Superintendent O'Connell Urges Schools to Apply for Funds

LOS ANGELES — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today announced that $550 million in new After School Education and Safety (ASES) funding is available to create and improve before- and after-school programs. O'Connell encouraged all eligible education agencies to apply for the funds.

"These funds will allow us to provide a safe haven for kids before and after school," O'Connell said. "Quality after-school programs provide educational enrichment, physical activities, support for students who are struggling to meet the standards, and homework assistance. Studies show that all of these factors help students improve academically. I look forward to seeing these funds put to good use throughout our state."

O'Connell highlighted the new opportunity to create and expand high-quality after-school programs at Griffin Elementary School in Los Angeles, where he applauded programs offered by LA's BEST as an example of the type he would like to see replicated statewide.

"Our top priority at the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is providing the best possible education for our children," said LAUSD Superintendent Roy Romer. "Kids are often most vulnerable in the hours after school, and offering safe and enriching environments for students during these hours is crucial to achieving our goals."

"LA's BEST board members and staff have worked hand in hand with the Governor, the Legislature, the California Department of Education, and the City of Los Angeles to see after school expand to a $700 million investment in California," said LA's BEST Board Chair Jerry Katell. "We know from 18 years experience the difference after-school programs like LA's BEST can make in the education of children."

The $550 million for ASES comprises $428 million provided by Proposition 49, an initiative that was sponsored by then-private citizen Arnold Schwarzenegger and passed by the voters in 2002, and other state funding totaling about $122 million.

ASES is designed to encourage education agencies to create locally driven before- and after-school programs at schools or other sites that provide a safe and educationally enriching alternative for students during non-school hours. Enrichment activities such as computer training, fine arts, and physical fitness may be included. Part of the funding process requires applicants to collaborate with families, community organizations, law enforcement agencies, and the private sector to develop these programs.

To qualify for the funds, programs must have an educational and literacy component to provide tutoring and/or homework assistance in one or more subjects including language arts, mathematics, history, social science, or science; and an educational enrichment component that may include recreation and prevention activities such as visual and performing arts, music, physical activity, health promotion, and general recreation; career awareness and work preparation activities; community service-learning; and other youth development activities based on student needs and interests.

Every public elementary, middle, and junior high school in California is eligible for an ASES grant. Elementary schools may receive an annual direct grant of up to $112,500. Middle and junior high schools may receive up $150,000 annually. The amount will be based on the number of students a program would serve, the number of days a program would operate, and the rate per pupil. The daily rate per pupil is $7.50 for an after-school component. Eligible applicants may access the requests for applications posted on the California Department of Education (CDE) Web site at Funding Profile (ID 744): After School Education and Safety.

The CDE is planning a series of 11 statewide regional orientations for ASES program grantees. The meetings will provide grantees with critical information and strategies they need to develop and successfully implement after-school programs. The orientations, starting in January 2007,will be co-hosted by the CDE, the California Afterschool Network, and the Advisory Committee on Before and After School Programs.

For more information about ASES, please visit After School Education & Safety Program - Before & After School.