(StatePoint) Afterschool programs keep children safe, inspire them to learn, and give working parents peace of mind in knowing their kids are supervised and learning after school. There is an urgent need for greater investments in these programs, as U.S. children and youth recover academically and socially from the pandemic.
Studies show there aren’t nearly enough afterschool and summer learning programs. For every child in an afterschool program, four more wait to get in. Some 24.7 million U.S. children not enrolled in afterschool programs would be in one, if one were available. The demand for afterschool programs is also significantly higher among Latino and Black children.
“Communities are coming together to showcase the skills students gain and the talents they develop in their afterschool programs,” says Jodi Grant, executive director of the Afterschool Alliance. “We need to celebrate and support the programs that do so much to help students succeed in school and in life. We need sustained investments and increased support, so all students and families will finally have access to the afterschool programs they need.”
Each year, “Lights On Afterschool” celebrates the achievements of afterschool students, drawing attention to the need for more afterschool programs. A million people participated in more than 8,000 “Lights On Afterschool” events around the country last fall. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, last year’s events included academic contests, STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) demonstrations, community service events, debates and discussions, student art shows and performances, family fun nights, runs and walks, and more. The events focused on academics, health and well-being, the arts, civic engagement, STEM learning, fitness and healthy eating, cyberbullying prevention, and more.
Visit www.afterschoolalliance.org to learn more about “Lights On Afterschool” and how to participate.
