Introducing the 2012 National Afterschool for All Champions!

This year we’ll be exploring the evidence base for afterschool and the wide range of proven, positive outcomes for kids, families and communities.  Participants will come away armed with the latest facts and figures, ready to make the case for afterschool to elected officials, the media and the public. 

And of course, no Afterschool for All Challenge would be complete without the annual “Breakfast of Champions!”  Before heading to Congressional meetings, we’ll fill up on the most important meal of the day and celebrate State and National Afterschool for All Champions who are already making great strides “Transforming Research into Action.”

We are pleased to announce the 2012 National Afterschool for All Champions: Dr. Paul Sereno and Gabrielle Lyon, founders of Project Exploration, a program that provides mentoring and hands-on STEM education opportunities for underrepresented minorities from underserved communities in Chicago.  In its 13 years, Project Exploration has achieved extraordinary outcomes for the thousands of students it has served: 95 percent of participants graduate from high school; 60 percent go on to pursue STEM degrees from a four-year institution.  Because of its demonstrated success and significant impact, the program has become a shining example of the possibilities that the out-of-school space provides.  In 2009 Project Exploration received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science Mentoring, and last year was given an Excellence in Summer Learning Award by the National Summer Learning Association. 

Not to be outdone by their program, Sereno and Lyon, who are married, have each been recognized in their own right; both have been named one of Chicago magazine’s “Chicagoans of the Year.”  Sereno has also been featured as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People (and seems to be the only paleontologist to ever have been given that title). 

We’re very excited to honor Paul Sereno and Gabe Lyon as we celebrate the proven success of afterschool and the tireless efforts of program staff and advocates like you who have made it possible.  Join us!  Register now to help us make the case on Capitol Hill that afterschool works.  We can’t wait to see you in May!