Afterschool Advocacy Day

Afterschool Advocacy Day 2025

More than 200 Students, Families and Providers Advocate for Increased State Funding for Quality Afterschool Programs at the State Capitol During Afterschool Advocacy Day, June 4

More than 100 students in afterschool programs from across Pennsylvania were joined by educators, program professionals, community leaders and legislators to share their support and experiences with afterschool programs at the 2025 Afterschool Advocacy Day, June 4, 2025, at the Pennsylvania State Capitol through legislative visits and press event.

Several speakers thanked the General Assembly for passing the $11.5 million Building Opportunity Through Out-of-School Time (BOOST) legislation last year and supported Governor Shapiro’s $10 million proposed increase for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. BOOST is the first dedicated state funding for quality afterschool programs in Pennsylvania, making Pennsylvania one of 26 states that have dedicated afterschool funding.

Governor Shapiro signed a proclamation recognizing June 4 as Afterschool Advocacy Day “in recognition of the invaluable role afterschool programs have in providing quality education and supporting working families. [Governor Shapiro] encourage[s] all Pennsylvanians to support the efforts of afterschool programs in the development of our Commonwealth’s children.”

“It is now more important than ever to support our students during the out-of-school time or the regular school time in summer months,” stated Contrell Armor, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) director. “High quality out-of-school time programs offer transformative learning experiences for our students and give parents a peace of mind. Out-of-school time helps working parents be more productive in their jobs. Out-of-school time programs improve regular school day attendance, give our students the opportunity to build a relationship with the educator that goes far beyond the regular school day. Whatever a student may need, the out-of-school time staff is ready to support the whole child and the family.”

“These [afterschool] programs help bridge opportunity gaps and offer the consistency that all students deserve and need,” stated Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27). “As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I am focused on making sure every student is ready not just for graduation, but for a future in today’s economy. Out-of-school programs foster real world skills, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking – these are the same qualities our businesses and communities are looking for… I am proud to stand with you in support of BOOST and the entire out-of-school time community. This is not just about programs; this is about people, it’s about investing in our next generation of leaders, workers and neighbors.”

“With so many [kids] facing stress, [an afterschool program] builds confidence, resilience and emotional strength,” stated Senator Christine M. Tartaglione (D-2). “It helps with mental health in ways that schools alone can’t always provide… Let’s keep the momentum going. Let’s make sure every child, no matter what zip code they live in, has access to safe, enriching spaces after school.”

When Representative Elizabeth Fiedler (D-184) asked the students participating in the press event if they have a trusted adult in their afterschool programs, nearly every student raised their hand. “We talk about mentorship, about having an older adult, an older teen, someone who you can really look up to… That I think is amazing. That is a huge gift to all of you… I want to just give a moment to say what a meaningful difference they make in your lives, the people who work in these afterschool programs, who quite honestly often are not paid as much as they should be because funding is so tight, but who really are key to your future and are the key to our future of our commonwealth.”

Nathan Brant, CEO, The Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, thanked the Governor and General Assembly for BOOST funding and shared some ways that afterschool programs keep kids safe. “These programs don’t just fill after school time, they spark learning, provide structure, and give kids the support they need when they’re most vulnerable… We know the hours right after school are when young people are at the greatest risk of getting involved in crime or being victims of it. It’s a tough window for working parents and a dangerous one for kids without a place to go. But programs like BOOST give them a safe place to learn, connect with mentors, and just be kids, and that can make all the difference.”

Vicky D., PSAYDN Afterschool Impact Award Winner for Outstanding Youth, and senior at The Academy at Palumbo in Philadelphia, shared about her experience in an afterschool program. “I’m very appreciative of the tremendous impact OST program has had on my growth. This program has provided me with a community of mentors, lifelong friends, and countless opportunities to expand beyond my comfort zone as a scholar, athlete and advocate for my community. I will continue to hold utmost appreciation for the unique experiences that tapped into my curiosity beyond what I previously experienced as a youth grown up in Philly… Through the experiences I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for environmental sciences and gained confidence in exploring unfamiliar environments.” Vicky will be attending the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

Cameron J., a student at Youth Enrichment Services in Pittsburgh, shared how afterschool programs changed the trajectory of his future by offering him flexibility to choose his path. “You see [my low cumulative GPA] had a label on me because of environmental issues [experiencing homelessness, quarantine, mental illness] that were completely outside of my control. One day I was presented an opportunity… to be held back a grade and reapproach education… In taking up that opportunity, I was able to engage in new environments and found an understanding of how I could take advantage of what I see fit for myself… I discovered other levels of involvement that allowed me to learn in ways a typical education could not… [I was able] to further understand the concept of self- advocacy by dissecting various social problems, such as a school-to-prison pipeline, that plague underprivileged communities and implementing world solutions that support my mission in instilling restorative justice in the communities I and many others call home… In investing in our afterschool programs, you’re investing in our tomorrow. No more labels, only choices.” Cameron will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall. He reinforced that his story is not a “one-off,” that there are many students who can have similar success because of quality afterschool programs.

Armor reminded the audience of one of the most critical elements of an afterschool program – the staff. “Whether it’s the regular classroom teacher that stays an additional three hours after their long seven-hour day, whether it’s someone from a business or industry that has agreed to partner to come in and work with students and staff, I want to acknowledge that this job is a quality job. And we need to start treating it as such, including fair pay, benefits, vacation, and professional development. Everything that we put in front of our educators in a regular classroom, we need to support in the out-of-school time program.”

Shannon Reynolds, a parent whose children attend the Allegheny Youth Development Program, shared the parent’s perspective. “I’m a single parent, hardworking, long hours, and the afterschool program has been for me a blessing… I don’t ever have to worry about where they’re at what they’re doing. Both of my children have IEPs, and they definitely have worked with them one on one.”

Ralph Rodriquez, director and CEO at All You Can Leadership Academy in Harrisburg, shared how his life was transformed by caring adults and how he invests in his community through the afterschool program. “So if we start really putting those dollars, our time and attention to youth programming, out-of-school time, I’m telling you, these individuals behind us will have offices in this building one day without a doubt… What we do in the OST time is so crucial and important… The Leadership Academy teaches life skills in a digestible format for our youth… We spark the mind of our youth and provide them opportunities they may not receive elsewhere… [Our program] mitigates opioid use and gun violence by offering our youth an alternative program unique to each region.”

Steven Shuleski, principal, Steelton-Highspire Jr./Sr. High School, praised their partnership with All U Can Leadership Academy and encouraged other schools to develop similar partnerships. “For the past few years, All U Can Leadership Academy has partnered with us, providing us our students with additional layers of support, offering not only emotional support but also the positive reinforcement that many of our high-risk students desperately need. It’s been a game changer for us, for our community, for our district… the work they’re doing isn’t just transformative it’s essential for our communities.”

Representative Doyle Heffley (R-122) reminded the audience that not all students who want to attend afterschool programs have access to them. In fact, for every student with access to a quality afterschool program, four more students are waiting to get in. “We know what happens when kids have access to structured, supportive environments after the school day ends. They get help with homework, they build stronger study habits, they stay engaged in learning, and most importantly, they stay safe… As legislators, we have the responsibility to ensure that these programs are funded, supported and expanded, and not just for the students who are lucky enough to have them, but for all those who still don’t have them.”

In Pennsylvania, every $1 invested in afterschool programs saves $6.69 by decreasing high school dropout rates, teen pregnancy, substance use and crime. Yet, for every youth enrolled in an afterschool program in Pennsylvania, four more are waiting to get in. Decades of research prove afterschool helps kids attend school more often, get better grades, and build foundational skills like communication, teamwork and problem-solving.

Afterschool Advocacy Day is organized by the Pennsylvania State Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), in partnership with Pennsylvania School-Age Child Care Alliance (PENN SACCA), Pennsylvania Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs, Pennsylvania State Alliance of YMCAs, and the Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST).