NLC Selects Seven Cities for Further Technical Assistance on Building Afterschool Systems
by Lane Russell
Seven cities have been selected to participate in phase two of an NLC project to improve and expand out-of-school time learning opportunities for children and youth. Albany, N.Y.; Morgantown, W.Va.; Omaha, Neb.; Tampa, Fla.; Tulsa, Okla.; St. Paul, Minn.; and Vancouver, Wash., will receive further technical assistance from NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF) through the City Leaders Supporting Afterschool and A New Day for Learning project, which is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.
As part of the second phase of this project, municipal leaders, school district officials and community partners will receive in-depth help and support over a one-year period to develop and sustain citywide out-of-school time systems that build on in-school learning. A citywide systems approach to afterschool aligns resources and responsibilities among cities, schools, businesses, community-based organizations and other key stakeholders. Cities participating in the project will draw upon a wide array of community resources that can enhance student learning.
During phase one, the YEF Institute worked with eight cities selected from a pool of 38 applicants to identify and document their strengths and challenges to addressing afterschool needs. The project cities brought together city, school and community partners to form task forces and develop action plans outlining their objectives and timetables for implementation. The seven cities selected for phase two will receive more intensive assistance and plan to focus on a broad range of areas, such as program quality, transportation systems, opportunities for middle school youth, availability of summer programs and sustainable financial support.
Albany
The Albany Community Afterschool Network is focused on afterschool opportunities for middle school age youth, and plans to create a transportation system linking these youth to afterschool programs. The network has an inclusive membership, with participation from school district representatives, Albany Common Council members, law enforcement agencies, faith-based organizations, work force development agencies and other service providers.
Morgantown
The City of Morgantown’s action plan outlines goals to support and enhance existing programs, while increasing community awareness, improving professional development opportunities, coordinating available summer programs and creating quality standards for all out-of-school time learning opportunities.
Omaha
Omaha seeks to adopt quality standards for all afterschool activities offered throughout the city and to improve learning opportunities available for middle school youth. The city plans to strengthen the Greater Omaha After School Alliance, and expand its public awareness campaign.
Tampa
The City of Tampa will bring stakeholders together to develop a sustainability plan for the extended learning opportunities available in Tampa.
The city participates in the Partnership for Out of School Time, a coalition of afterschool providers that are working to assure that high-quality out-of-school time opportunities are accessible, affordable, inclusive and accountable.
Tulsa
Tulsa leaders will develop a stable network of programs, adopt universal standards for continuous quality assessment of afterschool activities, provide professional development to program providers and develop an accessible transportation system.
“We know the importance that quality out-of-school time programming brings to building a strong work force by curbing dropout rates and juvenile crime, as well as helping to strengthen families,” said Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor.
St. Paul
St. Paul’s action plan includes goals for building a permanent structure that can support a citywide out-of-school learning system. St. Paul’s youth-centered, citywide transportation system is a key component of the plan.
“Today it takes more than a school system to educate a child,” said St. Paul Mayor Christopher B. Coleman. “It takes a community of support services, including social and health and wellness programs, quality out-of-school time learning opportunities, and neighborhood engagement activities that link with learning opportunities provided by the school system. All play a critical role in ensuring that Saint Paul’s young people thrive in a seamless culture of learning.”
Vancouver
The City of Vancouver will formalize an entity to coordinate out-of-school time programs, assess existing programs, identify gaps in services, establish common standards for program activities and develop an outreach campaign that will increase community support for out-of-school time programs.
“I strongly believe our community has a responsibility to provide safe, educational and enjoyable activities for our young people,” said Vancouver Mayor Royce E. Pollard. “For some, the afterschool hours provide the chance to be with friends, play sports, pursue interests and engage in challenging activities. But for many home alone, the afterschool hours present serious risks for substance abuse, crime, violence and other at-risk behaviors. It is our responsibility as community leaders to do all we can to make sure our children are presented with greater opportunities and fewer risks.”
Details: To learn more about YEF Institute afterschool initiatives, visit www.nlc.org/iyef or contact Bela Shah at (202) 626-3057 or shah@nlc.org.
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