Youth Development Budget Proviso

BACKGROUND:

What is a budget proviso?

• A "budget proviso" is language included in a state budget that's dedicated for a specific purpose, like a project, grant program, study, or something else.

• Proposed budget provisos do not go through the formal legislative process, like a bill. People advocate for them by meeting with legislators, writing letters, and mobilizing others to advocate, too.

• Because they don't follow the same process, and are usually smaller, advocating for budget provisos can be an effective strategy to get money for an important project.

What is youth development?

• "Youth development" refers to the broad array of expanded learning opportunities that schools, organizations, and communities, and organizations provide for young people outside of the traditional classroom setting.

• This can include things like sports teams, clubs for art, music, leadership development, or even self-defense, after-school or before-school tutoring, summer camps, and much more

SUMMARY:

There are two elements to the budget proviso - the first element requests $5M to create a grant program at the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) for youth development programs. 

• OSPI would create the program and administer distribution of state funding to youth development programs across the state. They would focus on areas where kids have the least access to youth development & enrichment programs.

The second requests $100K for a capacity-building program.

• This would provide training resources and technical assistance around program design, grant management, operations, and more to increase and sustain programming for youth.

See more about this budget proviso request by visiting the Youth Development Strategy Table (YDST) 2024 Priorities page.

POINTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT THIS PROVISO:

Access to enrichment activities and programs - particularly those based in a child's own community - can be critical to their health and wellness. These programs have shown great impacts on children's social-emotional wellness, mental health, performance in school, and readiness for life beyond school.

• 80% of parents agree that youth development supports their child's ability to build positive relationship with caring adults

• 69% agree that these programs porvide access to nutritious foods

• 78% agree that they help their child stay safe and out of trouble

• Among regular participants in youth development, 1 out 2 students improved their grades in language arts or math 

• 7 out of 10 students improved their homework completion and class participation

Equitable access to youth development programs remains a statewide issue that particularly affects Black communities as well as rural communities. State funding would make small step in ensuring more children get access to programs that help them grow inside and outside of the classroom.

• For every student in an afterschool program, there are 5 waiting to get into one.

• Nearly 50% of parents report there is no available afterschool program in their community.

• 58% of parents of Black youth report afterschool programs are too expensive.

Source & more information: School's Out Washington Facts & Stats