September 18, 2013
State Reps. Rick Lopes (D-New Britain, Newington), Bobby Sanchez (D-New Britain), and Betty Boukus (D-Plainville, New Britain) today announced an After-School Grant award for New Britain as part of Governor Malloy's program totaling $8,490,000 over the biennium to support 26 programs in 18 districts.
"Growing existing programs that work and creating new after-school options not only creates a safe environment for our young people, but further supports our ceaseless efforts to level the playing field and begin to eliminate the devastating achievement gap," Governor Dannel P. Malloy said.
"Increasing options for youths that give them the opportunity to positively redirect their energies will greatly benefit them in the long run," Rep. Lopes said. "I am pleased Governor Malloy is prioritizing effective programs where they are needed most."
"After school programs offer young people a rich environment to learn and have fun," Rep. Boukus said. "They provide healthy, structured environments for students to learn, have fun and thrive."
"After school programs are a critical part of a healthy foundation for our young students," Rep. Sanchez said. "I am a believer that any type of support we can offer parents and families in shaping their children's attitudes towards learning will bring better results in the long run. Keeping our young ones off the street during critical times when parents are working to provide a living is extremely helpful to many families. I appreciate our governor's understanding in prioritizing this program."
New Britain received $376,504 for New Britain Parks and Recreation Department & Gaffney, Jefferson and Smalley After-School for the Every Kid Counts After-school Program.
The After-School Grant Program promotes the implementation or expansion of high-quality after-school programs that operate while school is not in session.
Programs are designed to complement the student's in-school academic programming and to provide opportunities for parental or guardian involvement. After-school programs can offer a wide range of services that support student learning such as tutoring, mentoring, homework help, and enrichment opportunities like hands-on science projects. Some programs offer opportunities for community service, music, art, sports and cultural activities.