Afterschool Special: Lt. Gov. Davis pushes statewide program in North Philadelphia

After-school programs are about to get a boost in funding, thanks to new state support. 

The programs – which received an $11.5 million investment in the 2024-2025 state budget – are funded through the Building Opportunity through Out-of-School Time program, run through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, joined by state and local lawmakers, held a press conference at the Boys and Girls Club in Northeast Philadelphia Thursday afternoon to announce that 46 applicants across the commonwealth will be awarded grants through the BOOST program, which seeks to support after-school programs that focus on leadership, citizenship, education, recreation, community service and healthy life skills, as well as those providing tutoring and access to extracurricular and educational programs. 

Davis, who leads the PCCD, highlighted how the program aims to reduce community violence by providing more learning opportunities for young people. 

“They provide structure for students after the school day ends, but the best programs enhance and expand on what our kids are learning at school – giving them social skills, homework help, sports and exercise, music, art, theater, and so much more,” Davis said Thursday. He noted that the calculated return on investment for out-of-school programs is $6.69 for each $1 invested in the state – and that for every Pennsylvania child enrolled in an afterschool program, four more are waiting for an available program. “They also keep kids safe during those critical hours after the school bell rings and at the end of the day.”

Maya Johnson, a high schooler who has been a Boys & Girls Club member for more than 10 years, spoke at the press conference, highlighting the club’s impact throughout her upbringing. 

“When I was younger, my club gave me a fun and safe place to go after school. I worked on my homework and on developing my reading skills in the literacy center,” Johnson, who told reporters she wants to go into health care, said Thursday. “Now that I’m in high school, the club’s opening doors for me through our work readiness program, summer youth employment and team leadership experiences.” 

Davis said there were nearly 300 applicants seeking grants through the program, with projects totaling about $65 million. He said the need for state support in this area is clear given the demand in urban, suburban and rural areas alike. 

“Clearly, the demand is there and it’s only going to continue to grow,” he said.