INCREASING ACCESS TO QUALITY AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

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

WHEREAS, after-school programs provide extracurricularactivities 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 increasedschool attendance and graduation rates among students; and

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

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

1. Creating grant opportunities for building city-wideafter school initiatives to encourage access to all K12 students;

2. Providing support and incentives for professionaldevelopment training for staff and paraprofessionals;and

3. o Encouraging the development of evaluations to gaugethe impact of after-school programs and to identifyadditional needs, necessary enhancements, and supports

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Conference of Mayors encouragescollaboration among government agencies, non-profitorganizations and the business community to develop after-schoolprogramming.