Name of Network:

Central Texas Afterschool Network (CTAN)

Articles & Features:

"After-school care in short supply; Money woes and ever-increasing demand plague area programs"  Austin American-Statesman, 9/10/04

Photographs:

Click here for photos and captions.

If you have a specific photographic need, please email CTAN and we will send you something from our library.

Statistics:

Please see the page Why is Afterschool So Important? for statistics with their sources.

Central Texas Afterschool Network 
Palm Square
100 North IH 35, Suite 3200
Austin, Texas  78701

512-854-9006 Tel
512-857-0488 Fax

E-Mail: tameka.thomas@manorisd.net

The Central Texas Afterschool Network (CTAN) was established as a collaborative effort between private and non-profit organizations in the Travis County area that are committed to supporting providers that serve school-age children and their families during out-of-school time.  

CTAN promotes effective educational practices through resource sharing, networking, advocacy, research, assessment and evaluation, and collaboration among providers, families, and educational institutions.

At the July 21st, 2000 Community Action Network (CAN) and Community Justice Council Public Safety Planning Retreat, children’s out-of-school time was identified as a critical issue in Travis County. After this retreat, interested individuals came together and the Central Texas Afterschool Network (CTAN) was formed. We organized around four main issues: accessibility, affordability, equity, and quality in out-of-school programs for the youth of Travis County . In order to broaden the base of support and bring more stakeholders to the collaboration, CTAN hosted "2001 Summit: A Meeting of the Minds."

The Summit was extremely successful and brought over 100 people from 52 different organizations together to discuss the issues of out-of-school programs. The energy and excitement generated at the CTAN summit resulted in the commitment of more than 60 volunteers willing to serve on one of four work groups addressing accessibility, affordability, equity, and quality. A steering committee was also formed to guide and monitor the progress of these work groups.

CTAN has accomplished several goals since the inception of the group, including:

• Created a steering committee, which has successfully raised awareness of and created funding opportunities for afterschool services in Travis County .

• Coordinated Lights On Afterschool! events for the past three years,  including 2 rallies at the capitol, with over 400 participants, including dignitaries Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Travis County Sheriff Margo Frasier, Judge Sam Biscoe, Austin Police Chief Stan Knee, AISD Superintendent Pat Forgione, County Attorney Ronnie Earle, City Council Members Raul Alveraz and Daryll Slusher, Round rock Superintendent                                , 

• Completed a mapping study of low-income areas of Travis County, showing gaps in youth service throughout 12 zip codes.

• Developed a statement of Best Practices and created an accompanying self-assessment tool.  

CTAN’s broad goals include:

• Strengthening the identity and visibility of the afterschool field

• Building the capacity of afterschool organizations

• Advocating for increased resources and support for afterschool education