Chicago Federal Programs WORK!!

Hi All,

I have spent a good part of the past week describing how the federally funded 21st Century CCLC program get results contrary to what Mick Mulvaney of the OMB says is a program that shows "no demonstrable evidence they're actually doing that;" meaning, achieving student success. What follows is one person who benefits from the CCLC and you can see that the students DO make strides. Remember, if you would please, Mulvaney wants to completely dump this program. I believe you'll find her introductory comments and final thoughts most revealing.

Here's what she had to say: Thank you for reaching out. YES!! 21st Century CCLC is how we currently fund nearly all of our after school/family engagement programs at the school and has allowed us to build a positive school culture at the school. To give you a snapshot, I have copied the schedule of programs that are set to begin this Monday 3/27 at Pilsen. This funding pays for all these programs and my salary and has allowed me to work in the school for the past 5 years to make all the programs and connections happen. The schedule does not include all the one time events like high school fairs, community field trips, and parent workshops I organize as well. It is incredibly effective in so many ways, and this is me trying to be objective as I have seen some ineffective government funded after school programs.

I also copied below a post I put on social media regarding the proposed cuts.

There is so much evidence for these programs, it is infuriating that that was said and am working to fight this as I believe wholeheartedly in the effectiveness of the 21st Century model of converting a school into a "community center" to offer expanded services.

Grade K-2
Design Dance Hip Hop/Jazz
T/TH 3:00 - 4:30

Grade K-2
120
Little Builders Science Club
M/W 3:00- 4:30

K-2
Yoga
M 3:00 - 4:30

K-2 Cafeteria
Make and Take Craft Club
W 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 2-8
Taekwondo
T/TH 3:00 - 4:30

Grades K-3
Garden Club
T 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 3-5
Gym, Basketball Club
M/W 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 3-5 Boys
Addams Park, America SCORES Chicago
Mon - Fri, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades, 3-5 Girls
America SCORES Chicago
Mon - Fri., 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 4-8
Garden Club 4-8
T, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 3-8
Open Books ReadthenWrite
M/W, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 5-8
Drumline
T/TH, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 5,6,7,8
Changing Worlds Hip Hop
M/W, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 6,7,8
Audio Broadcasting
Th, 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 6,7,8 Girls
America SCORES Chicago
Mon - Fri., 3:00 - 4:30

Grades 6,7,8 Boys
Addams Park
America SCORES Chicago
Mon - Fri., 3:00 - 4:30

Parents
Adult English Classes
M & F, 9:00 – 11:00

There have been many outright lies I have seen daily from the White House since January and unfortunately I haven't always had the energy or understanding to address them every time. But the past 5 years of my life have been dedicated to making my school a Community Center through the 21st CCLC program they say has no purpose. There is countless evidence for after school programs and it is posted on the ed.gov website. Here is some more specific to Illinois: http://www.ilcommunityschools.org/research
The 21st CCLC program has allowed me to remain in the school as "Coach Stacey" and help bring programs to students and families. This year alone our students have been able to learn to be journalists, dancers, authors, soccer players, basketball players, photographers, poets, community activists, artists, songwriters and producers, podcasters, yogis, world chefs, gardeners, martial artists, scientists, chess experts, math competitors, musicians, to name a few. Our parents have been able to learn English through the program to help them better help their students and be more involved in the school.
Students need to WANT to come to school and when they are learning hands on, feel a part of something, and have positive mentors through these programs they can connect their school day with the after school experience, they are engaged in their school and not in the streets. I cannot fathom how they can justify cutting after school programs, public school funding, school lunches, and health care and increase military spending.