni return as volunteer mentors.
Roots & Identity
Cultural Enrichment
We celebrate the diversity of our community through cultural showcases, heritage cooking, language sharing, and storytelling circles. Every child's background is honored as a gift; not something to leave at the door.
Summer in Action
Moments from the past
Every face tells a story
Food as connection
One on one, every day
Adventure beyond the classroom
I used to dread summer because I didn't know anyone. Now I count down the days until it starts. These are my people.
— Youth participant, age 14
Join Us This Summer
Registration is free and open to all
Our summer programs are open to all youth ages 6–18 in Louisville's immigrant and refugee communities. No cost, no barriers, just show up. Space is limited, so register early.
Ages
5 – 18 years old
Cost
Free — no cost to families
Dates
June through August, annually
Location
Louisville, KY (multiple sites)
Languages
Multilingual staff available
Transportation
Not available at this time.
Ready to sign up?
Reach out to us directly and we'll get your child registered. Our team speaks multiple languages and is here to help every step of the way.
Questions? We're happy to answer them. Email us at [email protected] or stop by during office hours.
Help make summer possible
Our summer programs run on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships. Every contribution big or small keeps a child engaged, safe, and growing every school break.