FUMO PRESENTS STATE GRANT TO AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAM

     PHILADELPHIA, February 9, 2008 – State Senator Vince Fumo (D-Philadelphia) today announced a state grant of $27,515 to the Philadelphia After School Activities Partnership (ASAP), to be used for transportation of city school students to ASAP activities.

     The money comes from Pennsylvania Department of Education funds, and was obtained by ASAP through Fumo’s efforts.

     “In our society today, it is often important to provide children with meaningful yet fun programs in a safe environment during after-school hours. For several years now, ASAP has been serving thousands of Philadelphia school kids in just such a way, and by doing that, they are performing a service to the whole community,” Fumo said.

     The senator presented a symbolic oversized check to ASAP officials at the organization’s Youth Chess Challenge this afternoon at Philadelphia Community College. Chess tournaments, in which 3,500 children in 225 clubs compete, are the centerpiece activity of ASAP’s programs.

     “ASAP's Philadelphia Youth Chess Challenge provides kids with a positive competitive experience during the dangerous after school hours. Senator Fumo's support of the Chess Challenge will help to insure the expansion of this important anti-violence initiative,” said ASAP's President Marciene Mattleman.

     Operating since 2002, ASAP aims to keep children safe and active during post-school time, recruiting volunteers to increase after school enrichment activities citywide, including debate, dance, skateboarding, Scrabble and yoga, in addition to chess. Over the past six years, it has served more than 12,500 children in 900 after school clubs.

     ASAP Saturday chess tournaments are open to the public but attract primarily players from ASAP’s Philadelphia Youth Chess Challenge. They are held September through February on the Community College campus. They provide children an opportunity to spend time on a college campus, sharpen their chess skills, and receive a rating from the U.S. Chess Federation. They typically attract several hundred players each month.

     “Keeping children occupied after school with enjoyable and challenging programs is an important part of combating youth violence in Philadelphia. I am proud that the state is able to help such an excellent program to continue meeting the needs of so many kids,” Fumo said.

     Today’s event was the final chess tournament of the season. The closing ceremonies also featured awards for Most Improved Player, in honor of slain Police Officer Charles Cassidy; Top Female Player for Philly Girls Play Chess, presented by Women’s Way; and Top Male Player, presented by the Lumpkin Foundation.

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