 |
Lights on Afterschool! Success
November 17, 2003
On October 9 more than half a million Americans participated in Lights on Afterschool!, organized by the Afterschool Alliance with JCPenney as the corporate sponsor. There were more than 6,000 rallies across the country, the largest rally for afterschool programming in history.
"Lights on Afterschool! is a celebration of afterschool and a reminder about how much afterschool programs matter to families and communities," said Ed Solczak, Vice President of the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. "Afterschool programs help children flourish while keeping them safe after the school day ends," he added.
From the steps of New York's city hall to the 21st Century Community Learning Centers in Omaha (NE), mayors, community and religious leaders, lawmakers, and creative artists voiced their support for the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, help working families and improve academic achievement. A sample of events in cities across the country are:
In Denver, the Mile High United Way and Denver Public Schools Foundation teamed up with Denver Public Schools to host a large Lights on Afterschool! event at the Bruce Randolph Middle School on October 15. Featured speakers included Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper, who stressed the importance of afterschool programming in the lives of all the children in the Denver public schools, and guests were invited to tour the school and see many of the activities that take place during Denver's afterschool programs each afternoon. At the news conference the Mile High United Way announced a new Lights on Afterschool! campaign to raise $10 million for afterschool in Denver within the next five years. As one of the first donations a representative from Lockheed Martin presented a check for $125,000 to the campaign.
The Door hosted an open house that featured activities from local afterschool programs in Baltimore. The Door, the first faith-based afterschool program to receive a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant in Maryland. About 150 students performed and displayed artwork, videos and other activities, which they participate in daily at their afterschool programs, for invited guests that included the Maryland State Superintendent of Schools, Baltimore City Council President, community leaders, and families.
The New Orleans Lights on Afterschool! Steering Committee organized a large rally in middle of the business district, LaFayette Square adorned with banners and placards, to show support for after school programs in the city. Students, families, and members of the community gave testimonials about the important role that afterschool programs play in the everyday lives of the kids in New Orleans. Mayor C. Ray Nagin issued a proclamation declaring October 9 Lights on Afterschool! Day in the city. Before a crowd that included local elected officials, state senators and representatives, school superintendents, and local law officials, students preformed dances and theatrical numbers from programs they are involved in afterschool.
In Omaha, the Legacies program hosted "A Night In Hollywood" fundraiser at the Westside Middle School. Prior to Lights on Afterschool!, students wrote their favorite movie stars and athletes asking for items to be auctioned off. Celebrities ended up sending signed pictures and other memorabilia to be used in the auction, including John Travolta. On October 9, current and former students dressed as their favorite stars and were given the "red carpet treatment", including a limousine ride around the school and hairstyling and make-up. There were information booths about afterschool programs in Omaha and a walk of fame with handprints from afterschool supporters with afterschool facts. The silent auction raised more than $3,000 for student scholarships.
The Fort Worth Independent School District's 21st Century Community Learning Center programs hosted a rally outside the JCPenney store at the Ridgmar Mall. Among the events were several student performances, a JCPenney fashion show (which included some of the students), arts and crafts displays from various programs and booths with hand-on activities. Awards were also presented to several community members who are strong supporters of afterschool, including Lockheed Martin and JCPenney.
Afterschool programming is important in the lives of children in cities all across the country, whether it is to keep them safe during afterschool hours or to improve their academic success.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors would like to learn about other Lights on Afterschool! events in cities. Please contact Shannon Holmes at sholmes@usmayors.org to share your story.
|
 |
|
