West Virginia Statewide Afterschool Network

Purpose

Create and sustain a statewide partnership to raise awareness of the importance and accessibility of high quality “out-of-school time” programs for all school age children, share criteria of effective programs and best practices among providers and the public, and promote sustainability of such programs throughout the state.

Members

Representatives from state agencies, community-based organizations, afterschool programs, schools, businesses, child care providers, professional organizations, colleges and universities, and families concerned with improving outcomes for school-age children through “out-of-school time” programs.

Goals and Strategies

• Establish a network of partners engaged in and/or supportive of high quality programs for school-age children and youth. Describe the need for of “out-of-school time” programs statewide. Link outreach programs and services. Provide outreach services such as web site, listserv, network meetings, advocacy and training materials. Identify and describe the needs of providers in sustaining high quality programs.
• Ensure “out-of-school time” programs are of high quality. Share best evidence of effective practices available from throughout the nation. Provide tools for evaluation of practice and reflection on program improvement.
• Help to secure resources needed to sustain new and existing high quality “out-of-school time” programs. Work to increase public awareness of the importance of high quality programs for all school-age children and youth. Develop recommendations for and support for public policies that will increase availability and sustainability of programs.