Governor Quinn to Sign Landmark Legislation Boosting Access to After School Programs

CHICAGO, July 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released today by ACT Now!:

What: Governor Quinn will sign into law landmark legislation that will improve access to after school programs in Illinois.

Who: Governor Patrick Quinn

After school program directors, participants and advocates

When: July 27, 2010; 9:30 a.m.

Where: After School Matters, 66 E. Randolph Street

Why:  Youth with high levels of participation in after school programs have lower drop-out rates and higher graduation rates and miss fewer days of school.  Yet on any given day, three-quarters of Chicago public high school students cannot access programs due to insufficient funding.

A new bill, overwhelmingly passed both chambers of the Illinois legislature, will establish access to after school programs as state policy.  First steps will include conducting an inventory of all state-funded after school programs, establishing standards for best practices and evaluating program results.

ACT Now! (After school for Children and Teens Now) is a campaign to give all young people in Illinois access to quality after school programs. Its members include Illinois families, educators, business leaders, community advocates, youth organizations, and government who believe that an increased commitment to young people beyond the traditional school day is a crucial part of their growth into productive, healthy adults.

SOURCE ACT Now!