Weekly Media Roundup: April 2, 2025

What Happens When Kids Get Time Off and Parents Don’t?, Vox

Each year during schools’ spring breaks, many afterschool programs provide free or low-cost day camps that “reinforce some of the learning that’s going on in a way that feels like the kids are having fun and having a break,” Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant told Vox. But because there’s not enough funding to meet the demand, many families struggle while school is out but parents still need to work, leaving some students unsupervised. Advocates say increased funding for out-of-school time programming would give more students access to fun and enriching opportunities during school breaks while supporting working parents.

TSC’s Stronger OST Initiative Expands Career Pathways & Mental Health Support for Students, Texas Border Business (Texas)

Thanks to funding form the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act and a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, five afterschool programs at high schools in Brownsville, Texas will provide opportunities for students to explore careers in welding, health care, security and more. Developed in partnership with Texas Southmost College (TSC), the initiative will include hands-on activities, worksite visits, industry certification programs, and mental health support. “This initiative goes beyond traditional education by equipping students with the tangible skills that lead directly to career opportunities,” Dr. Prisci Roca Tipton, Director of TSC’s Texas ACE program, told Texas Border Business. “By integrating mental health support and workforce development, we are preparing the students not just for jobs but for lifelong success.”

After-School Program Club J to Expand to Kittredge Magnet School, Rough Draft Atlanta (Georgia)

Starting next fall, the Marcus Jewish Community Center in Dekalb County, Georgia will provide additional bus service to its afterschool program, bringing together students from nine local elementary schools. “Our goal at Club J is to provide families with a well-rounded, enriching afterschool program that supports academic and social development and creates a true sense of community,” club director Kara Wilbourne told Rough Draft Atlanta. “With experienced staff, engaging activities, and a commitment to excellence, we proudly offer an afterschool experience that sets up children for success, while also making every day fun.” Students receive homework assistance and healthy snacks while also participating in art classes, science experiments, cooking demonstrations and sports.

Terrebonne Parish Government Budget Cuts Leave Tutoring Program’s Future Uncertain, Daily Comet (Louisiana)

Due to tax shortfalls from Hurricane Ida, the Youth Community After School Program in Houma, Louisiana only received a third of its Terrebonne Parish Government funding to provide vital services to low-income families. “Naturally, $12,000 only goes so far,” Youth Community After School Program founder Diana Collins told the Daily Comet. Collins supplemented the small budget with donated Chromebooks from the school district and snacks from the local food bank and continues to search for grants and support from businesses to help sustain the program.