South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) was chosen as one of five statewide after school networks to host a Statewide Mayoral Summit on After School and Expanded Learning as part of technical and financial assistance from the National League of Cities' (NLC) Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute), with support from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation.

The summit, to be held in the spring of 2010, will offer municipal officials an opportunity to connect with state leaders in order to address critical after school challenges in communities, showcase promising practices, and jointly determine next steps for making after school a priority.

In addition, mayors will be able to share information regarding their after school needs and priorities with state- level decision makers and explore ways that cities and towns can utilize federal resources made available through the states under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"Families are relying even more on after school programs as they struggle to keep their jobs, take on more hours, or struggle to afford basic necessities for their children. As a state with one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, after school programs are playing an even more important role in the everyday lives of South Carolinians.

Many of these programs provide not only academic enrichment but also health care services, breakfast, snacks and sometimes even a hot supper. The summit provides a forum for municipal leaders to build and expand partnerships in their cities and a venue to focus attention on the ways in which an after school program can address critical challenges in their communities," said Zelda Waymer, executive director of the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance.

Millions of children in cities and towns across America need a safe place with engaging activities during after school hours. Expanded learning opportunities expose children and youth to an array of enriching experiences that enhance learning and equip the next generation with the skills necessary for success in postsecondary education and the workforce.

When youth have no access to after school programs, they are also more likely to engage in crime and other risky behaviors presenting a significant challenge to local and state leaders.

All of the state networks selected to participate in this new initiative received commitments from their governor's offices and/or state legislative representatives, state education department officials, and key mayors to participate in and help plan the summit.

To learn more about statewide after school networks, visit www.statewide afterschoolnetworks.net/