Learning & Enrichment in Afterschool Programs
Plain English Summary
This bill establishes the Learning and Enrichment in Afterschool Programs (LEAP) Advisory Council and Grant Program within the Department of Public Instruction. It creates a $19.5 million fund to provide grants to community organizations, schools, and local governments that offer afterschool and summer youth programs, with priority given to rural and underserved communities.
Arguments in Favor
Supporters argue this bill addresses the need for quality afterschool and summer programming that helps students develop academically, socially, and professionally outside school hours. They contend that dedicated funding and state coordination will expand access to these programs in underserved rural areas, reduce achievement gaps, and provide safe, structured activities for school-age youth while supporting workforce development and student wellbeing.
Arguments Against
Opponents may question whether $19.5 million is sufficient to create meaningful statewide impact, or argue that the state should prioritize core classroom education funding first. Some may be concerned about administrative overhead (up to 10% retained by the Department), the sustainability of nonrecurring funds, or whether grant requirements and evaluation metrics place burdensome compliance obligations on smaller community organizations.
AI-generated analysis based on bill text. Always verify with official sources at ncleg.gov. This is not legal or political advice.
Sponsors
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 72
Primary Sponsor
Representative · District 31
Cosponsors (29)
Representative · District 39
Representative · District 8
Representative · District 115
Representative · District 48
Representative · District 99
Representative · District 45
Representative · District 102
Representative · District 49
Representative · District 112
Representative · District 71
Representative · District 41
Representative · District 27
Representative · District 50
Representative · District 40
Representative · District 30
Representative · District 61
Representative · District 114
Representative · District 100
Representative · District 18
Representative · District 66
Representative · District 98
Representative · District 88
Representative · District 57
Representative · District 60
Representative · District 58
Representative · District 33
Representative · District 32
Representative · District 101
Representative · District 11