FAN's CEO Interviewed for "American Graduate: Let's Make it Happen"

On August 29, Florida Afterschool Chief Executive Officer Larry Pintacuda participated in “American Graduate: Let’s Make it Happen”, a national public initiative and television program. His topic was the positive impact on quality afterschool programming as it relates to improved academic performance of kids.

Armed with strong facts documenting the importance of afterschool programs, Larry represented all the FAN Champions and Board Members in expressing why these programs are crucial to the development of our children. The program is scheduled to be aired during the week of September 22nd, and Larry’s portion was 4-5 minutes.

FAN would like to thank Kim Kelling Engstrom, Director of Educational Services for WFSU TV and a FAN Champion, for her efforts in getting represented in this wonderful program.  This is not the first time Kim and WFSU TV has addressed and promoted the importance of quality
afterschool. It was her efforts that brought national television show “Electric Company” to Florida to provide training for afterschool practitioners.

 The exact date and time the program will be aired will be posted as soon as it is released.

There is still time to apply for LOA mini-grant

The Florida Afterschool Network (FAN) and Bright House Networks are pleased to announce the 7th Annual Lights On Afterschool (LOA) Mini Grants.  These mini-grants are offered to support local afterschool programs in helping off-set event costs. 

Programs are invited to submit a request for funds to assist in covering expenses that would help increase the profile of their event, or to help make the event more attractive to media and policymakers.  Funding is allocated through a competitive grant process open to all afterschool providers including school board operated and private provider operated sites. 

The total fund amount is $10,000 for LOA mini-grants. There are two levels of scholarship. $2,500 will be available for multiple program community collaborative events, and $1,000 for individual (school or agency events). All public or private organizations are eligible to apply. Examples of agencies and organizations include, but are not limited to “For profit” and “not for profit” agencies, City or county government agencies, individual schools and Faith-based organizations.

All LOA funded programs must meet at a minimum the Florida Standards for Quality Afterschool Programs developed by FAN. These standards focus on positive youth development principles with developmentally age appropriate activities, and have appropriate staff to student ratios. Programs must exhibit a high degree of coordination and involvement with schools and other community partners. The funded programs must provide deliverables to FAN.

FAN and Brighthouse are very excited to be offering these mini-grants. Groups interested in applying can view the requirements and submission information at www.myfan.org. There is still time to apply. The deadline is THIS Friday, August 17^th.

About FAN, Brighthouse and LOA

The mission of the Florida Afterschool Network is to provide unified leadership to advocate for the development, enhancement and sustainability of innovative, high quality afterschool programs and policies statewide.  The Florida Afterschool Network joined a national initiative dedicated to afterschool programs with funding in 2005 by the Charles S. Mott Foundation.

Bright House Networks has long been a supporter of organizations that provide services to children and families, and recognized as being a good corporate citizen. Bright House employees take great pride in working, mentoring and serving the needs of others in their communities. Bright House is privileged to partner with FAN in celebrating Lights on Afterschool.

Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event that recognizes the critical importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, their families and communities.  It is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, the only organization dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of afterschool programs and advocating for more afterschool investments.  The Afterschool Alliance works with the Administration, the U.S. Congress, governors, mayors and advocates across the country. Today the Afterschool Alliance boasts more than 25,000 afterschool program partners and their publications reach more than 65,000 interested individuals every month.  More information on the Alliance and Lights On Afterschool is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.