Michigan Statewide Afterschool Network

About this grant

A statewide afterschool network is a means to bring together policymakers, educators, childcare providers, youth development workers, program developers, advocates, parents and others interested in providing opportunities for children and youth through school-based/school-linked afterschool programs. The goals of the networks are to encourage local and state policymakers to invest additional resources to expand quality afterschool opportunities and improve sustainability; and provide for joint planning, sharing of resources and best practices, and building partnerships.Multiyear funding will enable the Michigan Statewide Afterschool Network to reinforce and build public support for afterschool programs; develop state structures and policies that support quality afterschool programming; identify sustainable funding mechanisms for existing afterschool programs; ensure that all school-age Michigan children have access to a variety of quality afterschool programs; and alleviate the afterschool childcare demands of working parents and caregivers.The Michigan Department of Education is the chief state agency responsible for education in the state of Michigan.This is one of seven grants made in 2004 to support statewide afterschool networks.