IL HR0203

Alternative Schools Network operates Youth Skills, Scholars, and Service Program serving over 300 Department of Children and Family Services high school dropouts annually and Project New Futures Program serving 130 older youth preparing for emancipation.

Department of Children and Family Services cut $1 million in funding from the Youth Skills, Scholars, and Service Program and eliminated the Project New Futures Program by denying a required sub-contract.

Department of Children and Family Services is contractually obligated to refer appropriate youth to the Alternative Schools Network's programs based on credits, skills, age, and motivation.

Department of Children and Family Services notified Alternative Schools Network that the Youth Skills, Scholars, and Service Program must convert from a grant-based program to a fee-for-service model.

House urges Department of Children and Family Services to reinstate funding for both programs and maintain their grant-based structure to ensure at-risk youth receive necessary education and skills support.