Field News Additional Funds for Afterschool and Summer Learning in the newest COVID Relief Package
The American Rescue Plan (ARP) became is soon to be signed into law and it contains huge wins for out-of-school time programs.
The bill brings significant funding, mainly through ESSER III (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) to our field for learning recovery. In all, the Senate bill could make $8.5 billion available at the state level for afterschool and summer programs, across all states; and $21.9 billion at the local level for afterschool and summer.
After the legislation is signed into law, it will be implemented by the Department of Education and other agencies, as well as by SEAs (State Education Agencies) at the state level. VPOST needs to be prepared to mobilize on behalf of the field in Virginia. For the full details of the breakdown in funding proposals and implications for the field, go to the Afterschool Alliance blog here.
Updates from the VPOST Staff
Christine is now officially a full-time employee! Special thanks to Diane, Blaire, and the rest of the Board for all of their efforts to make this happen. In this expanded role, Christine can continue to increase the network's capacity.
The General Assembly passed the marijuana legalization bill with re-enactment clauses and delayed effective dates. Under the legislation, adult-use sales of marijuana would begin on January 1, 2024. There is a long time between now and then for lots of changes to occur. As discussed, how the money would be spent was not part of discussions at this time with criminal justice reform and establishing the regulatory framework being the priority given the delayed effective date of the program. Below is what was included in the bill regarding the revenues. The bill now goes to the Governor where we anticipate he will make amendments that will be considered on April 7th at the veto session. Dedication of excise tax revenues on Cannabis Sales:
40% to pre-k for at-risk three and four-year-olds 30% equity reinvestment fund (Funds can be used to provide scholarships for historically marginalized youth, particularly in underserved communities, who have been impacted by substance use, the incarceration of a family member convicted of a marijuana offense or have been in foster care. 25% to addiction prevention and treatment services (to the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, administered to Community Service Boards). 5% to public health
VPOST in partnership with Boys and Girls Club Alliance of Virginia, developed a letter asking for afterschool programs to be included in the state’s cannabis tax revenue distribution plans. This was sent to several legislators in the Commonwealth.
On January 28, 2021, the VPOST Board of Directors sent a letter to Governor Northam requesting he add out-of-school time programming to the state’s funding priorities. We highlighted that the investment will pay back dividends for years to come.
Collaborative Learning Environment (Cypherworx): We have shifted models of the Collaborative Learning Environment such that learners can sign-up for the site without purchasing a membership first. This allows them to gain familiarity with the Learning Environment, access some free courses, purchase individual courses for $9.99 or the entire Out-of-School Time Learning Suite for $99 annually. To help spread awareness, we hosted a 30-minute webinar, with 60 people registering and 39 attending. Special thanks to Daryle for serving as our guest and speaking on his experience with the Learning Environment.
Afterschool for All Challenge: The Afterschool for All Challenge is a national advocacy day for Afterschool Programs and this year will be held on April 21st, virtually ( as opposed to typical in-person, on the Hill). VPOST heads the Virginia delegation and typically brings a team of around 10 advocates, consisting of youth, parents, and program directors. The full details have not been released yet, but basic information can be found here. VPOST is looking to recruit delegation members. If you are interested or have recommendations, please reach out to Blaire.
Million Girls Moonshot: VPOST has submitted an RFP application to continue funding with the Million Girls Moonshot. Notifications will be coming soon. Due to the pandemic, all grantees were invited to reapply for the current tier of funding, however, this year's tier is $15,000, as compared to the current $5,000. STEM Coalition: In alignment with the Million Girls Moonshot Grant, we held our first Equity in STEM Coalition meeting on February 24. We have great representation from the OST field, and are still in the recruitment phase for members in private industry or in identity-focused organizations (ex: Society of Women in Engineering). As the convener, VPOST is currently seeking coalition members with a dedicated interest in increasing access and quality of STEM-based out-of-school time opportunities for girls, non-binary youth, and other underrepresented groups. Please contact Christine if you have colleagues you think would be a good match.
Early Childhood: In an effort to create a better continuity of care for children 0-18, VPOST has been building bridges with Early Childhood. Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC) Roberta Newman was selected for the Virginia Department of Education, Early Childhood Advisory Committee, in representation of VPOST. As an ECAC member, Roberta will help shape the unified early childhood care and education (ECCE) system in the Commonwealth. We look forward to working with her to improve access to high-quality ECCE so all Virginia children have the opportunity to enter school ready. Virginia Promise Partnership: Blaire has joined the Virginia Promise Partnership Coalition, whose goal is to create universal Pre-K in Virginia by 2030.
Broadband Access: As a part of his White-Riley Peterson Policy Fellowship, Brent Holsinger is focused on the expansion of Broadband access for OST programs. A survey was conducted in the field to get a sense of availability. Analysis coming soon! In representation of VPOST, Brent has joined the Commonwealth Connect, the Commonwealth of Virginia’s comprehensive effort to achieve universal broadband access, a goal set by Governor Ralph Northam in July 2018.
Updates from the Sub Committee:
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