California schools often face challenges funding high-quality afterschool programs, but the state offers several funding programs to help. These programs, known as “Expanded Learning” programs, operate in Title I schools and provide a minimum number of operational hours depending on the program type (before school, after school, summer, intersession, etc.). This report provides a comprehensive overview of three key Expanded Learning programs: the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP), the After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program, and After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs). It examines their distinct features, eligibility criteria, funding amounts, application deadlines, focus areas, and contact information to help stakeholders decide to secure afterschool funding. It is important to note that while ASSETS focuses on high school students, it also serves students in grades K-12.
Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP)
ELOP is a state-funded initiative that provides afterschool and summer school enrichment programs for students in transitional kindergarten (TK) through sixth grade. Through hands-on learning, it focuses on developing students’ academic, social, emotional, and physical needs.
Mandatory Participation
California Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are required by state legislation to operate an ELOP program. This requirement shows how vital these programs are to the state.
Eligibility Criteria for ELOP
To be eligible for ELOP, students must generally fall under the category of “unduplicated pupils”. This typically includes students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, homeless youth, and English learners. Schools with an unduplicated pupil percentage (UPP) of at least 80% must offer ELOP-funded programming to all students, while those with a UPP below 80% must offer it to at least 50% of their students. No student who meets the criteria should be denied access to ELOP programming.
Recent Funding Amounts for ELOP
The California Department of Education directly provides specific funding amounts and application deadlines to school districts. In 2022-2023, the state allocated nearly $4 billion for ELOP, with each eligible school receiving at least $50,000. It is important to note that ELOP apportionment amounts can change based on the Unduplicated Pupil Percentage (UPP). This means that a school’s funding may vary from year to year depending on the percentage of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, homeless youth, and English learners.
Program Flexibility
ELOP program plans may be amended based on alterations in student needs identified as part of the ongoing needs assessment. This flexibility allows schools to adapt their programs to meet their students’ evolving needs. Districts are encouraged to collaborate with community partners when amending their ELOP program plans.
Examples of ELOP Implementation
The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) provides a concrete example of how a district utilizes ELOP funding. Their ELOP plan and budget summary can be viewed at https://www.lausd.org/elop. This resource offers valuable insights into how ELOP is implemented in a large school district.
Focus Areas of ELOP
ELOP prioritizes students’ holistic development by focusing on their academic, social, emotional, and physical needs. It encourages programs that provide enriching experiences, safe and supportive environments, and opportunities for skill-building. ELOP emphasizes student-centered learning, community partnerships, and activities that complement the regular school day.
After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program
The After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program, created by Proposition 49 and approved by voters in 2002, provides funding for after school programs serving students in TK through ninth grade. ASES offers literacy support, academic enrichment, and safe, constructive alternatives for students during after school hours.
Eligibility Criteria for ASES
ASES programs must provide both an educational/literacy element and an educational enrichment element. Schools with 50% or more of the pupils eligible for free or reduced-cost meals through the school lunch program will be given priority for funding programs. Every program must be planned through a collaborative process including parents, youth, and representatives of participating public schools, government agencies, community organizations, and the private sector.
Funding Amounts for ASES
The current funding allocations for the ASES program amount to $794 million. Application deadlines vary, but past deadlines have fallen in January and February. It is recommended to check with the California Department of Education for the most up-to-date deadline information. ASES Program application forms must be mailed to the California Department of Education (CDE) Expanded Learning Division.
Focus Areas of ASES
ASES programs prioritize literacy, academic enrichment, and providing safe and constructive activities for students. They are designed to complement the regular school day and offer students opportunities to enhance their learning and engage in meaningful activities outside of school hours.
After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs)
The After School Safety and Enrichment for Teens (ASSETs) is a federally funded program. California manages this program and provides grants for before school, after school, and summer programs for students in grades K-12. Although it serves all K-12 grades, ASSETS mainly focuses on high school students.
Eligibility Criteria for ASSETS
To be eligible for the ASSETs program, schools need to have a high-percentage of students at risk of dropping out and must work with community organizations to offer a mix of academic help, fun activities, and family support. Schools with many low-income families are given priority for this funding. The goal is to help teens stay in school, do better in their classes, and have a safe place to go after school.
Funding Amounts for ASSETS
As of the time of this article, per-school funding for ASSETs is between $50,000-$254,500. The California Department of Education provides information on application procedures, hosts their Requests for Application, and posts up-to-date deadlines on its website.
Focus Areas of ASSETS
ASSETs programs aim to improve academic achievement, provide enrichment services that complement the academic program, and offer family literacy and related educational development services, in accordance with legislation designed to support educational initiatives. They focus on providing students safe and engaging learning opportunities outside school hours.
Comparing ELOP, ASES, and ASSETS
| Program | Funding Source | Grade Levels | Focus | Eligibility Criteria | Funding Amounts | Application Deadlines |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELOP | State | TK-6 | Academic, social, emotional, and physical development | Unduplicated pupils (students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals, foster youth, homeless youth, and English learners) | Nearly $4 billion allocated in 2022-2023; minimum $50,000 per school | Not specified publicly; communicated to LEAs by the CDE |
| ASES | State | TK-9 | Literacy, academic enrichment, safe alternatives | Contact CDE or local county office | $794 million | Vary; typically January/February |
| ASSETS | Federal | K-12 (focus on high school) | Academic achievement, enrichment, family literacy | Requires ASSIST logon and FAAST compliance | Not specified | Not specified |
Overlapping Areas and Considerations
Existing ASES and 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) funded slots can count towards ELOP requirements. This means that schools that already have ASES or CCLC programs in place may be able to use those programs to meet their ELOP obligations. Furthermore, cost-sharing is allowed between ELOP and other programs. This allows schools to leverage multiple funding sources to support their expanded learning programs.
California’s afterschool funding options offer real solutions for schools looking to support their students beyond the bell. Whether you’re serving elementary students through ELOP, supporting middle schoolers with ASES, or helping high school teens through ASSETS, there’s funding available to create programs that work. While navigating these options might seem complex at first, each program serves a unique purpose in helping California’s students thrive. The key is finding the right fit for your school community and using these resources to build programs that truly make a difference in students’ lives.
