(Oct. 2014) The latest America After 3 PM Report, released Thursday by the Afterschool Alliance, highlights the growing disparity in afterschool participation and program availability throughout the state. As the largest provider of afterschool care in New York State, the Y is calling on state lawmakers to increase investments in afterschool programs so that all of New York State’s students have the opportunity to participate in a quality afterschool program.
America After 3 PM’s 2014 survey ranks New York eighth in the nation in afterschool participation, falling from second in the nation when the survey was last conducted in 2009. This drop coincides with a 35 percent decrease in statewide afterschool funding since 2009. The exception is New York City where Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration invested $338 million in afterschool and summer programs in 2014. The new America After 3 PM data also indicates that 85 percent of parents surveyed statewide support public funding for afterschool programs.
At the Y, we are committed to serving all members of our community and are able to do so through subsidized and sponsored programs. New York State is now ranked 26th nationally for afterschool opportunities for low-income students. Restored state funding will help the Y and other youth-serving organizations provide afterschool opportunities to students at all income levels.
“YMCA afterschool programs afford children with a safe and developmentally appropriate experience that benefits their social, emotional and academic growth,” Kyle Stewart, Executive Director of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, said. “At the Y, we also encourage parent engagement as an essential element in our high-quality programs that bolsters kids’ participation and provides a positive influence to help our children succeed. “
Research suggests that regular participation in high-quality afterschool programs over several years can help close the achievement gap between low and high-income students. It has also been found to increase school engagement and school attendance, reduce risks of substance abuse and involvement in juvenile crime, and increase access to adult mentors. The Alliance of New York State YMCAs respectfully asks that New York State restore statewide afterschool funding so that all of our children and youth have an opportunity to participate in these enriching programs.
Gregg Howells, Executive Director of the Rye YMCA and Chair of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs Board of Directors, said, “Working parents rely on safe and affordable care for their children during the afterschool hours. YMCA’s across the country provide this care each and every day and increased funding will ensure that all children have a safe place to go afterschool while their parents are at work.”
David Brown, President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA, said: “At the Y, we believe all children deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. In the Y’s afterschool programs, youth cultivate values, skills and relationships and have an extra support system in place that encourages them to achieve success.”
Hank Leo, CEO of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley and chair of the Alliance of New York State YMCAs Child Care Committee, said, “I, along with hundreds of my colleagues believe strongly in the need for increased funding for YMCA after school programs. It is proven that by engaging children in meaningful, creative, and interactive programs, during critical times of the day, they avert many negative behaviors while building self-esteem, friendships and improved home lives. The Y, a leader in child care and family programs locally, statewide and throughout the country, needs additional funding to fill the gap between rising parent costs and declining resources.”