Ontario Investing More Than $43 million in After School Programs

The Ontario government is investing $43.9 million over three years to continue the province’s After School Program (ASP), keeping more than 13,000 children and youth in underserved communities active and healthy each year. As part of the government’s plan to protect Ontario, this funding will ensure the ASP can continue to provide safe, supervised activities and tutoring for students, along with nutritious snacks, at low or no cost, setting them up for success, inside and outside the classroom.

“Our government is proud to invest in programs that give hard-working parents access to fun, safe and supervised activities for their children,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport. “By establishing three-year agreements, we are cutting red tape for our partners and creating more stability for providers and participants – helping ensure families continue to have access to the high-quality, active recreation programs they rely on.”

Ontario’s After School Program supports children from kindergarten to Grade 12 in over 80 communities across the province. Participating students are exposed to a range of activities and resources, including sports, local arts and cultural programs and additional academic assistance.

“Our government is supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “By investing in programs that encourage students to stay active, build confidence and develop new skills, we’re helping them reach their full potential and achieve success in all areas of life.”

The government works with 110 organizations across the province, including municipalities, First Nations and community-based non-profits such as YMCAs and Boys and Girls Clubs to administer the ASP. Families interested in the program can contact a participating organization for more information about eligibility requirements and services offered by their program.

“We are thrilled and grateful that the Government of Ontario is continuing their investment in the Ontario After School Program. This funding allows us to provide high quality programs for children during the critical after school hours when parents are often still at work or school,” said Milja Minic, Chief Operating Office, BGC Hamilton-Halton. “With our focus on helping young people to be active and well, these programs promote physical literacy and activity, nutrition and wellness education, and positive social development — all key factors in enabling healthy, confident, and resilient young people and ultimately helping to create healthy and vibrant communities. This is a critical investment by the Ministry of Sport to create brighter futures and stronger communities now, and for the next generation.”

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