UPDATE: Contact your Members of Congress to save afterschool!

MAY 23RD 2017: UPDATE

From the Afterschool Alliance:

The fiscal year 2018 federal budget is in, and it eliminates 21^st Century Community Learning Centers funding completely. Despite an overwhelming display of support for afterschool from voters, communities, and lawmakers from across the political spectrum, the White House remains committed to cutting the programs that kids and families rely on.

When the budget cut was floated back in March, the reaction was swift and absolutely clear:

• Highly respected institutions posted new research summaries demonstrating that afterschool programs provide tremendous benefits – as nearly every study has clearly shown.
• A Quinnipiac national poll found that 83 percent of voters oppose cutting funding for afterschool and summer programs, with just 14 supporting the administration’s position.

Now is the time to act. Congress needs to hear from you!

1. Click here to find your Congressional District.

2. Call your Representative, and Senators McCain and Flake, and ask them to support continued funding for afterschool programs:

Hello. My name is ______________, and I live in (city/town), zip code _______. I am calling today to ask (Senator or Representative) ______ to protect funding for afterschool programs. 

–  The federal 21st Century Community Learning Center program  provides over 50,000 Arizona children and youth with high quality afterschool and summer programs

– These programs ensure that youth are in safe and supportive environment outside of school hours, and are a much-needed asset for working families.

– Data shows that youth who participate in these programs see significant improvements in their academic achievement.

Closing these programs will hurt families and children across Arizona. I strongly urge the (Senator or Representative) to oppose the budget cuts, and protect our afterschool programs.

3. Share this on social media, and urge your friends and family to call their Members of Congress in support of afterschool!

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March 16, 2017:

From the Afterschool Alliance:

The White House budget calls for eliminating funding for local afterschool and summer programs. It’s now up to Congress to counter the cut—or execute it and eliminate programs relied on by families across the nation to keep kids safe and engaged. Nearly two million children and families would be left without reliable afterschool choices.

20 million families want and need more afterschool and summer learning opportunities. For every child in a program, two are waiting to get in. Closing 10,000+ afterschool programs will hurt families and children in every part of the country.

You can make a difference: call on Congress to protect funding for afterschool and summer learning programs.

MAY 3RD 2017 – UPDATE:
From the Afterschool Alliance:

Late on the night of April 30, after a weekend of negotiations, the House released a $1.070 trillion omnibus spending bill which will fund the government through September 30, 2017. Votes on the measure are expected this week…

Congress increased 21st Century Community Learning Centers funding by $25 million over the FY2016 level, to $1.19 billion—a win for children, families and the country. The proposed increase means doors to quality local afterschool and summer learning programs will stay open for 1.6 million students and families. Additionally, it will make programs available for 25,000 of the 19.4 million students currently waiting for access…

Though Community Learning Centers see increased funding in this year’s bill, our field must not stop speaking out. We need afterschool supporters to make your voices heard as Congress begins looking to FY2018, the year when President Trump wants to eliminate funding altogether. With your help, we’ll continue seeing wins like the one we’re celebrating today for America’s kids and families.