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A million people rallied to keep the lights on after school

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A million people rallied to keep the lights on after school

On the heels of the new America After 3PM study that found that, despite rapid growth in afterschool participation, 1 in 5 children in the United States is unsupervised in the afternoons, students, parents, educators, community leaders, policy makers, business leaders and others rallied for afterschool programs on Thursday as part of the 15th annual Lights On Afterschool. The only nationwide rally for afterschool programs included more than 8,100 events in every corner of the country, and at U.S. military bases worldwide to highlight the many ways quality afterschool programs support children, families and communities.

America After 3PM found that there is huge unmet demand for afterschool programs; the parents of 19.4 million students said they would enroll their child, if an afterschool program were available. In response, in classrooms, community centers, science museums, parks and recreation centers, malls and other settings, more than one million people came together to celebrate and support the quality afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn and help working families.

At the events, students, their families and guests conducted science experiments, provided community service, performed original music and dance, joined sports tournaments, created computer animation, planted community gardens, learned about the environment, and sent the message that millions more children need quality afterschool programs. As a part of the celebration, the Empire State Building in New York City lit up in yellow for the eighth year in row. The governors of 49 states and the mayor of the District of Columbia issued proclamations or letters recognizing Lights On Afterschool Day, and the U.S. Senate passed a bipartisan resolution supporting Lights On Afterschool.

Among the Lights On Afterschool events that happened across the country:

  • Students from eight afterschool programs in Anchorage, Alaska, explored the Anchorage Museum and its Imaginarium Science Center. The Woodland Park Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year, Emily Brown, will speak about why afterschool programs matter. Sen. Lisa Murkoswki and Rep. Don Young attended.
  • Third and fourth grade students at the HSCSD #1 Program in Hot Springs, Ark., conducted experiments that involve science, technology, engineering, arts and math. Then they launched paper lanterns to “light up the sky for afterschool” at the Ralph Witters Elementary School.
  • More than 30 afterschool programs in Oakland, Calif., hosted Lights On Afterschool open houses. The school district partnered with Alameda County Public Health to emphasize health and wellness and the county provided cookbooks in English and Spanish, and family friendly physical activity guides. Many open houses featured student performances, team-building exercises, poetry readings, talent showcases, cultural dances, sports competitions and more.
  • In New Orleans, La.—a partnership of Young Audiences of Louisiana, NORDC and the City of New Orleans—hosted a mega carnival across from City Hall in Duncan Plaza. The event featured spacewalks, a rock climbing wall and other family-friendly activities. The Carl LeBlanc Band performed at City Hall during the event.
  • Voices for Ohio’s Children hosted a Lights On Afterschool rally at the statehouse in Columbus. Afterschool providers, students, families and youth advocates met with legislators and there were student performances.
  • The Irving Recreation Center in Norman, Okla., hosted “Try It Week” for Lights On Afterschool. Youth throughout Norman participated in Irving’s afterschool classes, without charge. Activities included ballet, jazz dance, flamenco dancing and creative basketball dribbling.
  • Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time in Pittsburgh, Penn., hosted a Lights On Afterschool celebration at the Carnegie Museum of Art and Natural History with more than 500 participants. The event featured student performances, hands-on learning opportunities for youth, and more.
  • The Greater Houston Lights On Afterschool Alliance hosted a celebration of afterschool accomplishments at City Hall. Houston City Council Member Richard Nguyen spoke and CASE for Kids Director Lisa Thompson Caruthers served as emcee.

Click here to see how your community celebrated Lights On Afterschool.

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