PORT CHESTER, NY – President George W. Bush will soon release his fiscal year 2007 budget plan. Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) believes it must include increased funding for afterschool programs. Yesterday, she joined local educators, parents and students in discussing the importance of these initiatives and the critical need for more federal funds.
“Afterschool programs not only provide children with a safe haven after the school day is done, they contribute to higher test scores and greater student achievement. Millions of children are enrolled in these programs, and we should do more to reach underserved areas,” said Lowey. “Unfortunately, federal funding for afterschool programs has been level since 2002. This year we must put kids first and increase this investment.”
A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that while 6.5 million children are enrolled in afterschool programs, another 14 million American children are alone after the school bell rings at 3:00 pm. This is especially troubling because the hours between 3:00 and 6:00pm can be a dangerous period for children spending time alone. The need for expansion is great, yet another study by the Afterschool Alliance revealed that 25 states, including New York, will not be able to fund any new afterschool programs this year.
The main federal afterschool program is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) program. Congresswoman Lowey was among the Members of Congress who helped create 21st CCLC, which currently funds afterschool programs for 1 million children, including more than 96,000 in New York State. Unfortunately, its funding has not been increased since 2002.
Yesterday, Congresswoman Lowey released a letter to President Bush urging him to increase funding for 21st CCLC in his upcoming budget. She was joined by local educators who credited afterschool programs with helping to improve test scores.
“Right now more than four hundred students are involved in extended day programs in Port Chester. These programs provide a safe haven for our children and an opportunity to enhance and enrich the academic program. They must be expanded so we can reach even more children. From the perspectives of educators, parents and students, funding must be increased, so I totally support Congresswoman Lowey’s efforts to expand this program across the country and certainly in New York State,” said Dr. Charles Coletti, superintendent of Port Chester public schools.
“Supplemental afterschool instruction, provided to 500 children in 7 elementary and 2 middle schools in our district, is pivotal in assuring that all children in our district from our long-time resident to recent immigrant, from the wealthy to those in need of financial assistance, meet the higher learning standards and mandates of NCLB. We have a track record of success. This necessary funding provides a measurable demonstration of a federal commitment to the mandates of NCLB. With this funding, the federal government has matched its actions with its values,” said Linda Kelly, superintendent of New Rochelle public schools.
“I have heard from parents and teachers firsthand about the importance of afterschool initiatives. Students in these programs do better in school, are less likely to get into trouble and are more likely to realize their dreams,” said Lowey. “I urge the President to work with me to increase funding for these programs and help ensure that more students have the resources they need to succeed.”
