State officials tout BOOST program in Milton YMCA visit

Apr. 2—MILTON — Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and State Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-27, met with elected officials and Milton YMCA staff Tuesday to discuss their support for after school programs.

Davis and Culver said they support Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2024-25 budget proposal which includes $11.5 million to create a statewide Building Opportunity through Out of School Time (BOOST) program. They said BOOST will be able to provide enrichment experiences and safe environments for young Pennsylvanians, while supporting working families.

"As someone who grew up going to a Boys and Girls Club in my hometown of McKeesport, I know firsthand the value of afterschool programs," Davis said. "At their most basic level, they provide structure for students after the school day ends, but the best programs enhance and expand on what they learn at school, giving them social skills, homework help, sports and exercise, music, art, theater and so much more.

"They also keep kids safe during those critical hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. That's why investing in out-of-school time programs is a top priority."

Davis told the gathering the investment is the right thing to do.

Schlegel Culver agreed.

Schlegel Culver said a June 2021 report by the Joint State Government Commission calculated the return on investment for out-of-school time programs as approximately $6.69 for each $1 invested in Pennsylvania.

The Afterschool Alliance estimates that for every Pennsylvania child enrolled in an afterschool program, there are four more waiting for an available program, Culver said.

"Investing in our children's education is more than just securing funds for in-class instruction," she said. "It is also about investing in quality before- and afterschool programs that create transformative learning experiences for kids across the commonwealth, particularly in rural Pennsylvania.

"Providing for care after school, like what is provided at the Milton YMCA, is vital to working parents."

Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA CEO Bonnie McDowell said she was thankful the leaders visited Milton and was thrilled to hear the push for the funds continues.

"The YMCA has been offering a safe enriching environment for kids to go after school for decades," she said. "We are so grateful to the Shapiro-Davis administration and Sen. Schlegel Culver for recognizing the important role of out-of-school time."

Schlegel Culver also spoke to a group of Milton students who were present at the event.

"I want you all to know we are doing this for all of you," she said.