Providers and Council Members gathered at the City Hall steps yesterday to speak out against the detrimental proposed cuts to the after-school system. Providers and advocates highlighted the harmful impact these cuts would have on communities across the City.

New York City is expected to lose over 25,000 after-school program slots for children and youth in addition to the closure of seven Beacon programs. Currently, there are 418 Out-of-school Time (OST) (after-school) programs throughout New York City serving roughly 53,000 children and youth. In September of this year, the number of programs will be dramatically reduced to 220- serving roughly 27,000 children and youth.

At its peak, OST served 85,000 young people -- although still leaving many families on waitlists for after-school programming. Now, say advocates, the once largest after-school system in the nation is being dismantled, with its capacity reduced by 50%.

Due to continued cuts to programs and services, seven Beacon programs will have to close their doors this Fall. Beacon programs provide services for children and families as well as other community members. The impact of these closures will be harsh on families and communities that have been dependent on these services for years.

"We know that positive engagement of youth in their schools and communities contributes greatly to their successful social-emotional growth and academic achievement. We urge Mayor Bloomberg to reconsider proposed reductions to youth service programs, as the future of New York City demands that our young people be given these essential opportunities to succeed." said Jennifer March-Joly, Executive Director Citizens' Committee for Children of New York.

“Working families in New York City are facing a three o’clock crisis,” said Nancy Wackstein, Executive Director of United Neighborhood Houses, New York City’s federation of settlement houses and community centers.  “When the school dismissal bell rings and parents are still at work, many of their elementary and middle school children will have nowhere to go. “

“Out of School Time programs act as job supports for families while also promoting work readiness among young people. We should be investing in these programs during these economically challenging times, not dismantling the system,” said Michael Stoller, Executive Director of the Human Services Council.

“In 2009, the City's after-school system served 85,000 children.  In September of 2012, there will only be 27,000 after-school slots available citywide – slashing more than 2/3 of prior program capacity. Underprivileged students who are the majority served would be disproportionately affected at a time when we are witnessing historic cuts to other lifelines in their communities,” said Richard R. Buery, Jr., President and CEO of The Children’s Aid Society.

The New York City Youth Alliance called on elected officials throughout New York City to work together to restore this critical funding and consider the long-term and far reaching impact of these proposed cuts in services to our young people and their families.

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