For Immediate Release: September 8, 2014

Contact: Emma Woods, emma@berlinrosen.com, 646-200-5303

New York, NY – On the first day of after-school programs in New York City, Campaign for Children, a coalition of 150 early childhood education and after-school advocacy and provider organizations, released the following statement:

“Today, thousands of middle school students who previously lacked access to enriching, educational after-school activities will start their SONYC and COMPASS programs – programs proven to boost educational outcomes and graduation rates. Expanding access to after-school programs is a crucial step forward for improving the lives of children and families in New York City.”

ABOUT CAMPAIGN FOR CHILDREN:

The Campaign for Children is a coalition of 150 early childhood education and after-school advocacy and provider organizations, including Citizens’ Committee for Children, The Children’s Aid Society, United Neighborhood Houses NY, Good Shepherd Services, Neighborhood Family Services Coalition, the Federation of Protestant Welfare Agencies, Children’s Defense Fund-NY, Day Care Council of New York, UJA-Federation of New York, and YMCA of Greater New York. The Campaign’s successful advocacy saved child care and after-school programs for more than 47,000 children by securing more than $120 million of one-year City Council discretionary funds for the past two years, which then were successfully baselined.

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