NIOST Applauds Out-of-School Time Funding for FY2018

March 27, 2018

hallThe National Institute on Out-of-School Time applauds Congress' passage last week of funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) and other out-of-school-time (OST) programs for fiscal year 2018.

The budget just passed includes $1.21 billion in funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) for fiscal year 2018, $20 million over last year's level. The 21st CCLC program provides grants to states to support a variety of afterschool and summer learning programs for students in high-poverty, low-performing schools. It currently serves 1.6 million students and families; the new budget will allow it to make programs available for 20,000 more of the 19.4 million currently waiting for access, according to the Afterschool Alliance. The initial FY2018 budget proposal had eliminated the program, but it was put back after a multitude of organizations including NIOST reached out to Congress with over 100,000 calls and e-mails. Also funded was the Child Care Development Block Grant (CCDBG), which provides low-income families with a voucher for childcare, and a number of other programs that support out-of-school and summer learning.

"Research from NIOST and others has shown that OST is an essential part of young people’s development," said NIOST Director and Senior Research Scientist Georgia Hall. "It can improve their physical and emotional well-being, inspire them in STEM fields, promote equity, and empower youth to become engaged learners and participating citizens, among other things. We are pleased that the new federal budget will allow the 21st CCLC program and other OST initiatives to continue helping our nation's children and youth."

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been an anchor for numerous school age care projects we do, including ASQ (After-School Quality) and Links to Learning. They are a nationally respected organization that Pennsylvania has partnered with for over 20 years."



    – Betsy O. Saatman, TA Specialist/SAC Initiatives, Pennsylvania Key
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST was a core partner in supporting the development of quality improvement systems across the nine cities that participated in The Wallace Foundation Next Generation Afterschool System-Building Initiative. The NIOST team worked well with other technical assistance partners in the initiative, always willing to pitch in and collaborate with others to make our professional learning community meetings a team effort. I truly hope the Foundation has an opportunity to partner with them in the future."


    – Priscilla M. Little, Initiative Manager, The Wallace Foundation

  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "NIOST has been a leader in the out-of-school time field for as long as I can remember, and I have relied on their research, tools, and advice to improve my practice throughout my career. Their staff members are good partners and good listeners, and their influence across the country is palpable."


    – Jane Quinn, Vice President and Director of National Center for Community Schools, Children's Aid Society
  • PEOPLE ARE SAYING

    "Georgia Hall, Ellen Gannett, and the NIOST team have been instrumental in driving the healthy afterschool movement. Their dedication to quality practice, informed policy, and collective impact is instrumental in our effort to create healthier communities."



    – Daniel W. Hatcher, Director, Community Partnerships, Alliance for a Healthier Generation

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The National Institute on Out-of-School Time

A program of the Wellesley Centers for Women at Wellesley College

Wellesley Centers for Women
Wellesley College
106 Central Street
Wellesley, MA 02481-8203 USA

niost@wellesley.edu
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