DE HR10

Commits the Delaware General Assembly to investing in out-of-school and summer programs for youth transitioning out of traditional childcare (age 13+) but not yet old enough to work

Cites that 21% of Delaware children live in poverty, with only 38% proficient in math by grade 5 and 49% proficient in reading by grade 8 (Kids Count 2016)

Notes that approximately 28,000 Delaware students (nearly 20%) are unsupervised after school, with 48,000 students likely to participate if afterschool programs were available

Highlights that funding for middle school afterschool programs was reallocated in 2021 to prioritize a different age group initiative

References research showing every dollar invested in afterschool programs saves at least $9 in reduced crime, welfare costs, and improved educational outcomes, while students without such programs are 3 times more likely to be truant or use drugs/alcohol