Gov. Kay Ivey (R-AL) on Thursday issued a proclamation designating the official recognition of Lights On Afterschool Day.
A project of the nonprofit Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool was launched in 2000 to promote the importance of afterschool programs for the nation’s youth. It is the project’s mission to ensure that children across the country have access to high-quality and affordable afterschool programs.
As part of the governor’s Strong Start, Strong Finish education initiative, Ivey’s proclamation serves to bring awareness to the role afterschool programs play in fostering positive outcomes for Alabama students.
Earlier today, I signed a proclamation designating today as #LightsOnAfterschoolDay! We’re wearing blue to promote the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, & communities. I hope you’ll show your support! #StrongStartStrongFinish pic.twitter.com/yZlUiFba8E
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) October 28, 2021
Ivey’s proclamation noted, “[T]he state of Alabama has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults…”
The proclamation concluded in part by declaring that the state is “committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy.”
School communities across the Yellowhammer State celebrated the occasion as students partook in activities recognizing the importance of afterschool involvement as an avenue to provide safe and meaningful learning experiences.
Additionally, in a show of support for Ivey’s recognition of the initiative, the Regions RSA Tower lit blue Montgomery’s night sky to promote the importance of afterschool activities.
If you’re in @CityofMGM look for the Regions RSA Tower! “Go Blue for Afterschool!” Thank you for lighting up to support Afterschool programs in AL!#tallestbuilding #LightsOnAfterschool @afterschool4all @MizzenbyMott @MottFoundation @girlsmoonshot @feliciaROLLTIDE @JeanaRoss4kids pic.twitter.com/yhjztk1D7A
— Alabama Afterschool Community Network (@ALACNAlabama) October 29, 2021
Promoting statewide efforts to provide opportunities to Alabama youth, the Alabama Afterschool Community Network partners with regional and local stakeholders to promote student participation in quality out-of-school programs as means of ensuring continued educational development and long-term learning.
The network also seeks to identify shared needs of school communities and partakes in advocacy at all levels of government to bring about solutions.
Thursday’s gubernatorial proclamation was yet another public display of continued efforts driven by Alabama leadership to encourage continued learning opportunities for students across the state.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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