A national after-school program established by Arnold Schwarzenegger has received a $1.5 million grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies, PNN Online reported June 13.

After-School All-Stars (ASAS) currently serves 60,000 children in 13 cities. The two-year grant will allow the group to build its leadership and support local chapters, as well as expanding to new locations.

"ASAS' work fills a significant gap created by ever-increasing budget cuts at public schools and the elimination of enrichment programs from daily school schedules across the United States," said Henry Cisneros, Chairman of ASAS' National Board. "We are committed to providing disadvantaged children with after-school programs of the highest quality, and Atlantic's support will help us broaden our reach and strengthen our organization."

"After-school time is a valuable opportunity to keep at-risk children out of harm's way and to build upon what they learn during the school day," added Ben Paul, President and CEO of ASAS. "ASAS offers students even more than access to high-quality programs -- it offers them the opportunity to turn their lives around."