Date: July 31, 2000	Contact: Darren Pudgil
	tel: (619) 531-5894

COUNTY SECURES $14.7 MILLION FOR AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMS

SAN DIEGO - San Diego County will receive more than $14.7 million in funding from the California
Department of Education to expand after school programs for elementary and middle school students.
The funding is a result of an unprecedented region-wide grant application spearheaded by San Diego
County Regional Consortium.

"This grant will help the County of San Diego, the City of San Diego, and our school districts continue their groundbreaking efforts to provide after school programs for our kids," said Supervisor Ron Roberts, who in 1996 established the Critical Hours program, the first regional after-school program in San Diego. "Our goal is simple – we want to keep kids on track, in school, and out of trouble."

Submitted by the San Diego County Office of Education, San Diego County's joint grant proposal included 18 school districts, 202 schools, and 150 collaborative partners.

The San Diego County Regional Consortium was convened by the Children's Initiative, and includes the County of San Diego, City of San Diego, County Office of Education, eligible school districts, San Diego County School Boards Association, and 9th District PTA.

"San Diego County's successful grant application was made possible by an unprecedented regional partnership of elected officials, educational institutions, community organizations and parents," said San Diego County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Rudy Castruita.

New after-school programs will begin in Poway, Vallecitos and Fallbrook school districts in the coming year. Additional programs will begin in the Cajon Valley, Chula Vista, Oceanside, San Diego, San Marcos, South Bay, and Sweetwater districts.

"More than 40,000 middle and elementary school children throughout the county will have the opportunity to participate in after school programs this year," according to State Senator Dede Alpert.

The Children's initiative coordinates after school efforts in the county, providing oversight and training to program staff.