9,000 rallies nationwide aim to make afterschool programs available to all
The EV-W L.E.A.D. afterschool program will sponsor a Lights On Afterschool rally from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, in the high school cafeteria. The rally will be one of more than an expected 8,000 such events around the nation that day, the annual Lights On Afterschool, organized by the Afterschool Alliance. Speakers in Eden Valley-Watkins will call for expanding afterschool opportunities so that every child who needs a program has access to one, and discuss the benefits of afterschool programs, including inspiring children to learn, keeping them safe in the sometimes perilous afternoon hours, and relieving working families of worries about their children?Äôs activities in the afternoon.
At the event, parents and supporters will sign a petition that urges lawmakers not to deny or divert funding for afterschool programs.
The event will spotlight the range of programming available at the EV-W L.E.A.D., including its community outreach projects, enrichment activities, particularly those focused on STEM, academic support, physical fitness, and those featuring community partners. Many parents, supporters and community members are expected to attend.
?Ä¢ What: EV-W L.E.A.D. Lights On Afterschool Rally
?Ä¢ When: Oct. 22, from 6-8 p.m.
?Ä¢ Where: Eden Valley-Watkins High School Cafeteria
?Ä¢ Who?Äôs Invited: City officials, school board members, local business leaders, parents, children and supporters of Afterschool
Former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is Founding Chair of Lights On Afterschool, a position he has held since 2001.
The EV-W L.E.A.D. opened in 2007 with a 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant from the U.S. Department of Education. It now serves approximately 35 youth, providing homework assistance, mentoring, 21st Century skills, leadership, preparation for middle school/high school/college and enrichment activities in STEM, recreation, mathematics, and dozens of other subjects.
The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. More information on Lights On Afterschool is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.