Mayor Roberts To Host Summit On Out Of School Time Programs

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte Mayor Jennifer Roberts is hosting a community summit on out of school time Monday.

The event, which will be held at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church from 9a-12p, will focus on improving access to quality out of school time programs for middle and high school students.

“Out of school time is critical to help middle and high school kids stay in school, on grade level and out of trouble,” said Mayor Roberts. “Improving access to programs will create economic opportunities for kids as well as improve public safety. This is the first step in what will be a multi-year commitment to improve access and build capacity for our youth.”

Roberts noted that currently there is no central organization to help parents find quality programs for youth in middle and high school and no organization to assess and monitor programs and provide professional development for providers.

“I am working with the community and with private partners to help parents and providers get the information they need,” said Roberts. “We have to do better. The future of our kids and our city depends on it.”

The summit is being presented by Time Warner Cable. Other sponsors include the Foundation for the Carolinas and Charlotte Works.