HI HCR10

Urges the Board of Education and Department of Education to support and implement afterschool programs as an equity strategy to combat COVID-19 learning loss.

Cites McKinsey & Company projections that students could lose 5-9 months of learning by end of school year, with disadvantaged students losing 6-12 months.

Notes Hawaii's Nita M. Lowery 21st Century Community Learning Centers program achieved significant progress in 2018-2019, including reducing chronic absenteeism and increasing English and math proficiency.

References unmet demand for afterschool programs in Hawaii with 74,000 children who would enroll if programs were available.

Requests Department of Education coordinate offices and collaborate with community partners to ensure equitable access to afterschool programs targeting vulnerable students.