Secretary Duncan Defends Obama Budget Proposal
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan defended the Obama Administration's Fiscal Year 2011 (FY11) budget proposal at a House of Representatives Budget Committee hearing on February 25. The budget proposal has alarmed afterschool leaders, as well as families across the country, because it would effectively cut funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLCs) by $13 million. If Congress approves it, this cut would leave 13,000 students and their families without access to afterschool programs and result in the loss of 1,300 jobs.

The proposal includes no dedicated funding stream for community schools and instead diverts $10 million in 21st CCLC funding to maintain the current funding level for community schools. Afterschool leaders are asking that funding for both afterschool programs and community schools be increased.

In addition, the President's proposal would cut 21st CCLC funding by $3 million to allow the U.S. Department of Education to take an administrative fee for running a national competition for these grants. At present, states run the competitions for 21st CCLC grants, tapping a pool of funds distributed to each state based on need.

"We want to take it to a different level... We want folks to demonstrate the differences this is making in students' lives," Secretary Duncan said of the Administration's proposal to move to a national competition for grants. "Local collaborations or national consortiums - if you can demonstrate to us you are raising the bar for local children and closing the achievement gap, there is a huge opportunity."

Secretary Duncan pledged "continued support" for the 21st CCLC program, and said the Department intends to "work with Congress to refine the program so that it lifts students."

Congressional Concern
Several Committee members expressed concern about the Administration's shift to a national competitive grant process and the impact it would have on states and school districts that are already stretched thin. Representatives also questioned the Administration's commitment to "education as the civil rights issue of our generation" because the competitive nature of its budget proposal could put poor and rural states, communities and school districts that are less savvy about winning grants at a distinct disadvantage.

"There are winners and there are losers in this," Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) warned in discussing the traditional role played by the federal government in leveling the playing field for all children.

"All of the [education budget] increases are in competitive grants& This does not seem to be the direction we want to be going in," added Representative Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), who asked about 21st CCLC funding being transitioned into a national competition.

Secretary Duncan said that competitive grants would allow programs that are doing well, in the Department's view, to "have the opportunity to go to an entirely different scale and help many more students."

Impact on Afterschool
"21st CCLC is the only federal funding stream dedicated to afterschool and it is a lifeline for programs that are a lifeline for families," said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. "At a time when some 15 million children are unsupervised after the school day ends, we need to increase 21st CCLC funds and apply them all to before-school, afterschool and summer programs. 21st CCLC grants are already highly competitive, so it is unclear how this change would do anything more than create gross imbalances in funding among states that are in great need of afterschool resources."

In addition to the national competition, the Administration's FY11 budget for 21st CCLC includes proposed language for reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA, formerly the No Child Left Behind Act). The language suggests that 21st CCLC funding could be used for a host of new programs, including extended day and community schools, and it includes no mention of the need to increase resources.

The afterschool community supports a broad array of initiatives to provide expanded learning opportunities for youth, but wants additional resources to fund them, Grant said. "The Administration should identify other funding streams to support community schools and extended day initiatives. Most extended day programs will end hours before parents finish work, so as extended day expands, the need for afterschool programs is unlikely to decline. In addition, lawmakers should recognize that quality afterschool programs offer unique enrichment activities that engage children and youth, including field trips, mentoring, community service and more. We must support these programs."

The Afterschool Alliance has created a chart that illustrates how the Administration's $13 million cut to 21st CCLC would affect each state. To view the chart, click here.

Action Needed
In the months ahead, Congress will decide whether to accept or modify the Obama education budget proposal. Secretary Duncan is scheduled to testify before the House Education and Labor Committee this week. "It is critical that Members of Congress hear from program directors, parents, teachers, community leaders and students about the need to increase funding for afterschool programs," Grant said. "Now is the time for advocates to contact Congress and express concerns about the drastic and dangerous changes the Administration is proposing."

Advocates can email members of Congress from the Afterschool Alliance's website, by clicking here. To learn more about other ways to become involved, go to this issue's Outreach section. For more information on the proposed budget and its impact on afterschool programs, see the Afterschool Alliance's Policy News.

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Actor Hill Harper to Headline 2010 Afterschool For All Challenge
Afterschool supporters from across the country will gather for the 9th annual Afterschool for All Challenge in Washington, D.C., April 19 to 21. This year's event is being held in conjunction with the 22nd annual National Afterschool Association (NAA) Be the Change! convention. Program leaders, youth and afterschool advocates will have a chance to network with allies from across the country, meet with lawmakers, and learn from leading experts in the field.

"We are excited to partner with the National Afterschool Association to make this year's Afterschool for All Challenge a tremendous success," said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. "The Challenge has always been a platform for getting our message to policy makers, and for valuable networking and training. With Congress about to make critical decisions that will affect the future of 21st Century Community Learning Centers as well as future policies and funding affecting child care for children up to age 13, it is the perfect time to bring voices from the field to Washington so lawmakers can hear directly from afterschool leaders, parents and youth about the value of afterschool programs."

Actor and Big Brothers, Big Sisters spokesperson Hill Harper, star of the television drama "CSI: NY," will be the meeting's keynote speaker. Harper will speak at the grand opening.

Workshops and Trainings
Challenge participants will be able to choose from more than 200 workshops this year. They address a wide range of topics: budgeting and applying for grants; working with specific populations like older youth, immigrants, or children with autism; building community partnerships; health and wellness strategies; and much more.

There will also be a series of pre-conference workshops offered on Friday, April 18. For more information or to register, click here.

Afterschool Rally on Capitol Hill
As in years past, youth and program practitioners will have the opportunity to meet with their representatives on Capitol Hill to stress the importance of afterschool programs and the critical need for further funding and support. Those participating in congressional visits will receive advocacy training prior to their meetings to learn more about the afterschool funding processes and policies.

Following the visits, TV judge and afterschool advocate Glenda Hatchett will lead a rally outside the Capitol in support of afterschool programs. Hundreds of members of the afterschool community, youth, parents and others will join together to welcome some of the afterschool's strongest congressional supporters.

Breakfast of Champions
The final day of the Challenge will begin with the "Breakfast of Champions," which will include a special performance by guitarist Mark Bryan of Hootie and the Blowfish. National and state champions of afterschool will be honored.

Registration for the Afterschool for All Challenge is now open. For more information, click here.

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Urgent Action Needed to Save 21st CCLC Funding
This is a critical week for the future of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative (21stCCLC), and the Afterschool Alliance is calling on all advocates - afterschool providers and supporters, teachers, parents and youth - to speak out today.

The President's proposed budget effectively cuts funding for 21st CCLC by $13 million by combining it with other programs (See: Secretary Duncan Defends Obama Budget Proposal, above). Congress is currently reviewing the Administration's proposal, and U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will appear before the House Education and Labor Committee this week to discuss the proposal. It is critical to call your Representative today to register your concern.

Click here to find the phone number for your Member of Congress. Let the office know that you are a constituent calling to register your concern about the President's budget proposal for 21st CCLC afterschool programs. Explain that:

* We need more support for afterschool programs, not the diversion of existing afterschool funding to other programs and purposes.
* 21st CCLCs are valuable, effective afterschool programs that are improving student outcomes, keeping kids safe and helping working families.
* Every state needs afterschool programs. Creating a national competition for 21st CCLC funds will create winners and losers, and leave at-risk students in many states behind.
* Please support and grow this program by increasing funding for it. We can support innovation and still maintain the formula funding, which guarantees that every state receives a portion of funding.

Or, send an email to your Representative from the Afterschool Alliance's website.

Now that the President's request is out, Congress will take the lead in developing legislation. It is critical for Congress to hear from you today about the proposed changes to afterschool funding.

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Help Make Afterschool for All a Reality in Your Community
Whether it's learning to play an instrument, getting extra help with homework, or a finding a safe space to socialize with friends under the supervision of caring adults - all children deserve the great opportunities that afterschool programs provide. Every day, afterschool programs are making a real difference for families and youth nationwide by inspiring kids to learn and keeping them safe while helping to ease the burdens of working families. Sadly, more than 15 million kids are missing out. These children are counting on all of us - from parents to teachers, principals to mayors, governors to CEOs - to make the goal of afterschool for all a reality.

You can help make afterschool for all a priority in your community and in communities nationwide by joining the Afterschool for All campaign. Already more than 25,000 concerned individuals and organizations have signed on to the campaign in support of afterschool programs and the families they serve. It takes only a minute to add your name to the national list of partners. Sign up today here.

Visit the Afterschool for All website to see which new partners have signed up in your state. Contact Marie Coichy-Dauphin, Project Manager, Afterschool for All at mdauphin@afterschoolalliance.org or at 646-943-8662 with any questions or comments.

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Funding News
The Afterschool Alliance's website has resources for afterschool providers, including tips for initiating relationships with funders and businesses, and for identifying funding opportunities. To learn more, click here. Remember to check here to find out how afterschool programs might tap into economic recovery funds.

GRANTS/AWARDS AVAILABLE

Grants for Literacy Education
The Women Helping Others (WHO) Foundation is sponsoring grants for free afterschool programs or non-profits that support literacy education. Eligible programs in the United States and Puerto Rico must serve low-income children of all ages, and must have been incorporated for at least three years prior to applying. The deadline to apply is March 9, 2010. To review eligibility requirements and see more information, click here.

Grants for Sports Programs
The Finish Line Youth Foundation is sponsoring grants of up to $5,000 for non-profit programs that provide youth with access to sports and other active-lifestyle activities, particularly for disadvantaged or special needs children. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, click here.

Grants for Youth-Led Projects
Peace Child International is sponsoring grants of up to $1,000, as part of the Be the Change! program for youth-led community improvement projects and business start-ups. Projects must have two adult mentors and measurable achievement, and should benefit the entire community rather than an individual. The deadline to apply is March 31. For more information, click here.

Grants for Conservation
Nature Hills Nursery is now accepting proposals for projects that improve community environments, landscapes or wildlife habitats. Prizes will be awarded in plants - trees, fruit trees, bushes and shrubs, perennials and vegetable seeds - from a Nature Hills Nursery. Charitable or educational non-profits are eligible to apply. The deadline to apply is April 1, 2010. For more information, click here.

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In His Own Words...
Voices from the Afterschool Storybook...

"I know that this hard work is much better than the alternatives, which for me are dead or in jail... It is not easy for me to balance college with being co-director of an afterschool program, and a leader in my community, but it is worth it." --Chace Baptista, Providence, Rhode Island

To read Baptista's story, and read more afterschool voices from across the country, click here. Share your story here.

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National
Kids across the country are getting in shape and staying out of trouble, and having fun doing it, thanks to the Coach Across America program. Made possible with support from AmeriCorps, Coach Across America is training college-age adults to become coaches who then give back to their communities by engaging youth in sports, keeping them out of trouble and boosting their self-confidence. Coach Across America is working to have 113 coaches at 31 programs in 12 states by the end of the year, according to the Associated Press, and it will focus on low-income areas. "We're trying to build a whole work force of sports coach role models for kids who, in many cases, have never had a coach in their life," founder Paul Caccamo said.

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Florida
The earthquake in Haiti has hit those at Paul's Place afterschool program at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach especially hard, the Sun-Sentinel reports, where many of the children are Haitian-American. Program and church staff are working to help them deal with their grief and confusion, offering discussion, prayer or distraction with games and other activities. They are also helping families contact relatives in Haiti, enroll in the temporary protected status program to avoid deportation, and receive financial aid.

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Louisiana
Four young men took part in traditional Mardi Gras Indian festivities in New Orleans this year, thanks to an afterschool program and cultural preservation center called The Porch. The Mardi Gras Indian "tribes" sew and wear elaborately beaded and feathered costumes, similar to those worn by Native Americans in traditional ceremonies. Although many save or go without to afford the makings of their costumes, the boys were given beads, sequins, stones, feathers, canvas and satin as part of the program, the Times-Picayune reports. They learned how to sew at The Porch, and have spent months finishing their work. "I'd just sit down and [sew]... 'til I fall asleep," said 11-year-old Nas Jackson. "I can't wait to put it on." To learn more about Mardi Gras Indians and see pictures of their outfits, click here.

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New York
They stand patiently in lines drawn by velvet ropes, surrounded by employees in blazers and nametags, to deposit their paychecks in savings accounts. The children in the Xposure afterschool program in Greenburgh have worked hard for the money by completing daily lessons on finance, ethics, technology, nutrition and other subjects. Now they are learning the value of saving it. They deposit some of their weekly pay ($4 - $8) in the Xposure Kids Bank, which is staffed by youth who successfully interviewed for the jobs, the Journal News reports. "We're learning a lot about finances, checks and banking," said 11-year-old bank manager Ariana Jones. "They're teaching us new things we might not learn in school." The program is funded by the town and a grant from the Lanza Family Foundation.

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HFRP Adds To OST Evaluations Database
The Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) has added 24 new entries to its already exhaustive database of evaluations of out-of-school-time programs, and updated many others. HFRP compiles and summarizes evaluations from outside sources, and makes them available online. Newly added are evaluations of 13 local programs, as well as evaluations of 11 multi-city, state, regional or national programs. They include evaluations of five New York City programs, as well as programs in Anaheim, California; Washington, D.C.; Brockton, Massachusetts; Minneapolis, Minnesota; St. Paul, Minnesota; Gloucester County, New Jersey; and Austin, Texas. Newly added evaluations of national programs include studies of Families and Schools Together (FAST), the Girl Scouts of America's Project Anti-Violence Education (PAVE), Upward Bound, and more. Visit the HFRP database online here.

Practices to Foster and Avoid
Child Trends has released two briefs on best practices for out-of-school time programs. Practices to Foster in Out-of-School Time Programs examines ten practices that should be promoted in programs, including positive relationships with adults, engaging and varied activities and approaches to staff training, and opportunities for children to have input into programs. The best practices were determined by research and roundtable discussions with youth and program practitioners. Similarly, Practices to Avoid in Out-of-School Time Programs looks at ten practices that should be avoided or minimized to improve outcomes for children. They include avoiding lecturing, staff turnover, and approaches based on scaring children or only eliminating bad behavior.

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Nominate Innovative Middle School Programs
The Afterschool Alliance and MetLife Foundation are partnering to develop and disseminate a series of Issue Briefs that address topics related to middle school youth and afterschool programs. Please consider nominating a program for a chance to be highlighted in the Issue Briefs and an opportunity to be chosen to receive a MetLife Afterschool Innovator Award.

The awards will go to afterschool programs that exemplify promising practices in each of the four areas listed below. Each awardee, as well as several other nominees, will be recognized in the related Issue Brief and in the final compendium of briefs. Awards will be given by the Afterschool Alliance in conjunction with the 2010 Lights On Afterschool. Each recipient will receive an award of $5,000 to be used to continue or improve upon the awardee's program. Issue areas are:

* Providing multiple benefits to middle school students
Nominate an exemplary middle school program that is providing benefits to middle school students, including helping them succeed academically, providing opportunities for service and preparing them for success in high school.
* Promoting health and wellness for pre-teens and teens
Nominate an innovative afterschool program that provides a place for middle school youth to be physically active, while teaching them to make positive choices for themselves.
* Preparing middle school youth for college and careers
Nominate an afterschool program that better prepares middle school youth for high school, college and careers, while keeping them on track and engaged in school.
* Merging middle school programs and STEM learning
Nominate a middle school afterschool program that incorporates/features STEM activities, giving students time to develop an interest in science, inspiring them to learn STEM skills and even explore STEM careers.

The online nomination form can be found here. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, April 23.

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Keep Up With Afterschool News!
Hungry for the latest news in afterschool? Be sure to check out Afterschool Snack, the Afterschool Alliance's up to the minute blog on afterschool news, trends and information from across the country. Recent posts include:

* Who Does Science Afterschool? Videos from TASC Explore Science in Afterschool Programs
* Afterschool for Older Youth
* A First Look: Race to the Top Proposals that Include Afterschool

And be sure to tune in every Wednesday for a national news round-up, and throughout the week for your daily dose of afterschool. Check out Afterschool Snack here.

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Mark Your Calendars...
* March 5 - 6, 2010
Thirteen & WLIW21 will host the fifth annual Celebration of Teaching & Learning in New York City. Educators will discuss the latest in teaching and classroom strategies, and hear from speakers including U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, NBC's David Gregory and actress Queen Latifah. For more information, click here.

* March 24 - 27, 2010
The National Youth Leadership Council will host the 21st Annual National Service-Learning Conference in San Jose, California. Youth and program leaders will gather for sessions, hands-on workshops, exhibits and service-learning projects. For more information, click here.

* April 7 - 9, 2010
The Coalition for Community Schools will host its 2010 National Forum, Building Innovative Partnerships for Student Success, in Philadelphia. The conference will focus on partnerships between schools and the community for student success. Speakers will include U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius, and the presidents of both the National Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association. For more information, click here.

* April 19 - 21, 2010
For the first time ever, the Afterschool Alliance's Afterschool for All Challenge will be held in conjunction with Be the Change, the National Afterschool Association's annual convention. The combined event will be held in Washington, D.C. and will include workshops, plenary sessions, a gala Breakfast of Champions, and visits with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Register now and help shake up the nation's Capitol!

* July 12 - 15, 2010
The National Institute on Out-of-School Time will host a series of two-day summer seminars in Boston, Massachusetts. Topics to be covered on July 12 and 13 include elevating professional development at the program and system level, and the Afterschool Program Assessment System. Seminars on July 14 and 15 include effective management training and quality advisor training. For more information, click here.

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• Topic: Afterschool Facts and Research | by Chris D'Agostino | Date: Mar 09, 2010

• Topic: Afterschool for All Challenge | by Rivka Burstein-Stern | Date: Mar 08, 2010

• Topic: Inside the Afterschool Alliance | by Frank Mazzucco | Date: Mar 05, 2010

• Topic: Federal Policy News | by Erik Peterson | Date: Mar 03, 2010

• Topic: Afterschool Voices | by Molly Tomlinson | Date: Mar 03, 2010