By Shannon Holmes
September 11, 2006

More than one million Americans October 12 will celebrate the 7th annual Lights On Afterschool –the only nationwide celebration of afterschool programs. Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool has been embraced by thousands of communities as a way to showcase the importance of afterschool programs. Lights On Afterschool has also been recognized by many mayors as an effective platform to demonstrate their support for afterschool programs.

Since the event was launched in 2000, mayors have participated in Lights On Afterschool by speaking at news conferences, issuing proclamations, attending events and honoring exemplary programs in their communities. New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg launched the city’s new Out-Of-School-Time (OST) initiative on Lights On Afterschool day. Evansville (IN) Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel welcomed several thousands of students, families and other members of the community to kick off a rally for Lights On Afterschool in Bosse Field stadium. Mayors from Charlotte (NC) to Englewood (CO) issued proclamations in support of Lights On Afterschool.

Last October, Lights On Afterschool was celebrated at 7,500 events, spanning all 50 states and military bases abroad. More than 1,800 newspapers and every major television market covered the activity.

Lights On Afterschool is not only recognizing the great benefits of afterschool programs, it is also bringing to light the great need for more afterschool programs. A study by the Afterschool Alliance shows that more than 25 percent – 14.3 million – of America’s youth are alone after school, when juvenile crime triples and youth often fall prey to using alcohol, drugs and cigarettes.

Investing in afterschool programs is an investment in both the welfare of young people and of the entire community. In fact, a study by Claremont McKenna College show that every dollar invested in afterschool programs will save taxpayers approximately $3.00.

Youth in afterschool programs are less likely to smoke, drink, use drugs or become teen parents. They also attend school more often, and achieve higher levels of education. They are given opportunities to learn skills needed in the 21st Century workforce, such as leadership, communications and team building. This is particularly significant as lawmakers across the nation grapple with the challenge of preparing young people to be successful adults in the 21st century. Too many high school graduates lack the crucial academic and technological skills to be competitive in the global workforce.

Sample Lights On Afterschool proclamation language can be downloaded from: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/lights_on/proc.cfm. To find a Lights On Afterschool event in your community, visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/lights_on/index.cfm.

More information on The Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs, can be accessed at www.afterschoolalliance.org.