In 2024, VPOST and the OST community successfully advocated for $5 Million for Virginia OST, included in State Budget. This was the first time in the history of the General Assembly that state dollars were assigned exclusively to out-of-school time programs. Since 2022, we have successfully advocated for $9 million toward these programs. During the 2022 Virginia General Assembly session, legislators prioritized OST and allocated an additional $4 million dollars through Virginia’s share of the American Rescue Plan. This established 15 programs in high-needs communities but were only funded for a single fiscal year. Building off of this momentum, VPOST advocated the funds continue using state dollars, which resulted in the inclusion of $5 million in the 24-26 biennial budget. This new funding has set a historical precedent as prior to 2022, Virginia’s only statewide funding stream for out-of-school time (OST) programs came through the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) federal program.
While this funding is a huge step forward, there is still a significant need for further investment in Virginia. How can we educate legislators on the availability and value of out-of-school time programs in Virginia? How can we help ensure that there is enough investment that all children and families in Virginia have access to quality out-of-school time programs? Support for public funding for afterschool programs in Virginia is extremely popular, with 89% of parents in favor. In fact, public funding is wildly popular across the political spectrum, with 90% of Republicans, 91% of Democrats, and 93% of Independents supporting public afterschool funding.
Navigating the Legislative Map
To navigate this map, use the icon on the top left-hand side of your screen to filter between the Senate and House of Delegates. The orange dots are out-of-school time programs. Click within a district, and the entire district will be highlighted. A box with the legislator’s information will appear, showing their name and party affiliation.
Launch the map in a separate window here.
VPOST stands ready to help facilitate visits of Virginia state legislators at local out-of-school programs. The map above can be used to determine how to connect out-of-school time programs to legislators. Furthermore, it can be used by legislators and political representatives to better understand access and availability in their jurisdictions. If you are interested in setting up a site, please visit Blaire Denson at blaire.denson@v-post.org.
