AzCASE, VSUW launch first comprehensive online bilingual database of statewide afterschool and out-of-school time programs
Key Resource for Parents and Policymakers
View printable PDF of News Release here
PHOENIX, Ariz. (July 30, 2012)
The state’s first comprehensive web-based bilingual directory of afterschool and out-of-school-time programs provides parents and policymakers with localized geographic information and details more than 700 available diverse programs meeting specific needs of youth throughout Arizona.
Developed and managed by the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence (AzCASE) in partnership with the Valley of the Sun United Way, the directory can be accessed at www.azafterschool.org. A link to the directory also will be accessible at www.vsuw.org/afterschooldirectory.
For the first time, parents have a single centralized resource to identify and locate programs for their children. Parents are now able to search for programs by interest and need (tutoring/academic enrichment, arts and culture, sports and recreation, character education, leadership, mentoring, etc.), location, availability (before school, after school, weekend, summer break or school vacation), cost (free, fixed fees, sliding scale, available financing options, accepts DES subsidy, multiple-child discount, etc.); language (English, Spanish, multi-lingual), among other prompts.
“The Afterschool Directory was initially populated with data collected from Young Minds Keep Learning Even After the School Day Ends, the first survey of out-of-school-time programs in Maricopa and Pima counties, based on responses from 681 program managers and operators to a 55-question online survey posted in the fall of 2011. The survey was developed in partnership among the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, Valley of the Sun United Way, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and the Morrison Institute for Public Policy,” said AzCASE Executive Director Melanie McClintock.
Additional afterschool and out-of-school-time programs throughout the state further populate the directory with specifics about their programs and all programs will routinely update their information for accuracy.
The directory also enables AzCASE to analyze afterschool program data statewide giving school, city and state policymakers valuable insights on program delivery and gaps in services. These are critical to strengthening the delivery and funding of afterschool programs statewide. Valley of the Sun United Way will partner with AzCASE to raise awareness of the directory and provide support for the directory’s continued development.
“Afterschool and out-of-school-time programs are essential in the overall development of our children and youth,” Valley of the Sun United Way’s Vice President of Community Impact Michelle Gayles said. “Having a comprehensive single resource online arms parents, elected officials and the community-at-large with a valuable resource to positively impact thousands of young people statewide.”
For more information about afterschool efforts in Arizona, visit www.azafterschool.org.
About the Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence
The Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence is dedicated to the enhancement of youth development and educational achievement through quality afterschool programming. The Arizona Center is one of 40 statewide afterschool networks nationwide supported by the C.S. Mott Foundation. For more information, visit www.azafterschool.org.
About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by ensuring children and youth succeed, ending hunger and homelessness and increasing financial stability for individuals and families in Maricopa County. Visit www.vsuw.org to learn more.
Contacts:
Melanie McClintock, Executive Director, Arizona Center for Afterschool Excellence, (602) 496-3307
Mary Lou Valenzuela, Valley of the Sun United Way, 602-631-4840 office / 602-312-7769 mobile
Steve Carr, The Kur Carr Group, Inc., (602) 317-3040