Weekly Media Roundup: March 9, 2022

Afterschool Programs in N.Y. Need Sustainable Funding, Times Union (New York)

New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposal to match $100 million in stimulus spending on out-of-school time programming is a short-term solution that does not adequately meet the needs of afterschool programs or the families who rely on them, Police Athletic League Director of Community Engagement and Afterschool Ambassador Marcel Braithwaite wrote in a recent column for the Times Union. For every child in an afterschool program in New York, four more are waiting for a spot, and long-term funding for afterschool is needed so all students can access high-quality programs. “Throughout the pandemic, afterschool programs have been critical partners for schools and parents, quick to adapt and maintain meaningful connections for youth and their families. This budget fails to acknowledge that afterschool is a key partner in building a stronger, inclusive support system that kids and families need to thrive,” Braithwaite wrote.

Woman Expands After-School Program to Help Needs of Columbus Students, Spectrum News 1 (Ohio)

DeAndra Harrison founded the Actions That Matter 4 Youth afterschool program to help students at Woodward Park Middle School in Columbus, Ohio stay engaged, explore their interests and succeed in their classes. When she realized more students needed help than she was able to serve after school, she created the Saturdays with the Community program to offer free tutoring each Saturday morning in March. “All [students] really need is for someone to say, ‘I believe in you, I believe you can get this work done. Here, sit next to me let’s get it done,’” Harrison told Spectrum News 1.

Addison Youth Center Receives a Grant to Launch STEM Program with The Science and Discovery Center, WETM (New York)

Thanks to a Terra Science and Education grant, the Addison Youth Center in Addison, New York is expanding its science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programming to include twice-weekly visits from staff from the Discovery and Science Center. “We’re taking from what they’re learning in school and doing more hands-on [activities] in our afterschool drop-in center,” Charlette Smith, a grant writer with Addison Youth Center, told WETM.

Jackson School Staff, Community Craft After-School Programs, Pinedale Roundup (Wyoming)

At the new Recreation, Academics and Dinner (RAD) afterschool program in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, students are planting flower beds, receiving homework help and enjoying family-style dinners after school. “We’re really trying to find that balance of providing structure and providing that place to... expand friendships and meet new people,” Ben Brettell, co-creator of RAD, told the Pinedale Roundup. “We’re providing social interactions that a lot of us were missing.” The free afterschool program receives federal funding through the American Rescue Plan.