Empire After School

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Program Description

In SFY 2017-18, the Empire State After-School Program was initiated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to provide $35 million in funding for high-need school districts across New York to establish or expand quality after-school programs. As one of Governor Cuomo’s priorities included in the 2017 State of the State, this investment will support increased enrollment in after-school programs by 36 percent. Since then, the program has continued to expand. As of SFY 2019-20, the program now receives $55 million in funding. This enables OCFS to currently enter into 80 contracts at over 300 program sites. This allows for approximately 34,375 children to be served.

Empire State After-School Programs (ESASP) provide quality youth development opportunities to school-age children and youth directly after school. Research shows that children who participate in quality after-school programs have higher school attendance and academic achievement and are less likely to be involved in risky behaviors during the afterschool hours. ESASPs are supported by school, community, public and private partnerships. ESASPs offer a broad range of educational, recreational and culturally age-appropriate activities that integrate what happens during the school day. ESASPs also provide working parents with a safe place for their children. Youth and family involvement in program planning and implementation is a key component. Programs may operate directly after school during the regular school year and may elect to extend their operation during school breaks, weekends, and summer. Programs may also elect to extend programming into the evening hours, particularly when serving older adolescents.

Participation in after-school programs play a major role in helping to close the opportunity gap. These programs, which are associated with higher academic outcomes, lower drop-out rates, and a reduction in juvenile crime, provide an ideal setting to reach underrepresented students. When children have access to a quality education, including pre-k and wraparound services like after-school programs, their chances of getting a good-paying job and better quality of life increases exponentially. High quality after-school programs have also been found to have a $3 return on investment for every dollar spent.

Appropriation level/funding source/SFY 2017-2018
Total funding in state funds $35,000,000

Outcomes and Performance Targets

The Empire State After-School Programs are designed around four program outcomes and three performance targets that relate to the achievement of the program outcomes.

Program Outcomes

Performance Target Areas

Child Performance

A measurement of how children that regularly attend the after- school program will enhance their academic achievement.

Youth Involvement/Attendance

A measurement of program quality as demonstrated by the consistency of attendance by the children enrolled in the after-school program.

Parental/Guardian Involvement

A measurement of program quality as demonstrated by parent satisfaction and participation.

Primary Contact Person

Safiya IkhlasSafiya.Ikhlas@ocfs.ny.gov

Empire State After-School Program Data

Contractor Resources