A legislative commission is recommending a major expansion of after-school and summer learning programs in an effort to reduce gaps in achievement between poor and affluent students, according to a report being released Tuesday.

“We know that after-school and out-of-school time programs improve academic achievement, boost social and emotional competencies, create protective factors, enhance college and career readiness, and spark passions that directly influence youth decision-making about their futures,” according to the report by the After-School and Out-Of-School Time Coordinating Council.

The report determined that the state would need to increase spending for after-school and summer programs to $5.5 million to accommodate the nearly 8,000 low-income students who sit on a waiting list for such programs. The current state budget calls for $4.3 million.

Read the full article on the Boston Globe website.