How to Secure ELOP Funding for Afterschool Programs

Securing funding for your afterschool program can be a complex process. California's Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELOP) offers a significant opportunity for schools, but meeting the requirements and managing the administrative demands can be challenging. School administrators know that quality afterschool programs make a real difference for students and families.

Despite California's multi-billion dollar ELOP investment, many programs struggle to access and maintain this funding. Complex attendance tracking requirements, specific student-to-staff ratios, and detailed reporting demands can overwhelm even experienced administrators. Understanding how to effectively meet these requirements and build programs that truly serve your students is essential for creating sustainable afterschool programs that maintain their funding year after year.

Meeting Eligibility Requirements

To access ELOP funding, schools must meet specific eligibility requirements. Schools must navigate UPP (Unduplicated Pupil Percentage) thresholds (80%+ for full access, 50%+ for partial), maintain specific student-to-staff ratios, and prioritize underserved students. These requirements ensure funding reaches those who need it most while maintaining program quality. Schools must also serve students in grades TK-6, provide a minimum of nine hours of combined instructional time and in-person ELO per instructional day, and offer a minimum of nine hours of in-person ELO on at least 30 non-school days.

Designing Excellent Programs

Effective ELOP programs should not simply duplicate what students are already learning during the regular school day. Instead, they should offer unique learning experiences that complement and enrich the school day. Unlike traditional classroom instruction, afterschool programs can offer more flexibility for hands-on activities, individualized learning, and exploration of student interests. To ensure your program aligns with ELOP goals, focus on providing a well-rounded experience for students:

• Academic Support: Offer homework help, tutoring, and academic enrichment activities that build upon what students are learning in the classroom.
• Enrichment Activities: Provide a variety of engaging activities that promote creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development. This could include arts and crafts, music, coding, robotics, or other STEM activities.
• Social-Emotional Learning: Incorporate activities that help students develop essential life skills such as communication, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation.
• Physical Activity: Encourage healthy habits and physical development through games, sports, dance, or other forms of movement.

By offering a diverse range of activities that cater to different learning styles and interests, you can create an engaging and enriching experience for all students.‍

Managing Data and Compliance

To secure and maintain ELOP funding, you'll need reliable methods for tracking student attendance, monitoring program effectiveness, and documenting the impact on student learning.

After receiving ELOP funding, programs are required to submit reports to the California Department of Education. These reports typically include information on student attendance, program expenditures, and program outcomes. Consider implementing an electronic system for accurate and efficient attendance tracking, using tablets or a dedicated computer station where students sign in and out each day. Regularly collect data on student participation and engagement in different program activities through simple surveys, feedback forms, or observations, and track academic progress for students participating in your program by comparing grades or test scores before and after enrollment in the program.

Building and Sustaining Successful ELOP Programs

Strategic program development includes combining ELOP with existing grants like ASES (After School Education and Safety), fostering community partnerships, and seeking additional funding from local businesses and foundations. This comprehensive approach creates resilient programs that can weather funding changes and grow over time.

A well-written program plan that clearly articulates the program's goals, activities, and how it will meet the needs of students is essential for securing ELOP funding. Prioritize research-driven interventions and ensure that the afterschool program complements and supports what students are learning during the regular school day. Remember to diversify funding sources by exploring grants, local partnerships, and fundraising opportunities to reduce reliance on a single funding source. Collaborate with organizations offering aligned services and maintain open communication with parents, teachers, and community partners.

Creating Lasting Impact

ELOP funding provides a vital opportunity to expand and strengthen your afterschool program's impact. By understanding eligibility requirements, following application guidelines, and implementing research-driven practices that align with school-day learning, you can build a sustainable program that makes a real difference. Take action now to secure this funding and create an enriching environment where students thrive. Through strategic community partnerships and a focus on student needs, your program can contribute to lasting positive change in your community.