After-School Programs

Nationally, 18 percent of children attend some type of extended day program, up from 15 percent in 2009.

But demand still outpaces supply, and New Jersey has lost its place among the top 10 states as other states increased their investment in the programs and New Jersey cut funding. According to the report, about 36 percent of New Jersey parents surveyed would send their child if a program were available.

In January, Gov. Chris Christie suggested the state consider a longer school day. After-school advocates say their programs already offer the same benefits at a lower cost. But the state cut the $10 million funding for NJAfter3 in the 2010-11 budget crunch and it was never restored.

“It is a lot cheaper to run a great after-school program than to fund a longer school day,” said Lee Schaefer, policy director for the N.J. School-Age Care Coalition. “And it’s a very cost-effective way to deal with the academic achievement gap.”

Jodi Grant, a researcher for the Afterschool Alliance said quality after-school programs meet three needs: They help working parents, keep children safe and inspire learning.

Programs in low-income areas are largely grant-funded through federal 21st Century Learning Center grants. Local participants include the Atlantic City Boys and Girls Club, Wildwood, Pleasantville, Egg Harbor City, Mullica Township, Wildwood and a consortium of four Cumberland County schools working through the Cumberland Empowerment Zone.
Entire story at
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/communities/lower_capemay/learning-extends-to-fun-after-hours/article_5a8f4e46-6306-11e4-902a-d39ee2522e20.html