The CDE recently announced that 67 before and after school programs throughout the state will share $4.6 million in state After School Education and Safety (ASES) grants. ASES programs are designed to offer active, collaborative, meaningful learning and enrichment opportunities that support mastery and expand student horizons. Children enrolled in these programs receive academic enrichment, a healthy snack, and enriching activities like art, physical activity, college and career preparation, service learning, and more. 

The ASES program is highly competitive with grants being provided for extremely high-need schools. Out of the 67 programs that were awarded, the average percentage for Free and Reduced Priced Meals (FRPM) was 93.73%, indicating a huge unmet need of programs across the state.

View the list of awarded schools: http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r27/asesintent2015.asp

The State of the State of Expanded Learning in California (State of the State) provides an overview of the public investment in expanded learning opportunities in California. It outlines that expanded learning programs are vital to closing achievement and opportunity gaps by increasing student achievement, engagement, and well-being outcomes. The State of the State outlines that while California is ranked number one in After School Nationally, there are significant fiscal challenges and unmet need for programs. Communities compete for scarce funds while millions of youth are left unsupervised and without access to a program. Additionally, nearly 9 of 10 state funded after school programs are being negatively impacted by flat funding for the program while minimum wage and other operating costs have increased. Expanded learning programs offer a strong return on investment. For every dollar invested in expanded learning programs the public saves up to nine dollars.

Access the 2014 State of the State of Expanded Learning here