advancing the welfare of our children;
and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has provided significant
leadership in the area of community involvement in the education
and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that
quality after-school programs are key to helping our children
become successful adults; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that every $1 invested in after-
school programs saves $3 by increasing students' earning
potential, improving students' performance at school and
reducing crime and welfare costs; and
WHEREAS, For students in kindergarten through twelfth grade,
more than 89% of their time is spent learning outside school
during after-school and summer programs, in libraries, museums
and science centers or at home or in the community; and
WHEREAS, After-school programs engage students in hands-on,
real world science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
projects to help build vital 21st-century skills, cultivate an
interest in STEM and offer innovative ways for students to
connect STEM to their lives and community; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 19.4 million families report that they
would enroll their child in an after-school program if one were
available; and
WHEREAS, After-school programs can provide holistic support
for children and improve the development of social and emotional
competencies, such as problem solving, critical thinking and
interpersonal skills; and
WHEREAS, Many after-school programs across the country are
facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced
to close their doors and turn off their lights; and
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