More than 200 Students, Families and Providers Advocate for Increased State Funding for Quality Afterschool Programs at State Capitol

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 100 students joined educators, program professionals, community leaders and legislators to share their support for quality afterschool programs at 2025 Afterschool Advocacy Day, June 4, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol.

Read the full release and watch the event: www.psaydn.org/afterschool-advocacy-day/.

Speakers thanked the General Assembly for passing the $11.5 million Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) legislation last year and supported Governor Shapiro's proposed $10 million increase for the 2025–2026 fiscal year.

Speakers included:

• Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27)
• Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2)
• Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184)
• Representative Doyle Heffley (R-122)
• Nathan Brant, CEO, The Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, Harrisburg
• Youth Speaker, Vicky D., Afterschool Impact Award Winner for Outstanding Youth, The Academy at Palumbo, Philadelphia
• Youth Speaker, Cameron Jones, Youth Enrichment Services, Pittsburgh
• Ty'wann Martin, Youth Enrichment Services, Pittsburgh
• Ralph Rodriquez, Director and CEO, All You Can Leadership Academy, Harrisburg
• Steven Shuleski, Principal, Steelton-Highspire Jr./Sr. High School, Harrisburg

Governor Shapiro's proclamation of June 4 as Afterschool Advocacy Day "encourage[s] all Pennsylvanians to support the efforts of afterschool programs in the development of our Commonwealth's children."

"It is now more important than ever to support our students during the out-of-school time or summer months," stated Contrell Armor, PSAYDN director. "High quality out-of-school time programs offer transformative learning experiences for students and give parents peace of mind."

"[Afterschool] programs help bridge opportunity gaps and offer consistency that all students deserve," stated Senator Culver. "As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am focused on making sure every student is ready not just for graduation, but for a future in today's economy."

Senator Tartaglione stated, "Let's make sure every child, no matter what zip code they live in, has access to safe, enriching spaces after school."

Vicky D. shared, "This program has provided me with a community of mentors, lifelong friends, and countless opportunities to expand beyond my comfort zone as a scholar, athlete and advocate for my community."

PSAYDN at Center for Schools and Communities supports and advocates for sustainable, high-quality afterschool programs by uniting decision-makers committed to improve outcomes for youth, families and communities. With 3,000 members, 6,000+ recognized OST providers, and 100+ partners across Pennsylvania, PSAYDN strengthens afterschool at the national, state and regional levels. www.psaydn.org

Contact: Kelly Swanson, 717-992-5964, [email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network