Informing State Legislatures: Statewide Afterschool Policy

About this grant

As research indicates that afterschool programs can make a significant impact on student achievement, legislators may realize the benefit of investing in these programs. In addition, since afterschool programs have major policy impacts on education, juvenile justice and childcare systems, lawmakers and legislative staff are increasingly seeking information about how to support and sustain quality programs. Funding will enable the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) to help state legislatures learn about developments in afterschool programs and work with the Afterschool Technical Assistance Collaborative (ATAC). Activities will include convening an advisory group of legislators, legislative staff and national experts; collaborating with ATAC to provide technical assistance to statewide afterschool networks; maintaining a Web site to track state afterschool initiatives and legislation; organizing a major session on afterschool programs at a national meeting for legislators and staff; and producing two publications on innovative programs.NCSL is the constituent body of legislators from the 50 states.