Since 1997, the city of Houston has funded after-school programming for youth through the Mayor's After-School Achievement Program (ASAP), a cornerstone of Mayor Lee P. Brown's administration and evidence of his commitment to Houston's youth. ASAP is designed to engage juveniles in structured, supervised activities after-school to reduce juvenile crime and victimization during these dangerous hours.
There are six after-school achievement program goals
To reduce crime committed by and against juveniles
To prevent delinquency
To provide a safe, supervised place for youth
To provide academic enhancement and enrichment
To promote school attendance and discourage school drop out
To motivate youth to develop good citizenship
Through ASAP, the city of Houston funds schools and non-profit agencies to provide after-school programming for a minimum of 50 children per site, at least four days per week between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Each funded school or non-profit organization sets its own curricula, usually with input from students, parents and other collaborative partners. However, each curriculum must incorporate areas - academic enhancement, enrichment, skill development and community service.
In the past, the city of Houston has contracted with University of Houston researchers to conduct an independent program evaluation. Survey data from the 1999-2000 program year demonstrated overwhelming student, parent and teacher support for the program, and more than 50 percent of participants improved their school grades, attendance and/or behavior during the program.
Program Growth
The After-School Achievement Program has expanded exponentially. From a pilot of 11 schools in 1997, ASAP served more than 8,000 children during the 2003/2004 school year at some 70 sites, covering five school districts and 21 non-profit agencies.
A recommended change for the upcoming program year is an early release of the RFP in order to get the programs underway by the beginning of school year.
Budget
The After-School Achievement Program's FYO4 budget totals $2.6 million, of which $2.4 million has been directly distributed to ASAP sites. To date, the city of Houston has funded ASAP with general revenue funds, Community Development Block Grant funds, and Housing Special Revenue Funds.
Currently, the maximum grants are as follows: first year sites receive $40,000, second year sites receive $30,000 and sites three years and older receive $20,000.
Matching Funds
All ASAP sites are required to provide matching funds and/or in-kind contributions from collaborative partners. Matching funds are typically used to fund snacks, transportation, field trips and special events. First year sites must provide a $10,000 match with in-kind funds.
Through ASAP, the city of Houston funds schools and non-profit agencies to provide after-school programming for a minimum of 50 children per site, at least four days per week between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Each funded school or non-profit organization sets its own curricula, usually with input from students, parents and other collaborative partners. However, each curriculum must incorporate areas - academic enhancement, enrichment, skill development and community service. 
Budget 