The Ontario government is investing $43.9 million over three years to continue the province's After School Program (ASP), keeping more than 13,000 children and youth in underserved communities active and healthy each year. As part of the government's plan to protect Ontario, this funding will ensure the ASP can continue to provide safe, supervised activities and tutoring for students, along with nutritious snacks, at low or no cost, setting them up for success, inside and outside the classroom.
"Our government is proud to invest in programs that give hard-working parents access to fun, safe and supervised activities for their children," said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. "By establishing three-year agreements, we are cutting red tape for our partners and creating more stability for providers and participants - helping ensure families continue to have access to the high-quality, active recreation programs they rely on."
Ontario's After School Program supports children from kindergarten to Grade 12 in over 80 communities across the province. Participating students are exposed to a range of activities and resources, including sports, local arts and cultural programs and additional academic assistance.
"Our government is supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom," said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. "By investing in programs that encourage students to stay active, build confidence and develop new skills, we're helping them reach their full potential and achieve success in all areas of life."
The government works with 110 organizations across the province, including municipalities, First Nations and community-based non-profits such as YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs to administer the ASP. Families interested in the program can contact a participating organization for more information about eligibility requirements and services offered by their program.
"We are thrilled and grateful that the Government of Ontario is continuing their investment in the Ontario After School Program. This funding allows us to provide high quality programs for children during the critical after school hours when parents are often still at work or school," said Milja Minic, Chief Operating Office, BGC Hamilton-Halton. "With our focus on helping young people to be active and well, these programs promote physical literacy and activity, nutrition and wellness education, and positive social development all key factors in enabling healthy, confident, and resilient young people and ultimately helping to create healthy and vibrant communities. This is a critical investment by the Ministry of Sport to create brighter futures and stronger communities now, and for the next generation."
Quick Facts
- Ontario's After School Program was launched in 2009.
- All organizations are required to deliver mandatory programming that focuses on sport and physical activity and includes a healthy snack.
- Organizations may also provide additional activities that meet the needs of the local community (e.g., cultural activities, homework help).
Quotes
"The support from Ontario's After School Program has allowed us to expand our reach and deepen our connection with school-aged children and their families, offering new opportunities for engagement, learning, and active play within our community, especially for those who might not otherwise have access to organized after school care. By emphasizing physical literacy and getting children active, we're helping to build confidence, coordination, and a lifelong love of movement. We've also grown from offering simple snacks to providing full, nutritious meals; a change that has made a real difference for many families. The impact has been remarkable, creating a safe, welcoming space where children can build friendships, confidence, and a sense of belonging."
- France Gauthier, Executive Director, Our Children, Our Future
"At BGC Peel Boys and Girls Club, our parents and children have expressed that our after-school programs provide them with a healthy environment, social and mental wellness they need, especially since coming out of Covid. Thanks to funding from the Government of Ontario, BGC Peel staff have found that our kids are improving in their academic performance, fostering leadership skills, increasing participation in physical activity, and allowing BGC Peel to provide a safe, supportive place where children and youth can experience new opportunities. Our program has contributed to all children and youth discovering and achieving their dreams and goals by developing self-esteem, encouraging healthy habits, and creating a sense of community and responsibility, becoming more successful and active participants in society."
- Michael Gyovai, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, BGC Peel
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