ELO-P is Working: How CalSAC, The Challenge, and EDMO Are Protecting This Vital Investment

Imagine a world where millions* of kids in California suddenly lose access to safe, enriching afterschool and summer programs. Where working families are left scrambling for childcare, students miss out on critical learning opportunities, and entire communities suffer because essential programs have disappeared.

This is not just a hypothetical situation. Without secure, long-term funding for the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P), it could become a reality for countless kids in California who rely on these programs.

Afterschool programs and summer camps are not luxuries. They are necessities. These programs keep kids safe, help them excel and, in some cases, stay in school, all while providing an essential lifeline for working families. Research shows that students in afterschool programs perform better academically, develop stronger social-emotional skills, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors (ncsl.org). Yet, despite their proven impact, these programs face constant funding uncertainties, threatening to leave hundreds of thousands of kids without access to vital learning and support.

That’s why advocates, educators, families, and youth are coming together to demand action at the annual California Afterschool & Summer Challenge (The Challenge), a movement led by CalSAC, CA3, and organizations like EDMO to protect and expand funding for these critical programs.

This blog will break down:

✅ Why securing long-term ELO-P funding is urgent

✅ How The Challenge is mobilizing voices to protect afterschool and summer learning

✅ What you can do to help ensure these programs continue for future generations

‍

Why Securing Long-Term ELO-P Funding is Urgent

California’s Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P) was a game changer for students, families, and educators when it launched in 2021. With $1.75 billion in funding, the program was designed to expand access to free afterschool and summer programs for students in districts with high populations of families that are low-income.

But here’s the challenge; ELO-P funding isn’t guaranteed. Without a long-term commitment, these critical programs could disappear. Nationwide, nearly 25 million kids in the US lack access to essential afterschool programs.

“Never before has the impact of out-of-school time (OST) been so clear,” says Lupine Reppert, Executive Director at California School-Age Consortium, “not only as a safe place for young people to be after the school day, but also an enriching and uplifting place where youth want to be—where they can get support with school work, make friends and build relationships, explore their passions, and where they feel they belong.”

It’s important to note that afterschool and summer programs like EDMO do so much more than just “fill time” when school is out. They provide:

Academic Support - Helping students improve in reading, math, and STEM through hands-on learning.
Safe, Supervised Spaces - Reducing risky behaviors and keeping kids engaged in positive activities.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) - Building confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.
Support for Working Families - Giving families peace of mind knowing their kids are in a structured, supportive environment.

“ELO-P is a commitment to every young person - regardless of their income, race or zip code - that they will have access to the powerful growth, support, and learning that is possible through (out-of-school time learning) programs,” adds Reppert.

To break that promise now would be a devastating loss to California's students and their families.

‍

How The Challenge is Mobilizing Voices to Protect Afterschool and Summer Learning

Advocacy transforms concern into action, and The Challenge exemplifies this effort. Organized by CalSAC and CA3, The Challenge is the largest out-of-school time advocacy event in California, bringing together afterschool professionals, kids, families, and community leaders to speak directly with legislators about the importance of continued funding.

For many attendees, The Challenge is their first experience with advocacy. It is a very transformative experience for participants, providing an opportunity to learn how the legislative process works, build confidence in using their voices, and see firsthand how their stories can influence policy.

“For many, advocacy seems like a practice or skill-set that is out of reach—something only available to certain people in our society,” explains Reppert. “We aim to disrupt this notion: We believe that those closest to the problems should be the voices that are centered when identifying solutions.”

Organizations like EDMO play a critical role in making The Challenge impactful. Kendra Watkins, Director of Partnerships at EDMO, shared why EDMO became a steering committee member. “We wanted to get more involved to ensure the participant experience in the event is as impactful as possible. Additionally, this was a great opportunity for us to become more deeply involved in the advocacy happening at the state level. A goal for EDMO is to become a leader in advocacy, so helping to coordinate the largest out-of-school time-focused advocacy event in the state helps to further that goal.”

At the 2024 Challenge, a record number of participants attended the event: 525 attendees, including 220 youth, who visited all 120 California legislative offices.

By uniting a diverse range of voices, from major afterschool providers to youth participants, The Challenge ensures that California’s legislators hear firsthand why ELO-P funding must be protected.

‍

What You Can Do to Help Ensure These Programs Continue

Advocacy is for everyone, not just educators and policymakers. “Your voice and stories matter!” emphasizes Watkins. “The only way we can highlight the importance and impact of expanded learning programs is to convey the true impact on families, kids, and staff in the community to those who have the power to make decisions and invest in our communities. The most valuable way to do this is to tell the stories of how programs can support communities beyond just a place for kids to be after school and during the summer. If you have the opportunity to elevate your voice, take it!”

If you care about kids and keeping afterschool and summer programs accessible for all, here is how you can get involved and make a difference.

‍

Join the Movement at The Challenge

Attending The Challenge is one of the most powerful ways to take action. Whether you’re an educator, parent, student, or community member, your voice matters. Check out details at CalSAC’s website and join us for the march at Cesar Chavez Park in Sacramento at 8:50 a.m. on March 4, 2025, followed by the rally at Capitol Park (N & 13th Street in Sacramento) at 9:30 a.m.!

‍

Call or Email Your State Representative

It only takes a few minutes, and reaching out to your local representative can have a massive impact. Tell them why afterschool and summer programs matter to you and why long-term ELO-P funding is critical. Find your California state representative here: findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov.

‍

Share Your Story

If your child or community have benefited from expanded learning programs, tell people about it! Whether through social media, at school board meetings, or in conversations with friends and neighbors, spreading awareness helps build momentum for change.

‍

Join CalSAC’s Newsletter

‍Stay informed on policy updates, future advocacy opportunities, and funding threats by signing up for CalSAC’s newsletter. The more informed you are, the more effective your advocacy can be!

‍

Stay Informed & Support Advocacy Efforts

Follow organizations like CalSAC, CA3, and EDMO to stay updated on policy changes, funding threats, and advocacy opportunities. The more informed you are, the more effective your advocacy can be.

‍

The Time to Act is Now

ELO-P funding is a lifeline for students in California. Losing it would mean losing safe spaces, enriching experiences, and crucial support systems for families across the state. The fight for afterschool and summer programs is a fight for educational equity, community well-being, and the future of our kids.

‍

Are you ready to stand up for expanded learning? Get involved today.

‍

*While specific participation numbers for ELO-P are not readily available, it's important to note that California's expanded learning programs have historically served a significant number of students. For instance, in the 2018-19 period, these programs offered afterschool and summer learning opportunities to over 980,000 students across nearly 4,500 programs. Afterschool Network ELO-P is designed to support millions of students throughout the state. California Department of Education

‍

Text Link

Learn more about partnering with EDMO and reach out to us today!

PARTNER WITH EDMO

Together, we can create inclusive and safe learning spaces for every kid and open doors to a brighter future for all. Donate today!

Donate Now

EDMO Summer Camp