— CA3 Responds to Governor Newsom’s 2025-26 May Revise Proposal —
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (May 14, 2025) — The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s May Revision for maintaining and deepening the state’s historic commitment to expanded learning. In a year marked by economic uncertainty and devastating federal budget proposals that threaten to eliminate all afterschool programs for high school students in California and the majority of programs for all ages across the country, California’s leadership on expanded learning has never been more vital.
The Governor’s continued investment in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) is a clear and powerful signal that California is keeping its promise to students and families. By expanding universal access to districts serving 55% or more unduplicated TK-6th grade students and increasing funding to reflect attendance growth, the May Revision strengthens the foundation of a truly equitable public education system—one that provides before-school, afterschool, and summer learning programs for the students who need them most.
We are especially encouraged to see an additional $515.5 million in ongoing Prop 98 investment to meet rising demand, and a long-overdue increase in the minimum grant amount for small and rural LEAs. These improvements, championed by our coalition, will expand access to tens of thousands of more students, increase quality, and sustain programming that supports the whole child and working families.
“In a time of federal cuts to programs that support working families, California is expanding its safety net,” said Jessica Gunderson, co-CEO of the Partnership for Children & Youth and CA3 coordinating member. “While federal proposals threaten to gut afterschool support for older students, California is doubling down on our values. This budget reflects a deep understanding that learning does not stop when the school bell rings. Expanded learning is not just enrichment—it is essential infrastructure for academic success, public safety, mental health, workforce development, and closing opportunity gaps.”
We look forward to working with the Legislature in the weeks ahead to finalize this investment and ensure every family in California can access programs they were promised – universal school meals, pre-kindergarten and community schools. And we remain steadfast in our call for additional investments that expand access for older youth and ensure the long-term sustainability of these life-changing programs.
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KEY QUOTE FROM GOVERNOR’S MAY REVISE PRESS CONFERENCE:
“This is a program that I'm deeply [proud] of… we actually delivered full implementation. 9 hours a day, before school, after and summer school for TK through 6th grade. This is a BIG DAMN DEAL, over $4 billion invested in this space. It needs to be highlighted because I don't know how many other states are doing this but it is our state of mind..." - Governor Gavin Newsom
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL ADVOCACY ALLIANCE (CA3):
The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) is the statewide voice for expanded learning programs. Representing over 40 community-based organizations and school districts serving hundreds of thousands of students across more than 2,000 schools daily, CA3 advocates for policies and funding that enhance educational opportunities, promote equity, and support working families.
CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL ADVOCACY ALLIANCE MEMBERS
A World Fit for Kids; After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles; Aim High; arc; BASE Programs; Bay Area Community Resources; California AfterSchool Network; California Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs; California School-Age Consortium; California State Alliance of YMCAs; California Teaching Fellows Foundation; Center for Creative Youth Development; Children Now; Clare Rose Foundation; Community Youth Ministries; EDMO; EduCare Foundation; Elevo; Envisioneers; ExpandLA; Heart of Los Angeles; Innovate Public Schools; InPlay; Keep Youth Doing Something Inc.; LA Boys and Girls Clubs Collaborative; LA Conservation Corps; LA STEM Collective; LA's BEST Afterschool Enrichment Program; Para Los Niños; Partnership for Children & Youth; Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center; STAR Education; Team Prime Time; The Children's Initiative; Think Together; Woodcraft Rangers; YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles; YMCA of San Diego County
Contact
For more information on where and how ELO-P is having an impact in communities around the state and CA3’s budget priorities, contact Stephanie Pollick: stephanie@partnerforchildren.org, (510) 830-4200 x1616