Over 50 million children attend school across America; however, despite this over 25 million of them do not have access to the safe spaces that after school programs provide, raising concerns among parents and caregivers over the mental health and academic recovery of children left unsupervised in crucial after school hours. These concerns have been supported by studies that show after school programs playing key roles in enhancing social and emotional development as well as providing a sense of community and safety for children across the country.
While the importance of these after school programs is readily apparent to parents and guardians of children it can be less clear as to why this and issue that effects all Americans. Studies from the National Institute of Health have shown that these programs help reduce teens’ and children’s exposure to crime, substance abuse and risky situations as well as teen pregnancy, gang involvement and substance abuse.
With grant programs like Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers at risk in this era of government cuts, our children and our communities will face growing issues related to these areas of concern.
SOURCES: https://www.nea.org/)
Shore Points Grant Professionals 