This Afterschool Alliance report assesses the impact of a $400 million cut to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program proposed by President Bush's FY 2004 budget.

Chapin Hall researchers undertook this study in 2002 designed to provide a basic picture of the after-school field in relation to fostering low-income children's literacy. Click on the link and register for free to read the article.

How much child care workers are paid and their experiences within the subsidy system impact their willingness and ability to serve low-income families, according to the nonpartisan Urban Institute in this February 2003 article.

Many teens' after-school schedules are full with work, school and family responsibilities, but in some neighborhoods far too many have no place to go, nothing to do and no one to be with. The Forum for Youth Investment takes a look at a neglected frontier for after-school advocates in this January 2003 report.

How do you get sustained funding after you've managed to get seed money for an out-of-school program? This Finance Project handbook has timely advice!

The most recent Afterschool Alliance poll finds that nine out of ten voters support out-of-school programs because they provide safe environments and educational opportunities for kids.

The South has a larger concentration of working poor families, parents with little education and more children without health insurance than in any other region. An August 2002 Children's Defense Fund report urges Congress to add $11.25 billion in child care funding, pass an improved Temporary Assistance for Needy Families bill to help families raise their incomes through work, and maintain Children's Health Insurance Program funding for states to avoid cutbacks in programs targeting families as state revenues shrink.

The Alliance for Excellent Education focuses on improving
the preparation of America's six million at-risk middle
and high school students for college and success in life.

Minority students in big city schools who want to go to college are relying on parents, teachers and the Internet for information and guidance. But many need help as early as middle school to get on a college-bound track, and understand the differences between two- and four-year colleges or how to access financial aid.

How can you know a good program when you see it? The National Parent Teacher Association suggests some things parents can look for: age-appropriate activities, help with homework and quiet places for study, programs that expand and enrich the school curriculum and an atmosphere that encourages staff-parent interaction.