Afterschool Advocate Page 1 of 10

Volume 7, Issue 6, July 13, 2006

ONE IN FIVE NEW ENGLAND CHILDREN UNSUPERVISED LIGHTS ON AFTERSCHOOL 2006 AFTER SCHOOL Lights on Afterschool will be Thursday, Across New England, one in five children October 12th this year! It is the only has no safe, supervised activity after the nationwide event celebrating afterschool school day ends. The lack of adult programs. Last year’s event included 7,500 supervision means these children are left to rallies. Help us grow this event and send the take care of themselves at a time of day when message that afterschool programs keep kids juvenile crime peaks, and when a range of safe, inspire them to learn, and help working inappropriate behaviors beckon, including families! Go to drugs and alcohol, gangs and teen sex. Those www.afterschoolalliance.org/lights_on/index. are among the findings of New England After cfm for tools and information, and check back 3 PM, a new report from the Afterschool often for updates. Alliance that was released in conjunction with You can also use Lights On to raise the Governor’s Afterschool money. Events offer sponsors valuable Summit in Boston. exposure to the media, families and While much work remains to be done customers, along with the chance to show before families’ need for afterschool they care about the community. The programs is met, New England nevertheless is Afterschool Alliance has created tools to help. showing signs of seizing national leadership Visit Funding Tools at in providing afterschool for all, the report www.afterschoolalliance.org, or says. Through regional commitment and www.afterschoolalliance.org/funding_main.cf cooperation, the area’s schoolchildren could m to see 10 Tips for Getting (and Keeping) one day have the best afterschool Sponsors, and 32 Ways to Give Sponsors opportunities in the nation. Exposure at your Lights On Afterschool Made possible by support from the Nellie Event. Mae Education Foundation, the report is the Do you have questions about using Lights first ever to focus on afterschool across New On Afterschool to raise funds? Do you have England. It was released in late May after a success story to share regarding how you Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney’s secured funding for your program through Afterschool Summit in Boston. The event Lights On? Email your questions and success featured experts from all six New England stories to [email protected] by states, as well as Nellie Mae Education August 11. The Afterschool Alliance will post Foundation President and CEO Blenda responses to your questions and share Wilson. relevant success stories on August 15th at New England continued on page three… www.afterschoolalliance.org/funding_forum.cfm.

Afterschool Advocate Page 2 of 10 LAWMAKER OUTREACH

The week of July 17, the Senate Appropriations Committee will consider the Labor-Health & Human Services-Education (LHHS-Ed) bill, which funds 21st Century Community Learning Centers. This bill is the best chance to win any increase in funding for afterschool programs next year. Many important programs are facing cuts or even elimination next year, and even with the $5 billion the Senate Appropriations Committee added above the President’s budget request, Senators will not be able to restore many programs to their FY 2005 levels.

Advocates can make a real difference by urging both their Senators to support afterschool programs in the LHHS-Ed appropriation next week. A sample letter follows. Please tailor it to reflect your experience and perspective. You can send emails through the Afterschool Alliance website, at www.afterschoolalliance.org, by clicking on the blue Contact Congress box on the left. Phone calls are especially effective; the Capitol switchboard is 202/224-3121.

The Honorable [Name] United States Senate , D.C. 20510

Dear [Senator Name]:

As an afterschool professional in [Anytown], I ask you to increase funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers afterschool initiative in the FY 2007 Labor-HHS-Education bill.

Afterschool programs are critical to children and families in [Anytown] and across []. The program I direct at [Calvin Coolidge Middle School] serves [325] children each weekday afternoon. We keep them safe; provide them with tutoring, homework help, and other academic assistance; and engage them in constructive, adult-supervised activities. Our parents know that, when their children are with us, they’re being helped along the path to success in school and life.

Unfortunately, federal funding for afterschool programs is now more than $1 billion behind the level authorized in the No Child Left Behind Act. Several years of level-funding and small cuts have resulted in programs across our state being forced to reduce hours, serve fewer children or close their doors.

Research by the Afterschool Alliance has shown that just 6.5 million children are in afterschool programs nationwide, while the parents of another 15.3 million children say their children would participate if an afterschool program were available. Without an increase in funding, more children will spend their afternoons home alone or on the street.

Afterschool is a wise investment in the future. I urge you to increase funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers afterschool initiative. Thank you very much.

Sincerely, Name, Title, Program Afterschool Advocate Page 3 New England continued from page one… AFTERSCHOOL According to New England After 3 PM: STUDENTS WIN TORANI ART CONTEST Only 14 percent of New England

schoolchildren (just over 347,600) This fall, Torani Cherry and French participate in afterschool programs, while Vanilla syrups will sport new, limited-edition 22 percent (just over 546,200) are alone art labels designed by Cooperative for After- and unsupervised during the hours after School Enrichment students Alejandra Garcia, school. 10, of Crockett Elementary and Alina Unmet demand for afterschool across the Arevalo, 8, of Sherman Elementary, both in region is high; the parents of more than Houston. The students’ artwork was selected 640,000 New England children would from hundreds of entries submitted by sign their children up for afterschool if a afterschool students around the country. program were available. Torani, the number one specialty syrup maker The overwhelming majority of parents of in North America, will donate five percent of children in afterschool programs approve the product’s sales from August through of the care their children receive: 88 December to the Afterschool Alliance. percent of New England parents are Both children entered the contest through extremely or somewhat satisfied with the their afterschool programs. Arevalo, a quiet afterschool program their child attends. second-grader, was inspired to paint her

winning picture by her afterschool teacher. “I “We’re hoping New England policy feel so happy,” she said about winning. “I makers will recognize the merit of working was thinking that a flower would be nice to together as a region to make afterschool put on a bottle because they might like it. It’s available to all children, and set a brisk pace nice to look at flowers and they smell good. I for the rest of the nation,” said Afterschool think [my painting] is pretty.” Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. Sherman Elementary Principal Emilia “Working separately, the states have made Cardenas says the afterschool program plays good progress and, indeed, only is an important role in her students’ lives. “I outpacing the region as a whole. But there’s love the program because they’re not out on much more to do.” the streets or going home to watch TV all New England After 3 PM identifies a afternoon while their parents are at work…[at number of successful afterschool initiatives in the afterschool program] we try to find their the region, including Citizen Schools, BELL hidden talents.” and SquashBusters in Massachusetts; In honor of the young artists, Torani Providence Afterschool Alliance, Afterzones sponsored Italian soda and pizza parties at and Community Schools in ; Out both afterschool programs, giving the girls a of School Matters! in ; and further opportunity to enjoy their newfound the EdGE in . To view the report, visit fame. Garcia was excited about the party www.afterschoolalliance.org/NE_after_3pm.p being thrown in her honor. She said she df. really enjoys her afterschool program and that

she “like[s] it most because, after we do our homework, we can have fun.” This is the second year that Torani has sponsored an Art on Labels contest in support of afterschool. Last year, the winners were from afterschool programs in Tucson,

Afterschool Advocate Page 4 Arizona and Fort Worth, Texas. For more afterschool programs mean to them, their information on Torani, visit www.torani.com. siblings, parents and friends. These budding advocates gathered in the Youth Lounge, where they honed their advocacy skills, met with peers from across the nation, and YOUTH ADVOCATE FOR prepared to talk with congressional leaders about why afterschool programs matter to AFTERSCHOOL youth. Ranging in age from 10 to 19, some youth While afterschool advocates of all ages advocates shared their views on afterschool in spoke out at the fifth annual Afterschool for an informal survey, and many said getting All Challenge in Washington DC this spring, extra homework help and attention from staff many of the youngest supporters – those who were significant benefits offered by benefit most directly from afterschool afterschool programs. Erika, 10, said that her programs – carried their messages furthest afterschool program offers her “more time to through the halls of Congress. Emily Walden, think about what happened in school… to do 11, of Lander, Wyoming, and Nicole Lasky, my homework and get help right there.” 18, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, took great Nicke, 15, said that afterschool staff “spend pride in coming to Washington, D.C. to tell time making sure that I understand what is lawmakers about the powerful role being taught.” afterschool has played in their lives. Survey participants also felt that their Walden, who will be in seventh grade this afterschool programs improved their self- fall, told lawmakers she loves the Power Hour confidence and leadership skills. No doubt where she gets help with her homework, and these skills came in handy when discussing enjoys the speed-stacking activities at her the benefits of their programs with their program. “If there was no program, I would Senators and Representatives at the go home alone and try to figure out my Challenge! homework on my own,” she said. Walden enjoyed visiting the city, citing the dome at the Capital as her favorite landmark. Her trip was sponsored by Washington Partners, LLC, a full service government affairs and public ADVOCATES SPUR GROWTH OF relations consulting firm. AFTERSCHOOL CAUCUSES Lasky, a youth leader in her community in Albuquerque, traveled to Washington with Since afterschool advocates met with Lanny Leyba of the New Mexico Forum for Members of Congress in May at the Youth. Lasky delivered presentations before Afterschool for All Challenge, ten members of state leaders and youth advocates at the Congress have joined the Afterschool Challenge and offered advice to both groups Caucuses: Senators Thad Cochran (R-MS), on how to incorporate youth into afterschool Jack Reed (D-RI) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT), advocacy efforts. Their trip was sponsored by as well as Representatives (R- Winning Connections, a Washington, DC- AR), Jeb Bradley (R-NH), based grassroots advocacy firm. (D-RI), John Lewis (D-GA), Tim Ryan (D- OH), Robert Simmons (R-CT), and Joe Youth Advocates Share Views Wilson (R-SC). In addition to Walden and Lasky, more Congratulations to advocates from these than 60 other young people traveled to states who worked so diligently to get the new Washington to tell lawmakers what their Members to join! Go to www.afterschoolalliance.org/caucuses.cfm to

Afterschool Advocate Page 5 see if your Senators and Representative are offer innovative and high-quality learning Caucus members. If not, please contact their activities that complement the lessons of the offices and encourage them to join and show school day, to be entered into a national their support for afterschool. database of high quality programs. The initiative is sponsored by a grant from the C.S. Mott Foundation. Afterschool programs selected as winners will gain national recognition through a IN THEIR OWN WORDS… calendar and website. In addition, all entries are eligible for $50 gift certificates, chosen at random. For an activity or program to be “The most important thing we can actually do considered for inclusion in the database, it right now is preventatives, including more must demonstrate the following criteria: afterschool programs for our middle-school engagement, capacity, and continuity. children.” Please visit --At-Large Councilwoman Sue Lovell, www.learningpt.org/page.php?pageID=212 Houston Chronicle, June 11, 2006 for more information. Applicants can also get information from K.C. Diedrich at [email protected] or 312/288-7610. “Many people believe kids are most likely to get in trouble at night or on the weekends, but it is really the afterschool hours that law enforcement worries about.” -- Sacramento, California Police Chief Albert AFTERSCHOOL PROFILE: Najera, Inside Bay Area, June 21, 2006 CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF PITTSBURGH VOLUNTEEN PROGRAM “The time between kids getting home from school and parents getting home from work is Summers are a busy time at the Children’s the worst time for them to get into trouble and Museum of Pittsburgh – and not just on the get pregnant. This program has had an exhibit floor. Like so many organizations that enormous positive effect not only on residents provide afterschool programs during the but also on the community… More programs regular school year, the Museum runs a of this nature are needed, not just in the related summer program. But at the Museum, projects, but throughout the city.” there’s a twist: while child and adult visitors -- St. Clair County Circuit Judge Milton are flocking to the rich array of hands-on, Wharton, on the Griffin Center afterschool interactive exhibits, participants in the program, Belleville News-Democrat, June 25, Museum’s Summer VolunTEEN program 2006 take part in a program that mixes fun and learning with volunteer work. The program serves between 20 and 25 high school students from across the JOIN THE DATABASE OF HIGH- Pittsburgh area – including students from QUALITY LEARNING low-income neighborhoods in the city, middle PROGRAMS and upper income suburban communities and rural areas on the outskirts of town. “It’s

fabulous that we get teens from all over Learning Point Associates is seeking together in this very nurturing environment,” submissions from afterschool programs that

Afterschool Advocate Page 6 says Youth Programs Manager Alana Kulesa. contributions in case any are able and “There’s a territoriality here: If you’re in this disposed to give. On the other side of the school you don’t talk to kids in that school. ledger, the program delivers hundreds of But our program really mixes a diverse group hours of comparatively inexpensive labor for of students in a challenging and fun way, and the Museum. The program is also a great a lot of kids who wouldn’t ordinarily have proving ground for future employees and, made eye contact with each other become indeed, a number of summer participants have friends.” gone on to take jobs in the Museum. Over the course of the summer, teens in Kulesa says that many program the program work at a variety of tasks in the participants return in subsequent summers, museum – in visitors’ services, helping with and often volunteer during the school year as exhibits and more. Once a week, they join well. She also notes that the friendships workshops aimed at helping them develop a participants develop during the summer often variety of useful skills, including job last through the year, allowing children from readiness sessions, where they learn how to very different parts of the Pittsburgh area to write a resume and how to present well in a become and remain friends. Kulesa helps job interview; study skills seminars on how to keep those connections alive with regular prepare for tests and improve study skills; and email contact throughout the year. classes in various real-life skills, such as how “The kids really embrace the to manage personal finances. opportunity,” Kulesa says. “A lot of them see VolunTEENs also help out with the it as a chance to give something back. And Museum’s outreach efforts in the community, there’s no doubt that it helps them in lots of spreading the word at festivals and elsewhere. ways – giving them practical work The program also includes a monthly outing experience, or something interesting for their just for fun, to play miniature golf, visit a college applications. But I think all of them waterslide park, or take in a Pittsburgh Pirates get something useful out of it, and we just baseball game. love having them with us.” The program is primarily aimed at high school students, but because the Museum’s afterschool program during the regular school year serves middle schoolers, Kulesa involves IN THE NEWS… a handful of the afterschool children in the summer program. “It’s a good way for the National – President George W. Bush younger kids to stay involved with programs announced a countrywide commitment to through the entire year. And the high school America’s children, proclaiming June 4, 2006 kids really get along well with them. A lot of as National Child’s Day, reports US Federal the older kids take the younger ones under News. The White House encouraged their wing. But at the same time, it’s volunteers to work with afterschool programs empowering for the middle school kids, and mentor youth through USA Freedom because they know the museum a lot better, Corps. In honor of National Child’s Day, the and get to do some teaching of their own, President urged adults to “take an active role which for a 13-year-old is a really fabulous in helping nurture the minds and character of thing!” our Nation’s children.” Funding for the program comes largely from the United Way, as part of its support California – By pairing rescued horses with for the Museum’s youth programs. The children who have experienced crises, ranging Museum charges participants nothing, from parental separation to critical illness, the although it does solicit parents for SonRise Equestrian Foundation proves the

Afterschool Advocate Page 7 healing power of horses. A project of the participants can learn to record CDs, create National Heritage Foundation, the free videos, mix sound, dance and make program organizes meetings of children twice commercials. An initiative of the Pittsburgh a week after school, reports the Contra Costa Housing Authority, the Creative Arts Corner Times. Held at CW Training Stables in provides an outlet to inspire students after Castro Valley, each student is teamed with a school. Keith Kinnard, director of the mentor to learn the basics of riding and caring Housing Authority, offers free classes at the for rescued horses. For information, visit Creative Arts Corner to eligible youth. www.SonRiseEquestrianFoundation.org. Kinnard told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette he has contacted nearby schools “in an effort to – The Stuart Middle School’s Career link the creative work kids do in school to the Apprenticeship Program gives select eighth- projects they undertake in the studio in their graders the chance to develop work neighborhood.” experience, acquire job skills, and gain confidence – while earning $6.40 per hour, Virginia – Thomas Hunter Middle School’s reports the Palm Beach Post. The program Bug Brainiacs, an afterschool entomology pairs students with regional employers to club in Newport News, persuades youngsters nurture talents that may go ignored in a not to be squeamish in order to get an up- traditional school setting. It provides training close-and-personal look at different insects. to prepare students for work, covering Headed by 4-H leader Beverly Holmberg and everything from good work habits to dressing local beekeeper Jean Howard, this program properly in the workplace. “We need to gives middle-schoolers hands-on experience encourage our youth and prepare them for the analyzing the structure, classification and future. I think this program is a good vehicle behavior of insects. Students conduct to do that,” said program mentor Tom Lucido observations in the school’s very own science of Lucido and Associates. lab, a freshwater pond erected in the courtyard. According to the Daily Press, the Louisiana – With children struggling to cope students’ enthusiasm has encouraged with the emotional and physical turmoil from Holmberg and Howard to continue Bug Hurricane Katrina, the Children’s Defense Brainiacs meetings throughout the summer. Fund (CDF) is providing help. The CDF is bringing afterschool programs to New Orleans, providing a desperately needed safe haven for students to learn and play while parents are at work. According to People RESOURCES magazine, Hollywood celebrities volunteered Increasing Media Awareness and their support by attending the grand opening Encouraging Good Health of New Orleans’ first Freedom School, the The National Institute of Child Health and site for these afterschool programs. The CDF Human Development has a new program intends to open 12 more Freedom facilities to geared toward educating 11 to 13 year olds provide a daylong program for students about how the media influences the choices during the summertime. For information, go they make. Media-Smart Youth: Eat, Think, to www.childrensdefense.org. and Be Active! focuses on media awareness, media production, nutrition and physical - Mayor Bob O’Connor is activity. This health promotion program encouraging Northview Heights residents to encourages children to think critically about literally march to the beat of their own drums the images they are presented with and how at the Creative Arts Corner, where these images can affect their decisions about

Afterschool Advocate Page 8 nutrition. For information on the program, fundamentals of fitness, with an emphasis on visit www.nichd.nih.gov/msy. To order a free fun.” kit, please contact In addition, circus performers visit [email protected] schools and community recreation facilities, .gov or call 1-800-370-2943. demonstrating different techniques involved in their acts. The performers show students Publication Highlights Promising how to incorporate these skills into their own Practices, Afterschool Programs customized fitness routines. View CircusFit’s The Southwest Educational Development educational curriculum online at Laboratory (SEDL) recently released the www.CircusFit.com. SEDL Letter, Time for Achievement Afterschool and Out-of-School Time. It focuses exclusively on afterschool programs. AFTERSCHOOL FOR ALL: The publication explores promising practices, PROJECT 2010 the role of reading programs in afterschool, and the future of federal funding for Every day, more Americans are coming afterschool. It provides an in-depth together through Afterschool for All: Project examination of successful, quality programs. 2010 to endorse the goal that all children should The SEDL Letter is available at have access to afterschool programs by the year www.sedl.org/pubs/sedl-letter/. 2010. Currently, more than 3,300 partners have lent support to Project 2010. New partners from the past month include: Children’s Services Council of West Palm Beach, Mayor FOR ONCE, TEACHERS CAN Garret Nancolas of Caldwell, , and the ENCOURAGE A CIRCUS IN University of Kentucky’s Cooperative Extension. THEIR CLASSROOMS We want to make sure that Project 2010

The Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey continues to be a useful resource for its Circus is helping to fight childhood obesity partners. For example, did you know that you could use the search features on the Project with a new program called CircusFit, which 2010 website to identify local partners to aims to include youngsters in the three ring engage in afterschool outreach? Simply visit spectacle. Afterschool programs participating the Project 2010 website, search for partners in in the national youth fitness initiative are your area, and call to introduce yourself: “I urged to encourage clowning around. noticed that you are listed as a supporter of CircusFit provides free educational Afterschool for All: Project 2010. Thank you resources on the Internet, including practice for your service as our Chief of Police, and for modules for instructors and their students to signing onto Afterschool for All: Project 2010. tackle on their own. Geared for kids in I'd love to talk to you about how we can partner second through fifth grades, CircusFit keep our kids safe.” exercises are increasingly difficult and are It’s an easy and simple way to broaden your supplemented with tidbits on how to properly organization’s social network. For helpful hydrate, stretch and breathe. The culminating hints, visit www.afterschool2010.org. And lesson shows youngsters how to incorporate don’t forget to ask your friends, colleagues and all the techniques they have learned into their neighbors to become Project 2010 partners at: very own show. Kelly James Ballagh, a www.afterschool2010.org/join.cfm. Every voice circus performer, told the San Antonio counts! Express-News, “CircusFit teaches the

Afterschool Advocate Page 9 information, visit www.ysa.org/awards/award_grant.cfm#nowa FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES vailable.

Grants for Afterschool Environmental Pro-Bono Marketing Opportunity Excellence Nonprofit afterschool programs that have a SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Fujifilm are corporate sponsor can apply for the “It’s How accepting nominations for the Environmental We Live” Grant, sponsored by Bemporad Excellence Awards. Eight projects Baranowski Marketing Group (BBMG), a undertaken by youth groups that aim to -based marketing agency dedicated protect the environment will be awarded to promoting socially responsible brands. The $10,000 each, and one educator will be grant, worth $100,000 in in-kind services, will awarded $5,000. A select number of students provide strategy, message and campaign from each winning group will also win a visit materials developed by BBMG to a theme park. The deadline for representatives to launch a marketing nominations is November 30. For campaign for the winning organization and its information, contact 877/792-4332 or visit corporate partner. The application deadline is http://www.swbg-animals.org/conservation- July 31. For more information and to apply, matters/eea. go to www.itshowwelive.com.

Grants to Restore or Build Community Football Fields The NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots MARK YOUR CALENDAR Program is offering grants to support the construction of safe and accessible football July 17 - 20, 2006 fields in neighborhoods with low- to The National Institute on Out-of-School Time moderate-income households. Schools and (NIOST) will hold its annual Summer organizations that are located in NFL “target Seminars for afterschool program market” areas may apply. For further professionals at the John Hancock Conference information, contact Beverly Smith at Center in Boston. Seminars will offer 212/455-9881 or [email protected]. More technical assistance and training and will information is also available online at address issues including professional and http://www.lisc.org/section/areas/sec3/youth. organizational development, leadership, funding, curriculum design and quality Grants for Youth Environmental Leaders improvements. For information, visit The Civil Society Institute and Youth Service www.niost.org/training/sumsem06.html or America are offering $500 grants to youth call 781/283-2546. leaders age 15 to 25 to create community service projects that address climate change. July 27 – 28, 2006 As part of the Red, White and Green Youth The America’s Promise Alliance will host Action Campaign that focuses on increasing regional forums to share best practices and youth involvement in the climate change issue encourage greater collaboration within in advance of the 2008 presidential election, communities to see that all young people have grant recipients will travel to Washington the fundamental resources they need to D.C. in the fall of 2007 to present their succeed. This regional forum will take place findings and public policy recommendations in Providence, Rhode Island. Other forums to policy makers and presidential candidates. will be held in Charlotte, ; Grant applications are due September 1. For Indianapolis, Indiana; and Denver, Colorado

Afterschool Advocate Page 10 this fall. For information and to register, visit December 4 – 7, 2006 www.americaspromise.org/100Best/regionalf The National Association of Workforce orums.cfm. Development Professionals, the Great Lakes Employment Training Association and the July 27 – 29, 2006 National Youth Employment Coalition are The Community Technology Centers’ sponsoring the 7th Annual National Youth Network (CTCNet) will host the 15th Annual Development Symposium in Chicago, Community Technology Conference in . Last year’s symposium drew more Washington, DC. The conference includes than 600 workforce development, youth training workshops, sessions and panels, plus development, and education professionals the chance to network with more than 500 from across the country. The symposium is individuals in the field of community currently accepting workshop proposals in the technology. Afterschool providers and youth following areas: engaging, educating and development workers are encouraged to employing youth. Applications are due by attend. For information, visit August 14 and are available at www.ctcnet.org/what/conference. http://www.nawdp.org/2006YouthSymposium CallForProposals.doc. For further September 20 – 22, 2006 information, visit The North Carolina Center for Afterschool http://www.nawdp.org/youthsymposium.htm. Programs (NC CAP) will host its annual statewide summit, “SYNERGY: Windows of November 29 – December 2, 2006 Opportunity,” at the Joseph S. Koury The National Community Education Convention Center in Greensboro. For Association will hold its Annual Conference information, visit at the Nugget Hotel in Reno, Nevada. Please www.nccap.net/about/conference.cfm. visit www.ncea.com/meetingsandconferences.aspx for information and to register.

More information on upcoming conferences and events is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org/states/calendar _main.cfm.

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization supported by a group of public, private, and nonprofit entities working to ensure that all children and youth have access to afterschool programs by 2010. The Alliance is proud to count among its founding partners the Mott Foundation, U.S. Department of Education, JCPenney Afterschool Fund, Open Society Institute/The After-School Corporation, the Entertainment Industry Foundation and the Creative Artists Agency Foundation. * * * * * * * * The Afterschool Advocate is produced for the Afterschool Alliance by PR Solutions, Inc., Washington, DC;

Phone: 202/371-1999; Fax: 202/371-9142; E-mail: [email protected].