State Restores $3 Million Budget Allocation to New Jersey After 3
Expanded Learning Time Program Funding Partially Restored
New Brunswick, NJ – June 29, 2010 – New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed the Fiscal Year 2011 state budget into law today, restoring $3,000,000 to New Jersey After 3. New Jersey After 3 is a nonprofit organization which supports a Statewide network of evidence-based afterschool programs that expand learning time in public schools. The restoration of public investment in New Jersey After 3 was one of a handful of items restored through the budget deal between Governor Christie and the Legislature on June 21st, demonstrating the widespread support of this innovative public/private partnership among State leaders, and validating New Jersey After 3’s position as a top priority for children and families of the Garden State.
The structure of the New Jersey After 3 model – evidence-based programs operated by nonprofit organizations in public school buildings - enables programs to cost less than half of what other high-quality programs cost nationally, according to a recent independent study. In addition to the cost-effectiveness of its programs, as a nonprofit organization, New Jersey After 3 secures grants and contributions from corporations, foundations, individuals; and generates additional revenues through service contracts with school districts and municipalities. This innovative structure allows public and private sector partners to pool scarce resources so that they can maximize their collective impact on students, schools and families.
The current allocation of $3 million is less than one-third of New Jersey After 3’s $10.4 million FY2010 budget allocation, and one-fifth of the amount allocated in FY2009. While understanding of the need for shared sacrifice during such difficult times for New Jersey, and pleased with the restoration of significant public support, New Jersey After 3 is faced with a significant challenge that will be met with an objective, entrepreneurial approach.
“We have only come this far in the budget process thanks to the thousands of citizens who advocated on behalf of the students and working parents who rely on our programs,” exclaimed New Jersey After 3’s President & CEO, Mark Valli. “Despite our impact on student achievement and our ability to leverage significant outside investment, these are extremely tough financial times for the State of New Jersey and for New Jersey After 3. Ultimately, we are grateful that expanding learning time through evidence-based afterschool programs remains a critical State priority. We will be working with our Board of Trustees and organizational leadership to finalize contingency plans and strategies that ensure maximum impact with limited resources. We look forward to working with the N.J. Department of Education, the Federal government, and our corporate investors to capitalize on our past success, strengthen our impact, and build toward a strong and exciting future for the communities we serve.”
Despite the recent recession and its impact on philanthropy across the nation, New Jersey After 3 has demonstrated success in its ability to leverage non-State funds. Over the last two years, New Jersey After 3 has increased corporate and foundation investments by more than 75%, and was able to secure Federal stimulus funds to further strengthen its impact on student literacy skills. Since its founding in 2004, the New Jersey After 3 network of programs has leveraged more than $41 million in outside investment.
New Jersey After 3 plans to take an aggressive stance in helping New Jersey students benefit from emerging Federal grant programs aimed at improving student achievement and transforming the structure of public schools to include more time. New Jersey After 3 programs expand student learning time by 40% each school day, and the agency anticipates working even closer with school districts and municipalities to align resources and efforts to improve student safety and academic success. District Superintendents and Mayors interested in partnering with New Jersey After 3 should contact the agency this week.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 29, 2010
CONTACT:
Shannon Boehmer
New Jersey After 3
(267) 241-5824
sboehmer@njafter3.org
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