After-School Club Becomes a Workplace Learning Hub for High School and University Students

MOCOPLA Inc. (CEO: Shou Uehara), which operates the after-school program 'MOCOPLA,' and NPO Terakoya (based in Toshima City, Tokyo; CEO: Kazuma Maeda), an organization supporting youth with dreams, will jointly launch a 'work experience program' on July 14, 2026. The program enables high school and university students to support children's learning and activities in after-school educational settings.

For students, this offers a genuine opportunity to experience real-world education environments. For children, it provides access to relatable, age-near role models.

Background

While career education is increasingly emphasized, opportunities for students to gain continuous, hands-on work experience in real workplaces remain limited.

Especially for students interested in 'education' or 'working with children,' practical on-site experience is scarce.

NPO Terakoya, which has promoted experiential learning through initiatives like Café Juku Terakoya and the Terakoya Project under the mission of 'providing learning opportunities for all children and youth regardless of financial background,' shares this challenge with MOCOPLA, which delivers diverse learning throughout after-school hours.

Driven by the shared vision of 'creating a space where students can seriously engage with work' and 'offering children stimulating interactions with slightly older peers,' the two organizations have decided to jointly implement this program.

Two Objectives of the Program

Objective 1: For Students — A stepping stone toward proactive career choices

This program goes beyond facility tours or one-day manual-based experiences.

Students will join the educational field as support staff alongside MOCOPLA team members, continuously accompanying children in learning, lessons, and activities.

More immersive than typical workplace experiences, this program allows students to make real decisions and actively fulfill roles in a real social setting—offering a tangible sense of 'real work.'

It helps students discover their strengths and interests beyond textbooks and online information, serving as a solid first step toward autonomous career and life path decisions.

Objective 2: For Children — Encountering age-near role models empowers future aspirations

Children typically interact daily only with parents at home and teachers at school—adult figures that are inherently limited.

This program introduces a new presence: 'slightly older brothers and sisters.'

The sight of students striving toward dreams and goals becomes the most accessible model of aspiration for children.

Because they are close in age, children can realistically envision, 'I want to be like them,' making future goals feel tangible.

Across generations, children gain inspiration and learning, while students also learn much from the children—creating a two-way learning cycle.

Future Outlook

Both organizations aim to sustain and expand this program into an educational collaboration model that simultaneously supports student career development and enriches children's learning experiences.

Comments

Shou Uehara, CEO, MOCOPLA Inc.

'After-school time amounts to approximately 1,000 hours annually, a critically important period that shapes children's futures. MOCOPLA has always aimed to be more than just childcare—it aspires to be a second home and an educational space that nurtures children's ability to discover their passions and sustain effort. Interactions with slightly older students, whom children rarely meet at school or home, provide significant inspiration. Together with Terakoya, we aim to create a welcoming space for everyone involved and foster a cycle where children and students learn from each other.'

Kazuma Maeda, CEO, NPO Terakoya

'At Terakoya, we have supported youth in building their own 'footing in society' outside school and home, empowering their journey toward independent, self-directed lives. We are delighted to partner with MOCOPLA, a leader in high-quality after-school education, to offer students authentic on-site practice. The experience of coordinating online and then stepping into a real environment to actively support children will build confidence that cannot be gained from textbooks. We are confident this program will serve as a meaningful 'catalyst' for students to recognize their potential and proactively shape their future paths. Together, we will co-create a next-generation cycle of rich role models for children.'

Organization Overview

MOCOPLA Inc.

Location: Yattsuya Building 4F, 2-10-5 Yotsuya, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo / Representative: CEO Shou Uehara / URL: https://mocopla-yotsuya.jp/

Operates the after-school school 'MOCOPLA' and tutoring school 'Mokosuta.' MOCOPLA divides after-school time into three major segments: 'study time' (for homework, etc.), 'lesson time' (offering English, programming, calligraphy, art, etc.), and 'activity time' (joint activities fostering social skills), delivering learning across all segments.

NPO Terakoya

Location: Green Cedar 102, 2-9-9 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo / Representative: CEO Kazuma Maeda / URL: https://npoterakoya.org/

Founded in 2022. Based in Toshima City, Tokyo, it provides experiential learning opportunities such as 'Café Juku Terakoya,' a free university entrance exam support program accessible regardless of family income, and the 'Terakoya Project,' where high school students tackle corporate challenges through inquiry-based learning. University students and working professionals mentor and support high school and university students with dreams and ambitions.

Inquiries

MOCOPLA Inc.

Contact: Uehara

Inquiry Form: https://mocopla-yotsuya.jp/contact