20th Annual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge
March 12, 2024 was the largest afterschool advocacy day in its 20-year history. Over 500 staff, youth, and parents from up and down the state marched on the State Capitol to protect the over $4 billion in state funding for expanded learning programs. This historic turnout was featured on KCRA, FOX 40, CBS, Telemundo, and Spectrum News 1. Participants met with state senators, assemblymembers, and their staff from all 120 legislative offices, took part in advocacy trainings and community-building activities, and shared stories about how afterschool and summer programs have changed their lives.
Hosted by CalSAC, PCY is proud to be a lead partner of this statewide event.
Awards
The California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3), coordinated by PCY, presented three awards to policymakers who have been leaders in expanding access to afterschool and summer programs for students across California.
Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg
was awarded the Trailblazer for Afterschool Excellence award, honoring his nearly three decades of public service and leadership in expanded learning.
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty
was awarded the Afterschool Policy Pioneer award, honoring his unwavering support of afterschool programs throughout his tenure in the State Assembly.
Governor Gavin Newsom
was awarded the Afterschool Legacy Champion award for his support of expanded learning dating back to his time as Mayor of San Francisco through his historic $4 billion investment in 2022.
Ben Chida, the Governor’s top education advisor, accepted the award on his behalf.
“Expanding learning for me stands for the infinite number of relationships that can be built, passions that can be sparked, joy that can be had. And that’s why we’re so incredibly proud to build off your movement and to partner with you.”
Legislative Reception
In our role as the coordinating member of CA3, we hosted the first ever legislative reception, featuring beat making by Today’s Future Sound and a live mural activity by Attitudinal Healing Connection, co-hosted by Assemblymembers McKinnor, Nguyen, Pacheco, Reyes, and Zbur. The event was emceed by our Co-CEO Jessica Gunderson and John Fuentes from Bay Area Community Resources.
PCY staff shine at challenge
Our Co-CEO Aleah Rosario presented on a panel presentation to youth, sharing an impassioned story about why she engages in advocacy, carrying on the legacy of her grandparents and great grandparents who were part of the farmworker justice movement. She presented alongside Crystal Melendez, EduCare Foundation alumna, Joanna French from Innovate Public Schools, and Tom Steel from the Office of State Senator Josh Becker, moderated by Kim Cabais from CalSAC.
Photos from the march
and rally at the Capitol
