We commend the Governor for his continued dedication to transformative investments in public education in the 2024 January budget, in particular, the investments into Expanded Learning, despite California facing a significant budget deficit. At CAN, we envision compassionate communities collaborating with Expanded Learning/Out-of-School Time (OST) programs to support whole children, families, and communities so that every young person and every family is well-known, well-cared for, and prepared to thrive. This budget represents significant investments that help California move towards that vision. 

With this budget proposal, the Governor upheld his commitment by maintaining the allocation of $4 billion in ongoing funding to the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P). This funding, along with After School and Safety (ASES) and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC), including After School Safety & Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) funding, has provided unprecedented opportunities for thousands of students across the state before school, after-school, and during winter and summer breaks. 

We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to ensure this level of investment throughout the budget process and as additional details emerge regarding budget implementation. 

Learn more about what other afterschool advocates have to say about the budget:
Read CA3’s Budget Response