Following the passage of Proposition 49, California made a major commitment to after-school programming; and the availability of After School Education and Safety (ASES) funds led to a surge in after-school programs and created an estimated 12,000 new after-school jobs.
CLP worked with the California Community College Chancellor’s Office to foster partnerships and synergy between the after-school provider community and community colleges in California. Working with other state agencies, educational institutions, workforce development, and community organizations, the colleges, and after-school community collaborated in developing a high-quality workforce and high-quality after-school programming.
Linking after-school employment to continuing career pathways in related fields such as education, youth development or other public services gives community college students interested in these fields the opportunity to try out working with youth, gain valuable work experience, and contribute to their communities. After-school employment complements the college-going schedule, enabling community college students to work as after-school employees while pursuing their further education.
Promoting a culture of college-going and continued career advancement can strengthen after-school programs, raise aspirations of school-age youth, and address the growing workforce gaps in public service, education, and other occupations serving youth.