In support of after school programs, requesting full funding of $2.0 Billion for the Year 2005 as outlined in No Child Left Behind

WHEREAS, the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) was established in 1969 for the purpose of advocating, planning, and promoting the unique and special educational needs of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians; and

WHEREAS, N!EA, as the largest national Indian organization of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian educators, administrators, parents and students in the United States, provides a forum to discuss and act upon issues affecting the education of Indian and Native people; and

WHEREAS, after school programs are essential in helping these communities meet educational needs as after school programs provide:

  •  Safe, friendly, learning environments to our kids that boost academic achievement,

  • Support working families by ensuring our children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends,

  • Build stronger communities by involving our students, parents, adult volunteers, tribal programs, and our elders in the lives of our children, their families, and communities,

  • Encourage families to become more effective partners in their children’s education.

WHEREAS, the NIEA has provided significant leadership in the overall area of education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality after school programs are a critical link in the lives of children, their families, and communities,

WHEREAS, NIEA knows after school programs have proven success in that students achieve better academically in core programs, have fewer behavioral problems, have better attendance records, offer students a safe place to be during peak hours that juvenile are victims of crime or engage rn criminal activity themselves, and engage in enrichment activities that promote cultural awareness as well as enrichment activities that students might never be able to experience.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the NIEA urges Congress to fully fund the federal after school programs- 21 st Community Learning Centers at the authorized level of $2.0 Billion for the Fiscal Year 2005.

Submitted By: Carolyn Harry (Northern Paiute), 2003-2004 Afterschool Ambassador

CERTIFICATION

I do hereby certify that foregoing resolution was duly considered and passed by the NIEA Board of Directors at its November 1-5, 2003 meeting in Greensboro, North Carolina at which time a quorum was present.

Steven Peters