208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1490 ● , IL 60604 (312) 516-5564 ● www.actnowillinois.org

Support Teen REACH After-School Programs! HB 4570 Gordon-BoothAnthonyWallaceBellockUnes

The longstanding Teen REACH program has no “statutory home.”  In the past, the General Assembly has funded Teen REACH under a line item for youth support programs in the Department of Human Services’ budget.  There is currently no line item specifically for Teen REACH, and Illinois law does not define or explain this program. This leaves Teen REACH without a statutory home.

Teen REACH is a quality after-school program that achieves positive results.  In 2013, 99.3% of Teen REACH high school seniors graduated, which is higher than the state average.  93% of participants in 2014 improved their grades.  99.8% of Teen REACH youth were safe from violence during program hours in 2013, and 77% of Teen REACH youth improved anger-management and conflict-resolution skills through the program.

Graduation Rates Improvement in Grades 110 100 90 80 Teen REACH Youth Teen REACH Youth 70 Who Improved Who Improved Teen REACH Graduation Statewide 4 Yr. Their Grades: 93% Their Grades: 93% Rate Graduation Rate

Codifying Teen REACH is good for all after-school programs.  Teen REACH is the only statewide after-school program supported through competitive grants.  There are always more programs in need of funding than there are Teen REACH dollars to fund them.  Creating a statutory home for Teen REACH is an essential first step in ensuring access to the high-quality Teen REACH program and providing a gateway to funding for other programs in need.

Action: Codify Teen REACH in state law – still subject to appropriations – to help protect the program and clarify its intent and purpose.  HB 4570/SB 2407 would give legislators an opportunity to show their support for this vital program.  This bill would also establish by law the outcomes the program must address, such as improving educational performance; life skills; parental education; recreation, sports, cultural, and artistic activities; developing positive adult mentors; and providing service learning opportunities.  HB 4570/SB 2407 could help clarify the intent of the existing budget line item which includes Teen REACH and sustain the longevity of this crucial program.

208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1490 ● Chicago, IL 60604 (312) 516-5564 ● www.actnowillinois.org

Support Teen REACH After-School Programs! HB 4570 Gordon-BoothAnthonyWallaceBellockUnes

Complete list of sponsors 4/20/16

HB 4570 Rep. Jehan A. Gordon-Booth - John D. Anthony - Litesa E. Wallace - Patricia R. Bellock - Michael Unes

Natalie A. Manley, Sheri L Jesiel, , , Edward J. Acevedo, Greg Harris, Dwight Kay, Barbara Flynn Currie, David R. Leitch, , Ed Sullivan, , Thomas Bennett, La Shawn K. Ford, , , William Davis, , Elaine Nekritz, Linda Chapa LaVia, , Lawrence M. Walsh, Jr., Eddie Lee Jackson, Sr., Al Riley, Michael J. Zalewski, , , John E. Bradley, Arthur Turner, Silvana Tabares, Pamela Reaves-Harris, , , Daniel J. Burke, Donald L. Moffitt, Kelly M. Cassidy , Robert F. Martwick, Marcus C. Evans, Jr., Camille Y. Lilly, Ron Sandack, Barbra Wheeler, Robert W. Pritchard, Martin J. Moylan, Katherine Cloonen, Michael P. McAuliffe, Brandon W. Phelps, Daniel V. Beiser, Keith R. Wheeler, and