Time for Letter to US Senators

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Re: Continue Federal Support for Afterschool and Summer Learning Programs


Dear Senator:

Please ensure that any reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) includes continued support and authorization of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative that provides funding to local school-community partnerships in order to provide quality afterschool and summer learning programs to children. These funds provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools.

I am concerned that in the ESEA draft bill Every Child Ready for College or Career Act of 2015 proposed by Sen. Alexander, eliminates all the funding currently supporting thousands of students in afterschool and summer programs in Allegheny County. This year the 21st CCLC brings in over 6 million to support afterschool and summer program. 86% of parents support public funding for afterschool and summer programs.

Please support a dedicated funding stream like 21st CCLC that leverages the resources of for-profits, faith based organizations, community based organizations (CBOs), tribal organizations, non-profits, local government, colleges and universities in addition to school districts, to provide students the support they need to succeed in school and life.

Given these concerns, we strongly urge Congress to maintain authorization of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) initiative and strengthen it as proposed in the bipartisan Afterschool for America’s Children Act.

Sincerely,