The Success of After School Programs

Here's a really interesting item. The 7th Annual Afterschool for All Challenge which brings together youth and afterschool staff as well advocates and administrators from around the country in Washington DC on May 14 and 14, 2008 for two days of workshops, networking, meetings with Congressional offices and celebrations. This year's Afterschool for All Challenge is partnering with the National League of Cities and their National City Afterschool Summit. City officials, superintendents, school board members, and afterschool providers will have a chance to share ideas and strategies to help ensure the growth of afterschool programs.The event honors afterschool all stars and celebrates the 10th anniversary of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Initiative. Plus they all meet with members of Congress and the need for continued investment. Click here for highlights from last year's Challenge

Last ,year, more than 300 advocates, providers, parents and students participated in this year’s Challenge and they visited more than 200 Congressional offices delivering the message that afterschool is key to kids’ success.

I know for a fact that afterschool programs work well because of my work as a Board member of Children of the City. In fact, here's Rosa's story... She is 12 and lives in Brooklyn, New York. If someone dared asked Rosa to read, even a book as simple as one by Doctor Seuss a few years ago there would have been mayhem. In the midst of screaming and pounding fists, she was known to overturn her desk and send books flying across the room. School teachers gave up on Rosa, aiming to manage her tantrums rather than provide any instruction. In third grade, Rosa was still learning addition and subtraction.”

When Rosa began to attend an educational after school and summer program at Children of the City, she found the nurture and structure she needed to survive. She began doing her schoolwork, and she found a new home. Now Rosa is in sixth grade and doing well in school.

I have other information on my Rocco Basile website for anyone interested.