Weekly Media Roundup: December 21, 2022

'It Shouldn't Have to Be This Difficult': Lack of Afterschool Program Slots has Parents Struggling, Daily Kos

A “modest increase” in federal funding for afterschool in the Senate budget package “will allow tens of thousands more children to access a program, where they will get homework help, hands-on learning opportunities, engagement in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and physical fitness, access to mentors, college and careers, and more,” Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant told Daily Kos. Still, Afterschool Alliance research shows that nearly 25 million children can’t access afterschool programs, and parents are often forced to reduce their hours or leave full-time jobs when they can’t find or afford an afterschool spot. Advocates say there is more the federal government can do to increase access to afterschool and the funding increase does not match the magnitude of the need.

BAM! Makes Children Masters of Art at Brandon Boys & Girls Club, 83 Degrees Media (Florida)

When program leaders at the Carey Family Boys & Girls Club of Brandon, Florida noticed art activities were helping students express themselves and socialize after being isolated during the pandemic, they decided to create the Brandon Art Masters! (BAM!) Program to help students heal and recover. In BAM!, students work with art instructor “Mr. Q” for two hours each week, take field trips to see art exhibits and display their creations throughout the Club. “When our babies are hurting, we need resources. It takes a village. So, this art program was that -- the village of resources. And they're believing in themselves again. You know, bullying has declined. The kids they know their worth again,” Club Director Natasha McKeller told 83 Degrees Media.

Junior King of the Court Tournament, Toy Drive Held at Charles Hayward Center, KALB 5 (Louisiana)

To raise money for the Stop the Violence afterschool program in Alexandria, Louisiana, children took part in a basketball tournament last weekend. After the tournament, they received Christmas toys, sponsored and purchased by a member of the local community. Stop the Violence provides tutoring and a safe place for students to socialize after school. “I just love starting with these young kids, sowing the seeds, watering the seeds, and watching it grow,” Dwayne ‘The Difference Maker’ Dupar, a motivational speaker and host of the tournament, told KALB 5.

Show You Care Spotlight: Harmony School of Music, KCRG 9 (Iowa)

Since 2017, the Harmony School of Music afterschool program has provided free string instruments, sheet music and music lessons for third through sixth graders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Program leaders say the afterschool program teaches not only music but also social and emotional skills such as teamwork and perseverance. “We teach music lessons, but a huge part of our curriculum or our philosophy is that we all take care of each other,” Jessica Altfillisch told KCRG 9. “We encourage our students to always help each other in class. If you know a note and your neighbor doesn’t know a note, then it’s your job to help them learn it.”