INCREASING ACCESS TO QUALITY AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

WHEREAS, after-school tutoring increases the academic achievement of students on state standardized tests; and

WHEREAS, after-school programs provide extracurricular activities that expose students to arts, culture, sports, leadership development, and career exploration opportunities;and

WHEREAS, after-school programs provide constructive activities, supervision, and safety for students outside of school hours;and

WHEREAS, after-school programs participation leads to increased school attendance and graduation rates among students; and

WHEREAS, after-school programs promote personal skills and social development of students,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors calls for federal, state and local levels of government to support cities and their districts in building and investing in quality after-school programming by:

• Creating grant opportunities for building city-wide after school initiatives to encourage access to all K-12 students;

• Providing support and incentives for professional development training for staff and paraprofessionals; and

• Encouraging the development of evaluations to gauge the impact of after-school programs and to identify additional needs, necessary enhancements, and supports

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference of Mayors encourages collaboration among government agencies, non-profit organizations and the business community to develop after-school programming.