Weekly News Roundup - March 3, 2010

Dodd and Ensign Introduce Bill to Improve Afterschool Programs for Children (ConnecticutPlus.com)
Following the announcement that the Obama Administrations FY 2011 budget would effectively cut funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers by $13 million, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and John Ensign (R-NV) have introduced The Improving 21st Century Community Learning Centers Act of 2010, which would expand access to afterschool programs so that more children can attend.  Find out how you can reach out to your Member of Congress to urge them to protect and increase funding for 21st Century Community Learning Centers here.
 
Editorial: Must Students Pay to Play? (Philadelphia Inquirer, Pennsylvania)
"Before more districts jump on the bandwagon to cut costs by charging extracurricular fees, they should explore other options to make after-school meaningful for all children, and not just those who can afford to pay."
 
Boys and Girls Clubs are Closing (Tallahassee Democrat, Florida)
Ten Boys & Girls Clubs in Big Bend announced this week they will be closing for the remainder of March to enforce furloughs, saving the money they need to be able to reopen next month.

Home Away From Home (Telegraph Herald, Iowa)
Despite funding and organization problems, advocates are confident that afterschool programs in the Dubuque Community School District are providing much-needed support for students.

Molly Tomlinson is Media Assistant at the Afterschool Alliance. Bio.