Policy News
Check here for the latest news on Out-of-School Time in Michigan.
Out-of-School Time Presentation at the House Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid and Education
(March 14, 2024)
Michigan Afterschool Partnership Executive Director, Erin Skene-Pratt alongside Nicole Liggins, President at Guided Grace Family and Youth Services, Grant B. Hegenauer, Superintendent at Frankenmuth School District and Uriel Bath-Yahweh, 9th grade student from Downtown Boxing Gym presented on the importance of afterschool and the impact the funding for OST has on the youth in Michigan.
We Heart Afterschool
(February 14, 2024)
Michigan Afterschool Partnership delivered "We Heart Afterschool" cookies to state legislators to continue sharing the importance and value of afterschool programs to youth, families and communities in Michigan.
Thank you State Representative Phil Skaggs , State Representative Greg VanWoerkom , State Representative Will Snyder , State Representative Nancy DeBoer, State Representative Timothy Beson and Legislative Aide and scheduler for State Representative Tom Kunse !
Governor Whitmer Proposes $50 Million Ongoing Support for OST
(February 7, 2024)
Michigan Afterschool Partnership applauds Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s inclusion of a $50 million investment in out-of-school time programs in her 2024 - 2025 budget proposal.
Including this level of funding in our state’s budget is unprecedented; we are one of three states in the nation to offer families significant resources to support them through high quality out-of-school time programs.
The Governor is following the evidence as decades of research point to out-of-school time’s impact on kids’ health, academic performance, overall well-being, and lifelong success. She’s responding to what families need too. Out-of-school time programs allow parents to have more consistent and stable employment, leading to higher earnings and financial stability.
In collaboration with the state, partners, and out-of-school practitioners, Michigan Afterschool Partnership looks forward to doing our part to make Michigan a place where every child can succeed.
Gov. Whitmer Announces Grants for Before- and After- School Programs
(December 19, 2023)
$50M in grants expands access to affordable, engaging before, after, and summer school opportunities for over 67,000 students at 780 locations across the state
LANSING, Mich. – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer joined the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential in announcing $50 million in grants to before- and after-school programs. These grants will help increase access to before- and after-school and summer learning programs, helping more youth engage in enrichment activities outside of the regular school day hours while providing homework help and accelerated learning opportunities in literacy, math, and science, and offer additional support to working families knowing their children are safe.
“Today, we are expanding access to before and after school programs for over 67,000 students at 780 locations across Michigan, ensuring every student gets the support they need to succeed,” said Governor Whitmer. “These programs help kids explore their interests, get extra academic support, and connect with their peers. They also make it easier for parents to work, knowing their kids are safe and cared for additional time outside of school hours. As a parent and as governor, I know that today’s investments will set more students up for success.”
These grants will help provide educational programming in core subject areas, including, but not limited to, mathematics, reading, and science. Recipients can use funds to increase their enrollment capacity, accelerate learning, and reduce costs for participating families, helping to resolve the unmet demand for Out-of-School Time programming in Michigan. A total of 125 program proposals will be funded for the 2023-2024 program year to serve 31,000+ youth during the school year and an additional 36,000+ young people during the summer.
“As a former educator and Senate Education Committee Chair, it's very clear to me how important before and after school programs are to students and their families,” said state Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia). “Funding before and after school programs help keep our children engaged scholastically and our communities safer. I look forward to securing even more wins for students in the future.”
“Investing in Michigan students is an investment in our collective future,” said state Senator Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores). “Before- and after-school programming is not simply an extension of the school day, but provides young people with invaluable opportunities to explore, learn and grow. The $3.6 million awarded to the Macomb Intermediate School District will help expand these types of opportunities for Macomb County students, ensuring they have the support they need to be successful both inside and outside of the classroom.”
“Before- and after-school programs improve and enrich the educational experiences of our students. Wayne Regional Education Services Agency is receiving over $1.2 million in funding from this grant, which is a direct investment in Downriver’s future workforce,” said state Rep. Jaime Churches (D-Wyandotte), vice chair of the House Education Committee.
“Kids in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods too often miss out on enrichment opportunities. Ironically, those programs can help them the most,” said state Rep. Kimberly Edwards (D-Eastpointe), member of the House Education Committee. “These grants are win-wins, helping close educational and after-school care gaps. I am excited Michigan is further investing to ensure all Michigan students can access the support they need to succeed, especially in Detroit and Macomb.”
According to research conducted by the Afterschool Alliance, more than 751,000 children in Michigan lack access to out of school time programming. Furthermore, the Michigan Afterschool Partnership found that there is a disproportionate undersupply of out of school time providers in Michigan’s predominately Black and low-income communities.
Data from the Afterschool Alliance also reveals that lack of program availability, high costs, and transportation issues produce the most significant obstacles to OST programs for Michigan parents. These grants will help reduce barriers and enable more parents to enroll their children in expanded learning programs.
“Children enrolled in out-of-school time programs are more likely to experience improvements in their performance at school, improvement in behavior, and have a higher earning potential as adults,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, Executive Director of the Michigan After School Partnership. “These programs also help parents sustain employment and provide parents with peace of mind knowing their children are safe and cared for before and after school. The benefits of out-of-school time programming are substantial and increasing access to these programs is crucial for children and families in Michigan.”
“Celebrating this $50M in grants is part of a greater overall increased recognition of the importance afterschool and summer learning programs play in our overall P-20 education system for our children and youth,” said Richard Lower, Director of Preschool and Out-of-School Time Learning at the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential. “Governor Whitmer and legislative leadership have also invested another $171M in other out-of-school time program grants for this year, including the tutoring program MI Kids Back on Track. Together, these investments position more Michigan kids to meet their academic goals and thrive in school and beyond.”
“As a grantee of the 32n OST Grant funding, our organization was able to reach the most vulnerable population of children. We were successful in delivering quality summer enrichment programming in the areas of literacy, science, and math adding diversity and inclusion as a theme to bring awareness and unity. Youth were able to participate in civic engagement through a violence prevention program that promoted leadership and built confidence,” said by Nicole Liggins, CEO of Guided Grace FYS in Saginaw. “Without these funds, youth would not have been exposed to this type of programming or afforded these social interactive learning opportunities and/or experiences.”
The following programs are receiving awards to serve five or more program sites. The full list of sub-awardees can be viewed on the Out-of-School Time Programs’ website at Michigan.gov/MiLEAP.
October 22-28, 2023: Lights on Afterschool Week
(October 22, 2023)
WHEREAS, the residents of the state of Michigan are committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities; and,
WHEREAS, afterschool programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills; and,
WHEREAS, after the regular school day ends, working families use afterschool programs to ensure their children are safe and productive; and,
WHEREAS, these programs build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families, and adults; and,
WHEREAS, when families, schools, and community partners promote and encourage afterschool programs, they are supporting new experiences and opportunities that help young people learn, grow, and realize their full potential and,
WHEREAS, the State of Michigan has provided significant leadership in the area of afterschool programs to support the education and well-being of our youth, including record investments to expand access to additional afterschool learning support; and,
WHEREAS, Lights On Afterschool, the national celebration of afterschool programs, held this year on October 22-28, 2023 promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities; and,
WHEREAS, 25 million families report that they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one is available; for every child in a program, four are waiting to get in; and,
WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the country are facing operating challenges so severe that they are forced to consider closing their doors and turning off their lights; and,
WHEREAS, the Michigan Afterschool Partnership is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that help our children learn and grow while helping them develop the skills essential for success in life and work;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 22-28, 2023, as Lights on Afterschool Week in Michigan.
State of Michigan Certificate of Proclamation- Lights on Afterschool Week
MASP Mi-LEAP Recommendations
(October 4, 2023)
Michigan has provided funding for Out-of-School Time (OST) for the past three fiscal years. These investments have marked a significant improvement in opportunities for youth participating in before, afterschool, and summer learning programs.
We are still compiling the numbers from the FY 23 investment of $25 million; however, we know that the first $10 million state investment provided OST programming to 50,000 youth statewide.
As the Governor’s administration moves to create a new department that prioritizes OST, it is the hope of MASP that we systematically build upon the lessons learned, relationships built, and constructive work that has been completed with the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and policymakers over the past three years.
With that in mind, a list of recommendations was submitted this week to Governor Whitmer's team that MASP hopes will be considered as OST is incorporated into the new Department of Lifelong Education Advancement and Potential (Mi-LEAP).
Governor creates new department focused on early and higher learning
(July 12, 2023)
Governor Whitmer signed an executive order today creating the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential - or MiLEAP - that will focus on early and higher learning, including out-of-school time programming.
MASP celebrated the new department that will support youth opportunity and growth, having a positive impact for generations to come.
“Out-of-school time programs across Michigan provide critical educational opportunities for our state’s youth – this new department’s focus on unlocking our children’s potential will deliver more and better of these opportunities statewide,” said Erin Skene-Pratt, executive director of the Michigan Afterschool Partnership. “Before and after school programs and summer learning offerings are important for student success, so fitting this work together in Mi-LEAP with early childhood through post-secondary attainment is a smart, strategic step that will benefit Michigan’s youth.”
More information will be shared as the department takes shape.
Historic investment in Youth & OST
(June 28,2023)
Last night, legislators completed the Fiscal Year 2024 state budget which included a milestone investment in OST programs. The $50 million appropriation will increase youth access to before, afterschool and summer learning opportunities. This funding is a direct result of your advocacy efforts!
The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) will develop a competitive grant process to distribute the funds. Nonprofits, libraries, parks and recreation departments, institutes of higher education and intermediate school districts will again be eligible to apply. MASP, with support from the National Equity Project, will collaborate with MDE on an advisory group to inform grant development, review and award. The advisory group will meet quarterly. Members of the advisory group shall include, but not necessarily limited to, community based organizations, regional intermediaries, local school district administrators, statewide OST organizations, youth, parents, representatives from business community and philanthropic community. More information will be available soon.
The budget now heads to Gov. Whitmer's desk for her signature.
$5o Million Included In Legislative Budgets
(May 10, 2023)
Both the Michigan House of Representatives and Michigan Senate passed their respective budget today, each of the budgets include $50 Million to support youth access to out-of-school time programs. The budgets also include legislative language proposed by MASP that creates a Michigan out-of-school time council, appointed by the Governor, to provide a statewide strategy for funding of out-of-school time programs.
FY 24 Executive Budget Recommendation
(February 8, 2023)
Governor Whitmer’s proposed FY24 budget calls for $25 Million to support K-12 youth access to in-person before, afterschool and summer learning programs. This is the same level of funding that was allocated in FY22-23 budget. You can learn more about the Governor’s proposed budget here.
A Strong Start, But More Is Needed
(September 19, 2022)
State leaders recently allocated $25 million of new funding to afterschool programs in Michigan. It’s a good beginning, but more help is needed—and FAST.
Today’s youth are working to heal from the traumatic academic, personal, and social impacts of COVID-19. Extended learning time is essential to reconnect students with their learning and communities in ways that matter most. It’s precisely this kind of initiative that federal COVID relief funds are designed to support.
An additional $75 million in state funding is required to ensure afterschool programs can meet the needs of the more than 751,000 Michigan youth who are now waiting to access these essential learning opportunities.
Sufficient funding must be specifically appropriated through a dedicated line item that specifically names community-based programs as recipients and/or district partners.
Failure to invest properly today will result in a generation of learners that has been inadequately supported as they seek to achieve their personal and professional ambitions. It is our shared responsibility to ensure the youth of today have adequate preparation and timely access to the opportunities they most wish to pursue. Afterschool and summer learning deliver strong results on both counts.
Up Next: The FY 2023 State Budget
(May 10, 2022)
As the new state budget begins to take shape, Michigan families have every reason to be optimistic about the inclusion of dedicated funds for community-based out of school time programming. The Governor’s proposed budget included $50 million in general fund money for this essential programming, and the House-introduced budget contained similar levels of support.
While the Senate’s early language was silent on the topic, we have assurances from lawmakers that support will ultimately be included.
At MASP, we’re making sure all our state’s policy leaders understand the value of afterschool and summer programming, particularly when it comes to helping Michigan children bounce back from COVID-19 learning interruptions. Our advocacy efforts are reaching new levels of effectiveness, particularly as we build stronger understanding of the fact that $50 million should be a floor, not a ceiling. We know at least double that amount is going to be required to ensure every Michigan student that wants to access an afterschool or summer program can do so.
What's Next for OST Funding in Michigan?
(July 13, 2021)
Despite the Michigan Legislature's success in adopting a sizable School Aid budget for schools recently, the state's community-based OST providers remain concerned about the lack of progress toward a sustainable funding solution for their work.
While we know there is strong interest in ensuring adequate funding for these programs among numerous key policy leaders, the School Aid budget didn't include a specific line item in support of local OST providers. At this time, the best hope for appropriations may yet remain in the allocation of federal COVID-19 relief monies.
MASP remains vocal in its support of OST funding, given its importance to urgently-needed social and emotional support for Michigan's children and teens. As our state's youngest residents continue to heal from the trauma they experienced during COVID-19, community-based OST providers offer valuable insights and supportive experiences that ensure each child's long-term well-being.
State Funding for Out-of-School Time in FY 2021-22
(February 11, 2021)
Thanks to all of your advocacy efforts, Governor Whitmer’s budget recommendation for FY 2021-22 calls for:
$120 million of out-of-school time funding to provide opportunities in 2021 and 2022 for students through summer learning, after school learning, day camps, and other activities designed to support student needs outside of the normal school schedule.
$6 million to support out-of-school-time providers who serve children in low-income communities and help these children participate in virtual instruction and get back on track academically, mentally, socially, and physically.
As you know, Out-of-school time programs are uniquely positioned to help students catch up and accelerate their learning with the academic, physical, social and emotional supports that kids will need for a robust recovery.
We'll be sending more details on these recommendations soon. And please watch your email next week for talking points and resources for advocating with your State Representatives and State Senators in support of this critical investment in youth and families across the state.
You can view the Governor's budget proposal at https://www.michigan.gov/documents/budget/FY2022_Executive_Budget_715974_7.pdf
Be an Advocate for Afterschool
Advocating to an elected official positively impacts policy decisions. It is often the personal story and connection that has the most influence on decision-makers. You don’t have to be an expert or well-paid lobbyist to be an activist. You just need to be willing to share with elected officials why you care about afterschool and how they can help. Successful advocacy is also about building relationships with your elected officials. While you don’t want to bombard them, periodically communicating with them will lead to more success in seeing positive changes for Michigan’s children and youth.