— CA3 Responds to 2025-26 California State Budget Proposal —
Governor Newsom’s Budget Proposal Reflects
Bold Commitment to California’s Kids and Families
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Jan. 17, 2025) — The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) applauds Governor Gavin Newsom’s proposed 2025-26 state budget, which sustains the historic $4 billion annual investment in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) and introduces an additional $435 million to expand universal access across more districts. These investments could provide critical support for over 65,000 more students and families statewide, ensuring more access and higher quality afterschool and summer learning programs, particularly for students and families who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford them.
“The Governor’s budget proposal underscores a steadfast commitment to equity, universal access, and holistic support for students and families,” said Jessica Gunderson, Co-CEO of the Partnership for Children and Youth. “By investing in expanded learning opportunities and creating access for tens of thousands more students, this proposal addresses long-standing educational disparities and prioritizes the needs of California’s children and families.”
The proposed budget achieves and we support several landmark milestones:
Full Implementation of Universal Expanded Learning: An additional $435 million annually for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) brings the Governor’s original promise of ELO-P funding closer to full implementation. While creating more access to transformative programs for hundreds more local educational agencies (LEAs) and over 65,000 more students and their families.
Increased Equity: Lowering the Tier 1 funding threshold from 75% to 55% unduplicated pupils ensures access to free afterschool and summer programs for TK-6th grade students in districts serving at least 55% unduplicated students – including those from low-income families, multi-lingual learners, and foster youth. Moving from Tier 2 to Tier 1 funding would provide an additional $1,000+ per student in these districts.
Whole Child Supports: The budget continues to integrate expanded learning as a critical component of the California for All Kids Plan, advancing other necessary programs, including universal transitional kindergarten, universal school meals, and community schools. We also strongly support proposals to address workforce challenges through new career pathways and supports for educators.
These investments reinforce the Governor’s commitment to California’s children and families. High-quality afterschool and summer programs play a pivotal role in closing opportunity gaps, increasing academic achievement, and supporting working families by providing safe, enriching environments outside of the school day.
“While we await the details in the trailer bill language, the Governor’s budget is a promising step forward for students and families across California,” Gunderson added. “CA3 looks forward to working closely with the Governor, Legislature, and educational leaders statewide to ensure the successful implementation of these investments. Together, we can continue to improve access, strengthen programs, and foster equity for the communities that need it most.”
The proposed budget builds on the progress achieved under the historic ELO-P initiative, further cementing California’s leadership in ensuring that schools meet the needs of children and working families.
###
ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL ADVOCACY ALLIANCE
The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) is the statewide voice for and expert on expanded learning (afterschool, before school, summer, and intersession) programs. Our coalition advocates for state, local, and federal policies and investments that best represent the interests of children, youth, and their families who rely on publicly funded expanded learning programs throughout California, and support the vibrant workforce that is essential for program quality and impact. ca3advocacy.com
CALIFORNIA AFTERSCHOOL ADVOCACY ALLIANCE MEMBERS
A World Fit for Kids; After-School All-Stars, Los Angeles; Aim High; arc; 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; 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; Mission: Readiness; Para Los Niños; Partnership for Children & Youth; Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center; STAR Inc.; Team Prime Time; The Children's Initiative; Think Together; Woodcraft Rangers; 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