policy
inspire4life seeks to increase awareness and build sustained support for policies which positively affect youth at the local, state and federal levels. By disseminating information among policy makers, community leaders, businesses, families and individuals, we hope to ensure that youth issues are a top priority.
Massachusetts Special Commission on Afterschool and Out of School Time
The Massachusetts Special Commission on Afterschool and Out of School Time recently revealed the findings of their seven-month research study on afterschool and out-of-school-time programs. The report, “Our Common Wealth: Building a Future for Our Children and Youth,” highlighted the importance of:
- developing a comprehensive statewide afterschool system that would ensure workforce development and competency
- program quality
- adequate access, especially for underserved populations
- sustainability of resources to maintain the system with the intention of improving outcomes for our youth
According to the study, nearly 80% of children and youth in Massachusetts are not participating in these kinds of programs because of barriers such as cost and transportation.
To read the Special Commission's full report and executive summary, click here.
Connecting Schools and Afterschools Event
In June of 2007, United Way, in partnership with the Department of Education, the Department of Early Education and Care, Nellie Mae Education Foundation and the Massachusetts Afterschool hosted a forum focused on the efforts taking place in seventeen communities and resulted in a report of the strategies and best practices discussed.
Read the executive summary and recommendations
from the event. These are intended to summarize the event for participants, provide information to funders and policy-makers, and offer tools for fostering connections in additional programs and communities, so that children and youth throughout the region can succeed.
