Fund afterschool programs in the state of PA

As a concerned advocate for education, I believe that investing in afterschool programs is crucial for the well-being and success of our youth and the future of society. Afterschool programs offer a wide range of opportunities that help students thrive, including academic support, enrichment activities, and social-emotional learning. 88% of parents nationally support the public funding of afterschool programs. A 2021 evaluation of Pennsylvania’s 21st CCLC programs by the Pennsylvania Department of Education showed that the grades of participating students improved in reading (31%) and math (33%) from fall to spring. According to teacher surveys, regular afterschool program participants improved homework completion (76%), class participation (75%), class behavior (64%), and volunteering in class (61%). Additionally, nearly half of regular afterschool program attendees (49%) improved their school-day attendance. For every dollar invested in an afterschool program in the commonwealth, $6.69 is returned in potential benefits because afterschool programs help reduce the rates of high school dropout, teen pregnancy, substance abuse disorder, crime, and delinquency. 62% of families with children ages 6-17 have both parents working outside of the home, making access to afterschool care crucial for working families. After School programs play a vital role in allowing parents to work with the peace of mind that their children are in safe, structured, and educational environments. Nationally, 1 in 5 children are left alone after the school day. On school days, from 3 to 6 pm are the peak hours for teens to commit crimes, be in or cause car crashes, be victims of crime, and abuse substances. According to a study done by the Afterschool Alliance, 73% of parents agree that afterschool programs reduce the likelihood of youth engaging in risky behaviors. Afterschool programs provide an opportunity to invest in the development and success of our children and youth while returning significant benefits to communities and society overall. I urge you to support policies and initiatives that prioritize afterschool program funding at the state level and ensure that our youth have access to these crucial resources.Thank you for your attention to this important issue. I look forward to witnessing your support in prioritizing afterschool programs in Pennsylvania.