Partnership
Lights On Afterschool
National Head Start Association (NHSA) is pleased to partner
with the Afterschool Alliance for the third annual Lights
On Afterschool! Two years ago the Alliance, with
support from JCPenney Afterschool, initiated Lights
On Afterschool! to recognize the critical importance
of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children,
their families and their communities. On that day 1,200 afterschool
programs opened their doors to their neighbors, community
leaders and media. One year later, the number of events tripled.
With your help, we know 2002 will mark an even stronger Lights
On Afterschool!
On October 10, 2002 over 5,000 sites across the country will
rally to demonstrate the ways afterschool programs improve
student performance, support working families and keep communities
safe. Such programs help children discover the heroes within
themselves.
We need Lights On Afterschool! because:
- Children today need safe, stimulating activities after
school. As many as 15 million children have no place to
go after school.
- Children are at greater risk of being involved in crime,
substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy in the hours after
school.
- Quality afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working
families and improve academic achievement. They offer youth
an opportunity to learn and grow.
- Nine out of ten Americans think all children should have
access to afterschool programs, but two-thirds report that
not enough programs are available.
To register as a Lights On Afterschool!
event site, find an event in your area, learn about how you
can participate or to request a Lights On Afterschool!
Action Kit, please call 1-877-759-9733 or visit our Web site,
http://www.afterschoolalliance.org.
Please let us know if you will be hosting a local event –
only those who register will receive additional information
and tools, and be posted on the Web site. Check the site often
as fall approaches to see the latest planning tools and tips
and learn what other sites have planned for October 10th.
The Afterschool Alliance is committed to ensuring that all
children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs
by 2010. Lights On Afterschool!,
the only nationwide event bringing attention to the need for
afterschool programs, is an important part of our efforts.
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