March 21, 2024 - Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) on Wednesday introduced the bipartisan Advancing Frequent and Tailored Education to Rebuild Safe Communities and Help Orchestrate Opportunities and Learning (AFTER SCHOOL) Act. This bill would help create and support after school programs focused on reducing violent crime among at-risk youth. 

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev)

“Early intervention is key to helping at-risk youth and after school programs are a proven tool to reduce crime and help support young Nevadans,” said Senator Cortez Masto. “I’ve introduced this bipartisan bill to make sure we are investing in the future of our youth by providing the tools and resources they need to set them on the path for success.”

A recent study found a 28 to 35 percent reduction of total arrests and a 45 to 50 percent reductionin violent crime by youth participating in specific after school programs, as well as a 21 percent reduction in recidivism. The AFTER SCHOOL Act would establish a grant program through the Department of Justice to help schools establish, maintain, and strengthen these after school programs that are so effective. School districts in counties with a juvenile offense rate higher than 10 percent would be eligible to receive funds through the non-competitive grant. 

You can find the full bill text HERE.

Senator Cortez Masto has delivered critical support to students and schools across Nevada. She helped secure nearly $12 million in funding for the Communities in Schools (CIS) program, which works with local partner organizations to provide eligible students and their families with essential services, including mental health care and access to high-quality afterschool and leadership programs. She has also secured $950,000 to help Clark County School District better support students recovering from substance abuse and mental health struggles. Cortez Masto’s provision to increase the number of mental health professionals in schools was included in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which was signed into law. 
Source: Senator Catherine Cortez Masto