WASHINGTON – The National Afterschool Association and the Afterschool Alliance joined efforts for an educational conference. Nearly 200 after school providers rallied together with lawmakers on Capitol Hill to fight against proposed cuts in funding for after school programs. For the last eight years, the federal government has appropriated just half of the allocated $2.5 billion promised to 21st Century Community Learning Centers, a program that supports academic enrichment during non-school hours.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. said the administration should appropriate the $2.5 billion, originally allocated for after school programs. However, Afterschool Alliance Vice President Jen Rinehart, said she wants an increasing in funding. “After school supporters, parents and city leaders are here to tell Congress not to divert funding away from after school and actually to increase funding for programs that keep kids safe, inspire learning and help working families.” She said families need even more support in these tough economic times.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn. said she has an invested interest in the proposed cuts because she taught modern dance and calligraphy in after school programs. At the rally she shouted, “Don’t take no for an answer!” She also said parents should bring their children to the meet Congress to put a face to the issue.