After signing on as an Ignite Afterschool Policy Platform supporter, write a Letter of Support laying out the reasons yo
Policy Platform Letter of Support Show policymakers that Minnesota supports high-quality afterschool and summer learning opportunities for all our young people. After signing on as an Ignite Afterschool Policy Platform supporter, write a Letter of Support laying out the reasons you and/or your organization supports our proposal to increase funding for afterschool programs in Minnesota. If you are writing the letter on behalf of your organization, please use your official letterhead. Your letter will contribute to our growing portfolio of letters, and help Minnesota’s decision-makers understand the urgency and importance of investing in afterschool and summer learning opportunities. Personalize your message to reflect you or your organization’s unique reasons for supporting afterschool, but feel free to incorporate the following talking points into your letter.
The Facts about Afterschool in MN Afterschool funding cuts are limiting young people’s access to quality programs. Funds available for afterschool programs in Minnesota have dropped by 1/3 since 2008. Minnesota previously made funding available to the broad variety of afterschool programs, up to as much as $11.4 million in the 2002-03 biennium. That funding no longer exists. Federal funds are the largest source of funding for afterschool in Minnesota, but were unable to fund $16 million in grant applications in the last grant cycle. 38% of young people aren’t regularly engaged in afterschool, and this percentage is higher for low-income youth and youth of color. Afterschool learning opportunities help all youth succeed in school, work, and life. Afterschool learning opportunities narrows the achievement and opportunity gap Young people who participate in quality afterschool programs develop 21st century skills that are crucial for success in the changing workforce. Afterschool learning opportunities allow young people to explore new interests through hands-on learning with peers and adults; a critical experience for healthy adolescent development. Investing in afterschool programs strengthens communities Afterschool programs support working families Young people who participate in afterschool learning opportunities are less likely to engage in risky or unhealthy behaviors Afterschool learning opportunities connect youth to caring adults in their community
Please submit your completed letter to: Brandon Tice, Communications & Policy Associate, Ignite Afterschool Email:
[email protected] | Phone: 612-692-5517
