AFTERSCHOOL FOR ALLCapture the Dream, Inc. has joined the Afterschool Alliance in the campaign for “Afterschool for All: 2010.” A program on our high priority list is an “Afterschool for All” program in which we will have daily, free afterschool programs for Oakland youth.
Everyday, an estimated 15 million children nationwide, between the ages of 9 and 14, lack a supervised place to go afterschool between the hours of 3pm and 8pm. During these peak hours, juvenile crimes triple and youth are susceptible to other heinous activities such as youth violence, teenage sex, gang-related activities, and drug/alcohol use. In addition, children with juvenile delinquencies are at high risk for becoming adult criminals, while others become victims.
However, in a safely monitored environment, children who participate in educationally enriching programs such as art, sports, music, community service, and mentorship programs are 50% less likely to use drugs or alcohol; furthermore, they are 50% less likely to drop out of school. Afterschool programs build concentration, self confidence, hope, teamwork, leadership skills, and parental interaction. Children with high levels of participation also showed improved school attendance and higher grades. Quality afterschool youth programs will help in the reduction of juvenile crimes, causing the number of adult criminals to decrease in the future.
Schools are increasingly forced to cut these types of programs due to federal budget limitations on the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) initiative. Fewer children are being served as funding for this initiative has been frozen for over five years and as costs continue to rise. Our mission is to inform businesses, organizations, schools, and parents that if we do not invest in afterschool programs now, we pay far more later in fear, lives, and damage control.
Currently, afterschool programs exist in only 30% of US schools. Our goal is to provide all youth with an enriching and positive experience during afterschool hours. By gaining your community support and your donations, we intend to set up sustainable afterschool programs throughout the Oakland, CA area.
Through tackling a city with one of the highest crime rates, we will be able to set a tangible example for individuals nationwide that seek to implement crime reducing programs. The media is awaiting a stark change in an underserved community and Oakland, CA is the ideal place to begin. With a measurable decrease in juvenile crimes and an increase in continuing education, we anticipate that these programs will spark the attention of policymakers and initiate more programs nationwide.
Please assist us as we fundraise for afterschool for all. Your support is crucial to opening a free, afterschool program in Oakland, CA.
If you are an Oakland, East Bay parent that is looking for free afterschool assistance, please join our newsletter so that we may notify you when this service is available.
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© 2007 Capture The Dream, Inc. 484 Lake Park Avenue #15 Oakland, CA 94610 |