Celebration Brings Together Parents, Students and Educators
The glow seen across the country and in schools on Thursday, October 25, will be Lights On Afterschool. This annual rally celebrates afterschool programs that keep kids safe and inspires them to learn.
Rallies like this are just one example in nearly 8,000 communities. More than 1 million Americans across the country participate. Afterschool Alliance is a major resource and partner for these events. Their goal is for communities to invest in afterschool programs that benefit students.
"Now, more than ever, we need to ensure that we keep the doors to afterschool programs open for our kids and our communities," said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant.
Across the country, the Y is the largest before and afterschool care provider in the USA. The YMCA of the Suncoast is dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable school age programming. Our well-trained staff provides safe programs so parents and guardians can have peace of mind while they work.
According to the Afterschool Alliance programs around the country are facing cuts, due to a lagging economy, federal sequesters and competition for a shrinking pot of much needed funding. Lights On Afterschool is a terrific opportunity to remind local and national leaders about the value of afterschool programs.
Afterschool programs are structured to accommodate working parents' schedules and give students an opportunity to learn through hands-on, creative, engaging activities that are both fun and educational.
School Age programming, like all our YMCA programs in Citrus, Hernando, Pasco and Pinellas counties, is open to all, with financial aid available. Staff members are partners with parents and other caregivers, working together to help kids grow up healthy, happy and strong.
For more information about Lights On Afterschool please visit the Afterschool Alliance website at afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm.