foster lasting bonds. This in turn helps to harvest students with a higher level of self-esteem. Students that perform better in academics as well as develop stronger social skills.In his speech on the issue of childcare President Clinton said the following: Improving after-school care is integral to improving child care across our country Through after-school programs we can bring parents the peace of mind that comes with knowing their children are safe. We can teach our children to say no to drugs and yes to reading, sports and computers. (The White House at Work 1/26/99) The president also mentioned his plan to provide these services to parents who could not otherwise afford them as well as make these programs widely available to students of all ages. To follow up his ideas the President has committed a total of one billion dollars, to be allocated over the next 5 years to the enhancement of after-school programs. Although this is definitely a step in the right direction the next step is to get more people involved in the process of establishing the criteria for quality in after-school programs and then implementing these programs within their own communities. Advocates for gun control are crying out for stricter laws and the reform of the Second Amendment. This cause may hold true for a short-term solution regarding the immediate physical danger to the students but it does not remotely begin to solve the greater problem of the emotional or social well being of these same children and youth. With more and more destructive behavior being exhibited by students today the ever-pressing need for after-school care is a matter that involves not only educators but also the nation as a whole. Establishing a safe place for children and youth to go after school will not only help to alleviate juvenile crime and deter youth violence, it will also give a greater majority of these high-risk kids a chance for a brighter tomorrow. ...
