"This additional money marks the first major increase in four years and should translate into approximately 11,000 more after-school slots statewide," said Lucy Friedman, President of TASC.
TASC has long believed that learning and fun should not stop when the 3:00 p.m. dismissal bell rings and increased funding for Advantage ensures that more of New York's children and young people will have access to enriching activities in the after school hours. After-school programs give kids the chance to participate in arts, sports and academic activities that are not always available to them during the regular school day such as painting, soccer, cooking clubs, yoga, chess and small group homework help. After-school programs also help students feel more connected to their schools, explore career paths and develop mentoring relationships. These additional slots will help to prepare New York's young people for the workforce while also assisting working parents," Friedman added.
The Governor's Advantage After-School Program provides funding for community and faith-based organizations to operate after-school programs for young people ranging in ages between 5 and 19 years old. Most programs are school-based and operate three hours every school day. In addition to a range of academic, cultural and recreational activities, Advantage programs focus on pregnancy and violence prevention strategies.
Contact: Susan Brenna; sbrenna@tascorp.org
