Boxer, Murkowski, Murray introduce bill to improve Afterschool Programs Nationwide
Bipartisan Legislation Would Reauthorize Successful 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chair of
the Senate Afterschool Caucus, joined Senators Lisa Murkowski
(R-AK) and Patty Murray (D-WA) to introduce the Afterschool for
America’s Children Act, which would help children and families by
investing in high-quality afterschool programs across the
country.
This important legislation would reauthorize the 21st Century
Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program, which has allowed
millions of children to attend afterschool programs over the last
decade – including over 1.6 million children last year.
Reauthorizing this program will ensure that children of working
families continue to have a safe, well-rounded and enriching
environment until the end of their parents’ work day.
Senator Boxer said, “As the author of the first major legislation
to authorize federal funds for afterschool programs, I am so
pleased to introduce a bill to strengthen this vital program so
that our children have a safe and enriching environment when the
school day ends.”
“Studies have shown the effectiveness of after school programs
not only in giving children a well-rounded education, but also in
reducing crime, increasing parental involvement, and improving
the academic achievement of participating kids,” Senator
Murkowski said. “I know how important the 21st Century Community
Learning Centers program is in many Alaskan communities, both
urban and rural – from Savoonga to Nikiski and in Juneau,
Anchorage, and Fairbanks. The Afterschool for America’s Children
Act will ensure that children continue to have access to a wide
range of academic support outside of school hours, but it does so
the right way, with effective guidelines and standards to keep
the bar high so students get the most out of their afterschool
programs and federal funds are spent responsibly.”
“I am proud to cosponsor this legislation that will help so many
young people across America access safe and enriching afterschool
programs,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Afterschool programs are a
proven way to improve academic performance, and we know that
students who attend them are more likely to go to college and
start off their lives on the right track.”
The Afterschool for America’s Children Act would modernize the
21st CCLC program to improve states’ ability to effectively
support quality afterschool programs, run more effective grant
competitions and improve struggling programs. In addition, it
would enhance communication between local schools and programs to
ensure afterschool activities complement the academic curriculum
while encouraging parental engagement in student learning and
improving the tracking of student progress.
Supporters of the bill include the Afterschool Alliance, National
Parent Teacher Association, American Heart Association, National
Association of Elementary School Principals, National Association
of Secondary School Principals, First Focus Campaign for
Children, National 4-H Council and YMCA of the USA.