Governor's Column - October 12, 2007
by Governor Matt Blunt
Providing Missouri Students with Quality Afterschool Programs
Afterschool programs provide Missouri's students a safe environment where they can grow academically, socially, physically and emotionally. As your governor I am working to ensure that all Missouri students are given the opportunity to succeed. Missouri's new grant funding supporting quality afterschool programs will help prepare our future leaders for the challenges of our global economy.
Education is the most significant investment we can make in Missouri. Over the last three years, we have increased education funding by more than half a billion dollars. With these increases we have done more than just increase funding for traditional programs. We understand that there is more to education than just the traditional school day. The education of Missouri children is constant.
Studies have shown that the most dangerous time for a child is between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. Afterschool programs not only help students learn, but also help keep our children safe.
With this in mind, I secured one million dollars in grants for afterschool programs in this year's budget. The funding supports afterschool programs with a focus on math and science, and health and wellness initiatives.
In today's global economy our children are not just competing for jobs with children from other states but with children in India, China, and every other country in the world. Math and science education is vital to ensure that all Missouri children have the opportunity to fulfill their greatest potential.
Health and wellness is just as important to a child's well-being. Without fitness, a child cannot function to his or her highest ability, and thus, cannot reach their full potential in the classroom.
The afterschool programs we are supporting with this grant funding will help ensure Missouri students have the opportunities they need to fulfill their dreams. I am excited to see how Missouri's schools will use this new funding to support quality afterschool programs that focus on math and science to prepare our students for the challenges of the global economy as well as programs focused on health and wellness.