Utah After School Network asks subcommittee for $10 million to close gap in after‑school and summer programs
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Summary
The Utah After School Network requested an ongoing $10,000,000 appropriation to close a stated $29,000,000 funding shortfall for after‑school and summer programs and to expand access by an estimated 3,000–5,000 children via competitive grants to programs that missed federal funding.
Ben Chunselman, executive director of the Utah After School Network, told the subcommittee that public funding for after‑school and summer programs has fallen to its lowest level since 2018 and that nearly $29,000,000 in unmet funding requests remain after recent federal awards. “Over the past several years, the financial sustainability of after school and summer programs has steadily [eroded],” Chunselman said, and he asked the committee to consider a $10,000,000 ongoing appropriation to help stabilize providers and expand access statewide.
Chunselman said state funds would be distributed through a competitive grant process targeted to programs that failed to secure 21st Century Community Learning Center grants, childcare development funds or TANF funds, and that the investment could support up to 40 additional programs and expand access for approximately 3,000 to 5,000 children and youth. Representative Romero, participating remotely, emphasized the statewide nature of the need and confirmed the network’s work includes rural Utah.
Co‑chair Watkins asked whether allocations would prioritize school‑year or summer programs; Chunselman said distribution would respond to applicant need and that school‑year programming typically shows higher demand.
The subcommittee did not vote on the request during the hearing. Staff told members to submit voting packet priorities to chairs by 5:00 p.m. Thursday so chairs can finalize priorities for the next meeting.
