A mayor for after school
ASAP is thrilled that Mayor Parker is proposing new investments in enrichment programming as part of her vision for year-round schooling to keep our kids safe. Following her budget address, Councilmember and Chair of the Committee on Children and Youth Anthony Phillips voiced his support to WHYY: “robust out-of-school type programming will help us with violence prevention.”
Since the mayoral transition, ASAP has worked closely with other afterschool programming advocates to help advocate for the Mayor’s vision to include of out-of-school-time for Philadelphia youth. A lot of this work also involves connecting both City and School District administration.
Most recently, the District announced it would end controversial practice of leveling — which in the past had made it challenging for ASAP to retain and recruit after school club leaders, a majority of whom are school teachers, each fall. This unpredictable yearly shuffle was hugely disruptive to students of all ages, and we are optimistic that its abolishment is a sign of more decisions to come from District and City leaders that center the needs of Philly kids. Our kids need that stability.
District nearing a fiscal cliff
But unfortunately, the District is still facing a fiscal cliff in the near future, and planning for a 2024-25 school year without the federal COVID relief funding. That funding provided 8,000 students with spots in an after school program, almost 2,000 of which are ASAP programs. Without committed funding from the City, state, or District, this means that come Fall 2024, thousands of Philly kids will be left without an after school program. We need your help to advocate for new funding and keep our kids safe and engaged after school!
How to become an Afterschool Advocate!
If you’re reading this, we know you care about our youth having access to safe, enriching spaces after school and in the summer!
Check out these three ways to help advocate for Philly kids and the importance of safe and enriching after school spaces:
Contact your City Councilmember
Contact your City Councilmember and share a brief message on what afterschool programming means to you or your family. Not sure how to contact your Councilmember directly? Find your Councilmember’s contact info here.
Submit written testimony
Submit written testimony to the School District of Philadelphia School Board of Education, or speak at a School Board meeting on the importance of robust afterschool programs.
Share your story!
At ASAP we care about YOUR story!
- Why are after school programs important to you and your family?
- What did it mean to be part of an after school community ?
- How did after school programs help keep your kids safe while you were at work?
- What did you learn about your community when volunteering with ASAP?
Share your afterschool story with ASAP. Whether you are a current student or program alum, parent or caregiver, afterschool professional, teacher, or volunteer — we want to make your voice heard! Your stories help ASAP and partner organizations alike make the case for after school in Philadelphia. Together we can share our impact on social media, through newsletters, and in conversations and with family and friends.
Advocates seize the moment!
The momentum in Philadelphia for afterschool programming has rarely been stronger. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment to capitalize on unprecedented mayoral AND School District support. With your help, ASAP can give even more students access to quality programming that creates a greater sense of belonging at school, provides a safe haven, and lets students in every neighborhood of the city realize their potential.