School is just around the corner, and many kids go to after school programs. However, advocates say the state needs more resources to be devoted to the programs.
Michigan has about $57 million dollars available for after school programs to serve about 70,000 kids. Michigan Afterschool Partnership Director Erin Skene-Pratt says a lot more are on waiting lists for after school programs.
“After-school programs really are so important,” Pratt said. “They both expand learning opportunities to support the school day and provide school-age care to support working families. There are some great programs out there, but we do know for every one child that’s in a program, four are waiting to get in. That’s about 750,000 youth who would be a part of a program if one were available to them.”
Skene-Pratt says they are working with the state to increase funding for after school programs and working with foundations and local municipalities for more support.
