After-School Education & Safety Program

The After-School Education and Safety (ASES) Program is the result of the 2002 voter-approved initiative, Proposition 49. The ASES Program funds the establishment of local after-school education and enrichment programs. These programs are created through partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe constructive alternatives for students in kindergarten through ninth grade (K-9). Funding is designed to: (1) maintain existing before- and after-school program funding; and (2) provide eligibility to all elementary and middle schools that submit quality applications throughout California.

It is the intent of the ASES program legislation to encourage schools and school districts to provide safe and educationally enriching alternatives for children and youth during non-school hours. The ASES program involves collaboration among parents, youth, representatives from schools and governmental agencies, such as local law enforcement and local parks and recreation departments, and individuals from community-based organizations and the private sector. Programs are created through partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment, and safe, constructive alternatives for students in grades K-9.

Academic Centers

The County of San Mateo Board of Supervisors determined that elementary and middle school students would benefit from a before- or after-school Academic Center (AC) program designed to support and improve youth academic achievement in a safe school-site environment. The AC program will offer opportunities for improving students' academic skills. These opportunities may include academic intervention and enrichment activities, homework support, digital literacy, study skills, and any other activities that will support attainment of grade level academic success for students performing below grade level.

ACs are targeted to serve "at risk" youth who score below grade level proficiency in academic subjects tested by the state, as well as English learners, low-income, homeless youth, and foster youth as defined by the Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The funded ACs will provide programs that will focus on Mathematics and English Language Arts/English Language Development. If applicable, and in alignment with the San Mateo County Big Lift initiative, the AC may focus on reading and language arts in Transitional Kindergarten through third grade (TK-3) to increase the number of students reading at grade level proficiency by third grade.

As of Fall 2020, the County Board of Supervisors decided not to start a new Academic Centers contract with the San Mateo County Office of Education. Due to COVID-19, the County of San Mateo has had to make difficult decisions regarding their budget. We are hoping for better times ahead where we can partner together again.

Joy Dardenelle

Executive Director, Systems for District Improvement

Email: jdardenelle@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5315

Sharon Brown

Coordinator, District Improvement and Support

Email: sbrown@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5354