After-school Programs are Important for Kids

With the existing lack of funding in our public schools, San Francisco schools are expected to lose 54 percent of funds toward their after-school programs next year, which is roughly $729,774. This decline in funding is attributed to the undercounting of students that qualify for free and reduced lunch who don’t sign necessary papers. These after-school programs rely on these numbers to receive state funding and cuts toward these after-school programs will be harmful. Many students join these afterschool programs to have an outlet outside of their long school day to be a part of clubs that they enjoy. 

Students need an outlet to express themselves and give them a sense of hope outside of school to find out their interests, passions, and community! Going to after-school programs keeps kids out of trouble on the streets and reduces the school to prison pipeline. The lack of funding in our schools limits students’ potential; having something that they enjoy helps students have more fulfillment in their lives. Cutting after-school programs could lead to slashing even more programs in our schools…schools shouldn’t be scraping for more funding!

Mission High School. Photo by Lydia Chávez

11 SF high schools could see after-school budgets halved

By Rae Wymer, Mission Local | 6/23/2023