In recent years, the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (“ELOP”) has become California’s primary funding source for expanded learning. That said, the state also relies on two other programs:
- After School Education and Safety Program (ASES)
- 21st Century Program
After ELOP, ASES is the second largest funding source for expanded learning in California. Let’s explore ASES and its connection to nutrition education.
What is ASES?
California’s ASES was the result of a voter-approved legislative act that appropriated millions of dollars in funds for programs occurring outside of school hours. Proposition 49 essentially guarantees $550 million in automatic annual spending, which the California legislature can supplement with additional budgetary funds. Because Proposition 49 was approved directly by the voters, lawmakers cannot make major changes to the law.
ASES vs. ELOP
One might wonder why California has two state-funded programs for expanded learning. As with many things in politics, the answer is somewhat complicated. Reasons aside, the reality is that the Golden State maintains two separate—yet often overlapping—funding sources for expanded learning.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) offers a helpful publication for comparing ASES and ELOP. Both programs fund expanded learning in California and have similar staff-to-student ratios and curriculum requirements. As the LAO points out, “Since ELOP and ASES programmatic requirements are so similar, districts are largely able to use funding from both sources to operate the same program across different school sites.”
Despite the similarities, ASES and ELOP differ in several ways. Examples include:
Funds are allocated differently. ASES follows a competitive grant process, while ELOP funds are apportioned based on a school district’s percentage of “English learning or low-income” students. We explained this funding formula in our ELOP blog post.
ASES requires a “local match.” California Education Code explicitly requires ASES grant recipients to provide a local match equal to no less than 1/3rd of the grant amount. Local matches can be obtained from a variety of sources, such as private sector partners or local organizations. ELOP does not require local matches.
Operational requirements differ. One major reason for instituting ASES was to reduce student involvement in criminal behavior, which, according to studies, tends to be higher immediately after school. ASES therefore has specific “after school” stipulations, while ELOP’s operational requirements are wider ranging.
ASES & Nutrition Education
ASES grant recipients are permitted to contract with third-party organizations to support the operation of after school programs. Doing so presents a unique opportunity to leverage outside subject-matter expertise, especially for meeting “educational enrichment” requirements. The ASES Request for Application document, published by the California Department of Education for the 26-27 fiscal year, lists more than a dozen examples of educational enrichment—including activities pertaining to nutrition education.
Although not required, a local educational agency could use a portion of its ASES funding to supplement enrichment via recipe preparation and culinary activities.
Enhance After School Programming with Nutrition Education
Partner with Rainbow Chefs Academy, a health, wellness, and nutrition education company that empowers students through hands-on experiences. Contact us to explore partnership opportunities and request a pilot program.