PA Secretary of Education Discusses Importance of Investment in Quality Afterschool Programs at PSAYDN Retreat

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro A. Rivera addressed attendees at the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) retreat in Grantville.

Secretary Rivera highlighted the work the commonwealth is doing to create "schools that teach," a priority of the Wolf Administration and a commitment made to the commonwealth's schools by restoring critical funding and supporting all students from pre-k to postsecondary programs.

As part of his commitment to creating "schools that teach," Governor Tom Wolf has secured funding increases for students in all grade levels over the past two years. The bipartisan 2016-17 budget granted an increase of $200 million in funding to basic education and a $20 million increase for special education, a $30 million increase for early childhood education, and a more than $10 million increase for early intervention.

Secretary Rivera also spoke to the value and impact of quality afterschool programs for Pennsylvania's children and youth.

"As the commonwealth works together to invest in students and schools that teach, we must acknowledge the impact that out-of-school time can have on learners," said Sec. Rivera. "Expanding access to afterschool programs will provide more opportunities to children and youth to receive additional social, emotional, and academic support, both in and out of the classroom."

Benefits of access to high-quality afterschool programs promote improved grades and conduct in school, academic and enrichment opportunities, emotional support and peer engagement, and can help prevent incidences of drug use, violence and pregnancy.

PSAYDN, formed in 2004, promotes "sustainable, high-quality out-of-school time youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the welfare of Pennsylvania's children, youth and families." By connecting stakeholders with local advocates and collaborating with organizations and individuals around the state, PSAYDN helps provide high-quality afterschool programs to benefit social, emotional, and academic development. More than 2,300 members across the state take advantage of the organization's offerings through funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, PDE, the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry, the Grable Foundation, Heinz Endowments, and the William Penn Foundation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Nicole Reigelman, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education

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http://www.state.pa.us