"Your voices do count. And I can't stress this enough - If we care about our children's academic and career success, we must be willing to show our support and speak up before the very people who make decisions on our behalf," said MASP Executive Director Mary Sutton.
Once programs register, they will receive an outline for the days' events.
"Our experiences are essential for informing lawmakers about how afterschool helps kids learn, improve their grades, stay in school, and develop the 21st Century skills needed for pursing a career they enjoy," Sutton added.
Michele Corey, Michigan's Children's Vice President for Programs, said organizers will discuss with participants the importance for state investments in Michigan afterschool, the need to build relationships and develop champions for afterschool, and will offer updates from across the field of work.
This year, the event follows a special MASP Afterschool and Workplace Summit that took place on April 16, 2019 in Lansing before 175 providers, state, education, business and community leaders. The Summit detailed the findings of a first-time Afterschool Program Landscape Report for Michigan. It was commissioned by MASP to look at the variety of programs - and glaring gaps - that exist across the state.
There are 210,386 students enrolled in afterschool program in Michigan but for every one enrolled three more would participate if a program was available, according to the Afterschool Alliance. The only dedicated source of funding for afterschool programs is the 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants through the federal government.
The 2019 After-School Day at the Capitol is open to administrators, staff, parents and youth. Groups will arrive at the Michigan State Library, located a few blocks from the state Capitol, to await their appointments. A light breakfast and lunch will be served there. Besides visiting the Library, there will be opportunities for tours of the Capitol building and watching Legislative sessions.
For questions about joining the event, Please contact Kate Porter at
kate.porter@uwmich.org, or call (734) 255-9473.