Arizona is one of only five states selected by the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, Education and Families to host a
Statewide Mayoral Summit on Afterschool/Expanded Learning.
On March 3rd, 2010, Tucson Mayor Robert Walkup, Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler, and Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman will co-host the Summit with the National League of Cities’ Institute for Youth, the McClelland Institute for Children, Youth and Families, and the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence.
Mayors and city representatives from across the state will attend the Summit to be part of a dialogue on strengthening our cities’ leadership role in providing high quality afterschool programs. Arizona educators and business leaders will also be present at the Summit, adding important perspectives to the conversation.
Research has shown that afterschool programs improve student academic achievement and success, support student social development, and keep children and communities safer. However, the future growth and development of quality, affordable afterschool/extended learning opportunity programs are currently hindered by:
- state and city budget deficits
- a lack of understanding surrounding the important role of afterschool programs in education reform and workplace development
- a lack of state standards for quality afterschool programs
- the use of child care licensing requirements for licensing afterschool programs & division between licensed and unlicensed providers
- high staff turnover, and
- insufficient professional development for afterschool program staff.
As Arizona attempts to close a budget shortfall of $245 million, afterschool programs are at risk of losing funding altogether. The Summit will provide Arizona thought leaders an opportunity to collaboratively examine the possibilities for funding and improving existing youth programming.
For more information about the summit, please contact Melanie McClintock at 602.496.3307 or mmcclintock@azafterschool.org