Three Thousand Children to be Served at 22 Additional After-school
Sites by
the Expansion of Sacramento START

Sacramento, California, January 16, 2007*All children deserve to have
access to programs that impart the knowledge and skills they will need
to succeed. Starting today, thousands of children in Sacramento will
have access to such a program as Sacramento START expands to 22 new school
sites, increasing the overall total to 64. 

Sacramento START is a nationally recognized after-school program that
combines homework and tutoring assistance, literacy, and
enrichment/recreation. This combined approach increases student participation, fosters
greater connectedness to the learning environment, and improves
academic performance. 

"The START program makes a difference in the lives of children
throughout Sacramento by providing that extra bit of help and support that so
often leads to success.  I am delighted to see this program expanded to
more Sacramento schools," said Councilmember Sandy Sheedy, in whose
District seven of the new sites are located.

One hallmark of the program is its ability to develop linkages that
affirm then enhance each school's curriculum. The program is also managed
and implemented by committed staff who always strive to make a
difference in the lives of children.

"We are thrilled to be opening 22 new locations! This means that an
additional 3,000 children will have a safe place to go every afternoon
after school is over. START will now be able to serve 10,000 children each
day," said Andee Press-Dawson, Sacramento START Program Manager.

The 22 new Sacramento START school sites include:  Del Paso Heights
School District*North Avenue Elementary, Fairbanks Elementary; Elk Grove
School District*Sierra Enterprise Elementary, Irene B. West Elementary;
Robla School District*Bell Avenue Elementary, Glenwood Elementary, Main
Avenue Elementary, Robla Elementary, Taylor Street Elementary;
Sacramento Unified School District*Alice Birney Elementary, Camellia Basic
Elementary, Golden Empire Elementary, Hollywood Park Elementary, James
Marshall Elementary, John Carillon Elementary, Joseph Bonnhiem Elementary,
Lisbon Elementary, Mark Twain Elementary, O.W. Erlewine Elementary,
Pony Express Elementary, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, Theodore Judah
Elementary.

If you wish to obtain further information about Sacramento START or
want to apply for the program, please contact the Sacramento START office
at, (916) 808-6197.  For media related inquiries about the program,
please contact Hindolo Brima, Public Information Officer, Department of
Parks and Recreation, (916) 808-5972.