Murkowski Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Improve Afterschool Programs

Press Release

Senator Lisa Murkowski today introduced the Afterschool for America's Children Act with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA), which would help children and families by investing in high-quality afterschool programs across the country that complement students' academic pursuits.

The bipartisan legislation would reauthorize the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) program, which has allowed millions of children to attend afterschool programs over the last decade, including more than 25,000 Alaskan children last year. Reauthorizing this program will ensure that children of working families continue to have a safe, enriching, and educational environment until the end of their parents' work day. Three out of four Alaskan parents say that these programs help them to keep their jobs.

"This bill is a win-win for our children and for working parents. Studies have shown the effectiveness of high-quality afterschool programs not only in helping children improve their reading and math skills, finish their homework, and behave in class, but also in reducing the opportunities for kids to get involved in risky behaviors and crime," Senator Murkowski said. "From Savoonga to Nikiski, Juneau, Anchorage, and Fairbanks, these programs are a success story for the next generation of Alaskans. This bill will help ensure our youth have access to safe and supportive environments outside of school hours, and it does so in the right way, with effective guidelines and standards."

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