The After School Education and Safety (A.S.E.S) Program is the result of the 2002 voter-approved initiative, Proposition 49. This proposition amended California Education Code (EC) Section 8482 to expand and rename the former Before and After School Learning and Safe Neighborhood Partnerships Program. The A.S.E.S Program funds the establishment of local after school education and enrichment programs. These programs are created through partnerships between schools and local community resources to provide literacy, academic enrichment and safe constructive alternatives for students in transitional  kindergarten through ninth grade (K–9). Funding is designed to: (1) maintain existing before and after school program funding; and (2) provide eligibility to all elementary and middle schools that submit quality applications throughout California. The current funding level for the A.S.E.S program is $650 million.

The purpose of the A.S.E.S Program is to create incentives for establishing locally-driven expanded learning programs, including after school programs that partner with public schools and communities to provide academic and literacy support, and safe, constructive alternatives for youth. The A.S.E.S Program involves collaboration among parents, youth, and representatives from schools, governmental agencies, individuals from community-based organizations, and the private sector.