Governor Signs Landmark Legislation Boosting Access to After School Programs

CHICAGO, July 27 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation that sets the stage to improve access to after school programs for Illinois youth was signed into law today by Gov. Quinn at After School Matters in Chicago. The legislation passed the state legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support earlier this year.  

The Illinois Afterschool Youth Development Program Act (SB 3543) establishes, for the first time, access to after school programs as a priority in state policy. It brings together a diverse group of parents, youth, community leaders and policy advisors to help strengthen after school efforts. First steps will include conducting an inventory of all state-funded after school programs, establishing standards for best practices and evaluating program results.

"Good after school programs help our students succeed even after the school day ends," said Governor Pat Quinn. "When students are involved in after school activities, they spend their free time learning and being productive, rather than roaming the streets and possibly getting into trouble."

The Act will improve cost-effectiveness of providing services, and initial implementation costs will be minimal.  Private funding to cover up-front costs is being pursued.  

"Far too many kids are missing out on the benefits of after school activities, and this is an opportunity to tackle that need," said lead sponsor State Sen. Toi Hutchinson.  "This law will help ensure that programs are not only top-notch, but cost-effective."

"Across the state, after school programs have a proven track record of keeping kids and communities safe by reducing violence and delinquent behavior.  They also improve academic achievement.  Youth with high levels of participation in after school programs have higher graduation rates and lower drop-out rates," said Kathy Ryg, President, Voices for Illinois Children.

"A decade ago, the General Assembly recognized the importance of pre-K and early childhood education and acted to bring rigor to the design and delivery of these programs. The Illinois Afterschool Youth Development Program Act will ensure that the investments that we make in the early childhood years will be sustained over a child's development up through adolescence and into adulthood," said Mary Ellen Caron, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services.

ACT Now! (Afterschool 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 policymakers 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!