
Advocates Say After-School Programs Are at Risk of Losing Funding
Clip: 11/18/2024 | 4m 25sVideo has Closed Captions
Organizations are sounding the alarm, saying there's a state budget crisis.
Illinois lawmakers approved $50 million for after-school and summer programs, but advocates say that funding hasn’t reached schools yet.
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Advocates Say After-School Programs Are at Risk of Losing Funding
Clip: 11/18/2024 | 4m 25sVideo has Closed Captions
Illinois lawmakers approved $50 million for after-school and summer programs, but advocates say that funding hasn’t reached schools yet.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship>> Organizations providing after school programs for students are sounding the alarm saying there's a statewide funding crisis.
Illinois lawmakers approved 50 million dollars for after-school and summer programs.
But advocates say that funding has been reached schools yet this delay leave Chicago public schools and local organizations facing difficult cuts.
>> The zone meeting that we had the time.
It was the one landing.
Elizabeth Childs is a program manager for an after-school program Haley Academy Elementary School operated in partnership with the YMCA having this program opens the door.
parents know that they chad have a safe haven to go to.
So where where they're supervised.
They're getting help homework.
Now the afterschool program is in jeopardy of losing funding.
Much of after school and community school work is cramped beast.
And the downside to being Graham paste is that grants come to an end.
Many organizations are now facing challenges due to Chicago.
Public schools, funding cuts expiring federal grants in COVID relief dollars drying up.
Mr. Last year, Illinois lawmakers approved 50 million dollars in new funding for after-school programming.
>> But those funds have yet to be distributed.
Eric, we're to overseas community programming for the YMCA says this funding was intended to help stabilize after school programs throughout the state that it shouldn't be that every year certain programs or are facing the end.
And so when the 50 million dollars was we were incredibly excited because we looked at it as a game changer.
>> He According to advocates more than 13,000 students have already lost after school programming.
Susan Stanton, the director of act now, Illinois Coalition advocating for youth programming, says that number is likely to rise if funding doesn't improve.
A lot of programs are really hoping that there would be at least the opportunity to compete for more funding by the New Year.
And at this point, given that we're already in November, it that doesn't feel is likely.
And so we're expecting another huge.
>> Kind of portion of closures and layoffs as we get into kind of the holiday season.
>> Jobs right now, like they say they're hiring and they don't hires.
Chicago debates is also experiencing the effects of funding The commitment from CPS makes up about a 3rd.
>> Of our annual budget.
So I mean, we're a small organization.
So you lose a small chunk of that.
And that makes a big difference in what you can do.
>> The organization has collaborated with CPS schools across the city since 1987 introducing students to the art of debate due to funding cuts.
It has reduced its outreach from 104 schools.
2.70, schools schools now have to >> pay for their own transportation.
Right to get to the tournaments have to pay for their own supplies because of that reality.
Some schools are saying we just don't have the budget to do that.
What about you?
That's a thing.
>> Sharon Mitchell and alumnus for the debate program at Morgan Park.
High School is now the Cook County Public Defender.
He says the program opened doors for him.
This program been serving the community.
>> Serving our community for so long and not just like the folks with the most right.
You're talking about hubris in title one schools right?
You're talking a lot of black and brown kids that may have that kind.
That opportunity.
Special program.
>> As funding dwindles programs like Chicago debates and the YMCA seek alternative solutions to keep their initiatives running.
The program said Mother Elizabeth Child says play a crucial role in supporting under-served communities.
>> When I told the parents they might not have this program anymore.
They like lifesavers.
You all create stability.
>> And the Illinois State Board of Education is taxed with expound listing the distribution system for the funds.
Although the board was unable to provide a specific timeline for the rollout of this system, they indicated they are working with the General Assembly and how to proceed the board also says
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