Jodi Grant testifies at House hearing in support of afterschool programs

This morning, Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant testified at a hearing of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS-E) Appropriations Subcommittee in favor of increased funding for Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) that support local afterschool and summer learning programs nationwide.

Speaking of behalf of the afterschool field, and addressing the Subcommittee led by Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) and Ranking Member Tom Cole (R-Okla.), Grant made the case for an investment by Congress of $1.79 billion in fiscal year 2023 for 21st CCLC to address the demand for afterschool and summer learning programs and to build on past success. Grant’s wide-ranging testimony spoke to the critical role programs played during the pandemic, the breadth of activities they provide based on local needs, and the strong outcomes that support the academic, social, and emotional well-being of the 1.6 million students who participate in 21st CCLC, stating:

Our goal is simple: to ensure that a quality, accessible program is available to every youth and family that wants one. In addition to expanding access to programs, increased funding for 21st CCLC can help existing programs offer more professional development opportunities and other quality supports. This includes courses for staff in positive youth development, youth choice and voice, making connections with schools, and especially now, courses in trauma-informed care and mental health first aid.

Grant also described the role of federal COVID-19 relief funds in helping local communities accelerate learning for students and assist them in recovering from the many impacts of the pandemic. She emphasized the tremendous need for more programs, with 24.6 million students waiting for comprehensive afterschool programs.

The testimony concluded with a quote from Afterschool Youth Ambassador Kyla Anderson, a high school student attending a 21st Century Community Learning Center in East St. Louis, Illinois:

“During the pandemic, it was challenging because I was social distancing and not doing certain activities. But, my 21st Century [Community Learning Center] program has been a place where I’ve been able to meet new friends, communicate, and be social with others. I wasn’t a talker, but now I am! The mentors in my program also helped me stay on top of my work and encouraged me. Without my program, I wouldn’t have the grades I do now, and I wouldn’t be as social as I am. I wouldn’t be able to do a lot of things without my program.”

Following her testimony, Chairwoman DeLauro and Congressman Cole commented on the important role 21st CCLC plays in providing quality learning environments for so many students and noted that the program has always had bipartisan support. Reps. DeLauro and Cole referenced former House Appropriations Committee Chair Nita Lowey’s strong support for the program now named in her honor. The FY 2023 appropriations process continues this summer with the Subcommittee and then full House Appropriations Committee expected to mark-up their LHHS-E spending bill, before sending it to the full House for approval. 

Full testimony can be downloaded here.