Illinois

Illinois ACT Now Coalition

The ACT Now Coalition works towards ensuring that young people in Illinois have access to quality, affordable afterschool and youth development programs. ACT Now is a diverse statewide coalition supported by Illinois families, educators, business leaders, afterschool providers, community advocates, youth organizations, and policymakers from across the state.

Current Projects and Initiatives: 
  • The Coalition continuously builds new relationships with policymakers, youth programs and other stakeholders.

  • The Coalition will launch the final version of Afterschool Quality Standards and work with programs and stakeholders maximize their impact, while assessing the need for supporting tools and assistance.

  • The Coalition continues to emphasize budget and policy advocacy, working to grow advocacy capacity and expand its Afterschool Advocates program. We will be hosting additional advocacy days, Lights On Afterschool events, and other awareness-raising events. The Coalition is working to fight the Governor’s proposed elimination of Teen REACH.

  • The Coalition continues its partnership with the Community STEM Badging Ecosystem to expand badging of afterschool and STEM programs, so that skills learned in programs can be captured and shared.

  • The Coalition continues to work with stakeholders in support of the School Age and Youth Development Credential. This credential is another important step in the increasing professionalism and focus on quality in the field.