[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 94 (Thursday, June 7, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E795-E796]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          INTRODUCING THE STUDENTS HELPING YOUNG STUDENTS ACT

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                           HON. ANDRE CARSON

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 7, 2018

  Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to re-introduce the 
Students Helping Young Students Act. This important and bipartisan 
legislation would provide an additional pathway to enable students to 
work their way through college, while at the same time enhancing the 
afterschool opportunities of their younger peers.
  The Students Helping Young Students Act would incorporate work at 
afterschool programs into the Federal Work-Study program. Encouraging 
students enrolled in higher education to work with vulnerable younger 
students is a win-win, expanding opportunities for students at colleges 
and universities to participate in afterschool programs for at-risk 
youth. The bill creates new paths to achievement and opportunities for 
students at all levels, a commonsense way to improve our nation's 
education system.
  The hours between 3 p.m.--7 p.m., when children are out of school but 
parents are not yet home from work, can be a critical time for 
children, families, and communities. Mentoring and afterschool programs 
can play a key role in filling this gap. Unfortunately, too few at-risk 
students have the opportunity to participate in these programs. While 
not a panacea, afterschool and mentoring programs have been associated 
with improved educational outcomes, reduced negative behaviors, 
increased school attendance, and improved social and emotional 
development.
  At the same time, as college costs continue to rise, the Federal 
Work-Study program provides a key source of financing for students to

[[Page E796]]

attain a degree. Since 2000, colleges and universities participating in 
Work-Study have been required to use a portion of their federal funding 
allocation for community service jobs. While a variety of community 
service opportunities can meet this requirement, many effective 
afterschool programs are not eligible. Under this legislation, these 
programs would become eligible for this existing allocation, 
encouraging students to participate in the programs.
  By making it easier for college students to help their younger peers 
through afterschool programs, students of all ages--as well as the 
schools they attend--come out ahead. I urge Congress to pass the 
Students Helping Young Students Act.

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