DANVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — For many kids, after-school programs are more than just a place to spend a few extra hours; they are safe spaces where young people stay connected, build confidence and find support.
“The good thing about Project Success is they don’t just encourage you to go to school, they encourage you to be who you want to be. If you want to be an entrepreneur or an advocate, they give you the tools and access to make that happen,” said mother Jazmyn Gaines-Harp.
Gaines-Harp is a mother of five, and all of her children are enrolled in the Project Success Vermilion County program. She said without programs like these, many kids could be pulled toward negative influences.
“We didn’t have programs like this when I was growing up, so it’s beautiful to see our youth have it now because they really need it. We can’t let them slip through the cracks or turn to the streets,” Gaines-Harp said.
Across the country, many after-school programs are facing closure because of shrinking federal funding. Advocacy group ACT Now Illinois is now pushing lawmakers to approve $20 million for the Illinois State Board of Education to support community school grants statewide.
“This is incredibly critical because students are most vulnerable to becoming victims of crime or engaging in risky behaviors during the hours after school,” said Susan Stanton, executive director of ACT Now Illinois.
While federal dollars remain uncertain, Stanton said the state must step in to protect programs families rely on.
“After-school programs are essential. Parents can’t work without them. Kids won’t be safe without them. And we know these programs save money in the long run. Illinois has a brighter future when families have access to these opportunities,” Stanton said.
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