IL HR0162

Teen REACH provides out-of-school programs to over 20,000 youth in over 200 Illinois communities, offering academic assistance, life skills, mentoring, and job preparation.

The Governor's proposal would substantially eliminate Teen REACH funding for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011 and all of Fiscal Year 2012, leaving 20,000 youth without safe after-school services.

Teen REACH serves at-risk youth aged 11-17 facing multiple barriers including poverty, neighborhood violence, family instability, and academic difficulties; 77% of participants are from low-income families.

Studies show Teen REACH participants demonstrate improved academic performance, higher graduation rates, and lower dropout rates, with over 90% of parents reporting increased homework completion.

The resolution urges the immediate halt of drastic state funding reductions to Teen REACH and calls for copies to be delivered to the Governor and Secretary of the Department of Human Services.