The Atlantic Philanthropies Awards $1.5 Million Grant to ASAS

Original Source Los Angeles, CA — Today After-School All-Stars (ASAS — www.afterschoolallstars.org), a leader among U.S. after-school programming providers, announced a two-year, $1.5 million grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies to support high-quality, national after-school programming for at-risk youth. ASAS was founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992 and offers programs that emphasize pro-social activities, academic excellence and enrichment opportunities. Today the organization serves more than 60,000 children in 13 U.S. cities. The After-School All-Stars National Office will use this grant over the next two years to build its leadership team in order to deliver services and support to local chapters, enabling programs to improve in quality and to expand to new locations. Numerous statistics demonstrate that children who participate in after-school programs have better school attendance rates, stronger school performance, higher graduation rates, higher aspirations and greater self-esteem. According to a study from Fight Crime: Invest In Kids California, children enrolled in after-school programs are half as likely to drop out of high school and 250 percent more likely to pursue higher education than non-participating students. “ASAS’ work fills a significant gap created by ever-increasing budget cuts at public schools and the elimination of enrichment programs from daily school schedules across the United States,” said Henry Cisneros, Chairman of ASAS’ National Board. “We are committed to providing disadvantaged children with after-school programs of the highest quality, and Atlantic’s support will help us broaden our reach and strengthen our organization.” The students served by ASAS represent some of the lowest socio-economic groups; 85 percent qualify for free- or reduced-lunch programs. Many of these children face daily exposure to crime, violence and drugs, which further compounds the threat of academic failure and juvenile delinquency. “After-school time is a valuable opportunity to keep at-risk children out of harm’s way and to build upon what they learn during the school day,” says Ben Paul, President and CEO of ASAS. “ASAS offers students even more than access to high-quality programs — it offers them the opportunity to turn their lives around.” “After-School All-Stars is providing tens of thousands of our country’s most vulnerable young people with the keys to happier and more productive lives,” said Nicole Gallant, Program Executive for disadvantaged children and youth at The Atlantic Philanthropies. “We are proud to be associated with After-School All-Stars and lend it our support.” About After-School All-Stars Founded by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1992, After-School All-Stars strives to keep kids safe and to help them achieve in school and in life. After-School All-Stars offers high quality, comprehensive after-school programs that emphasize pro-social activities, academic excellence, and enrichment opportunities. Nationwide, more than 60,000 high-risk youth benefit from these programs in 13 U.S. cities: Atlanta, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, San Jose and South Florida. Atlantic Philanthropies joins HUMMER and the AT&T Foundation as major national sponsors of After-School All-Stars. For more information, visit www.afterschoolallstars.org.