WASHINGTON, DC – The United States House of Representatives today passed a resolution introduced by Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) to support “Lights On Afterschool!,” a national celebration of afterschool programs.
“Study after study has confirmed that afterschool programs help students learn while ensuring that children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends,” said Lowey. “With the passage of this resolution, Congress is speaking with one voice in support of these important programs.”
A study by the Afterschool Alliance found that more than 14 million American children are alone after the school bell rings at 3:00 pm. This is especially troubling because the hours between 3:00 and 6:00pm can be a dangerous period for children spending time alone. Kids are most likely to experiment with risky behavior when parents or other adults are not able to make sure their children are participating in safe and responsible activities.
Afterschool programs are the solution to this problem for many families. They provide a secure and supervised environment for kids and peace of mind for their parents. In fact, parents of more than 15 million youngsters said their kids would participate in an after-school program if one was available in their community.
Lowey’s resolution, which was passed unanimously by the House today, calls on Congress to support “Lights On Afterschool!,” a nationwide celebration of afterschool activities to be held on October 20, 2005. On this date, afterschool programs across the country will showcase the important work being done on behalf of students and parents. .
On October 20th, the Congressional Afterschool Caucus, of which Lowey is a co-chair, will host events in Washington, DC, to celebrate “Lights On Afterschool!”
“’Lights On Afterschoo!’ is an opportunity for our communities to celebrate the good work being done in our own afterschool programs. I look forward to working with educators and families in Westchester and Rockland Counties to highlight these programs and push for even greater federal resources so that more students can participate in afterschool programs,” said Lowey.
Congresswoman Lowey has long promoted legislation and funding to advance afterschool programs. In 1996, Lowey helped create the 21st Century Afterschool Program – the first ever federal afterschool program. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, she has also secured millions for such programs in the 18th Congressional District, including more than $2.5 million in fiscal year 2005 alone. Earlier this year, she helped establish the Congressional Afterschool Caucus.
