California Afterschool Network Hosts First Rural After School Summit

On January 26, 2010, the California Afterschool Network hosted its first ever California Rural After School Summit at the Sierra Health Foundation in Sacramento.

Approximately 100 statewide rural after school program providers, members of the state legislature, and representatives from the California Department of Education were in attendance. Dean Harold Levine was on hand to introduce the keynote speaker, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell. Superintendent O’Connell outlined the benefits of after school programs on youth engagement, school attendance, student health and academic achievement. “The services you provide could be the only source of hope for those students,” said O’Connell.

Rural after school programs serve some of the poorest students in California and a high percentage of English learners. Many rural youth do not have other positive outlets in their community. At the summit, participants heard presentations from program directors, staff, and youth outlining the successes and unique challenges of rural after school programs. Recommendations were made by participants for effective policies and potential supports to facilitate the continued success of this often overlooked demographic. These recommendations will be addressed by the newly formed Rural Programs Committee of the California Afterschool Network.

The California Afterschool Network is located at the UC Davis School of Education as part of the CRESS Center’s Community School Partnerships. Learn more at www.afterschoolnetwork.org.