Afterschool in New Jersey
Afterschool programs play vital roles in the lives of New Jersey children and families. While many excellent programs are available, demand exceeds supply.
- In New Jersey, 23% of K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves. More than 22% of K-12 youth in self-care would be likely to participate in an afterschool program if one were available in the community.
- 91% of parents in New Jersey are extremely or somewhat satisfied with the afterschool program their child attends.
- Nearly 19,089 of New Jersey's kids are counting on the programs supported by the U.S. Department of Education's 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative, the only federal program dedicated to afterschool.
Afterschool programs in New Jersey are funded through federal, state and local programs. Several corporations and non profit agencies offer additional support in communities across the state. The combination of public and private support is essential to the continuing success of afterschool programs in New Jersey.
- Federal funding is provided through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program, the only federal funding source dedicated exclusively to afterschool programs. In 2007, The Federal government spent $ millions to support afterschool programs that reach 19,000 children.
- If the No Child Left Behind Act were fully funded, New Jersey communities could have double the number of afterschool programs giving nearly 50,060 children a safe place to go after school.
- The State of New Jersey funds afterschool programs through two programs: New Jersey After 3 and Family Friendly Learning Centers. New Jersey After 3 receives $15 million annually to support programs that reach 15,000 children. Family Friendly Centers are funded at $2.5 million annually to fund 66 afterschool programs.
- Local and private support are a vital and growing source of additional afterschool resources.
