Recession putting a crunch on after-school programs

After-school programs across the nation are struggling with both recession-related budget shortfalls and recession-related enrollment increases, according to USA Today. A national survey this spring revealed that three in five programs have seen their funding drop in the past two years. Meanwhile, demand for the programs keeps rising -- in part because of the recession, as laid-off parents seek help in providing for their children.

USA Today notes that after-school programs have captured the attention of President Obama, who said in declaring July 9 National Summer Learning Day that "unequal access" to after-school summer programs helps cause the achievement gap between low-income and affluent students. Read his full statement here.