PRINTER'S NO. 3558
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
237
Session of
2022
INTRODUCED BY YOUNG, McNEILL, MADDEN, HOHENSTEIN, CEPHAS,
SANCHEZ, SCHLOSSBERG, KINSEY, GUENST, SCHLEGEL CULVER,
MILLARD, LONGIETTI, DELLOSO, TWARDZIK, NEILSON AND CIRESI,
OCTOBER 17, 2022
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION, OCTOBER 17, 2022
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Designating October 20, 2022, as "Lights on Afterschool Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The residents of this Commonwealth stand firmly
committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities
because these programs and opportunities:
(1) provide safe and engaging learning experiences that
help children realize their full potential;
(2) support working families by ensuring that their
children are safe and productive when they are out of their
classrooms;
(3) build stronger communities by involving students,
parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives
of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships
among youth, families and adults; and
(4) engage families, schools and community partners in
advancing the welfare of our children;
and
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WHEREAS, Afterschool programs have risen to the moment to
support youth in addressing the social and academic needs as
they recover from the pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Afterschool programs continue to provide innovative,
hands-on opportunities for youth to reengage in their learning
and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and
supportive environment; and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth 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; and
WHEREAS, The National "Lights On Afterschool" celebration of
afterschool programs, held this year on October 20, 2022,
promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the
lives of children, families and communities; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 25 million families report that they would
enroll their children in an afterschool program if one were
available; and
WHEREAS, For students in kindergarten through twelfth grade,
more than 80% of their time is spent learning outside school
during afterschool and summer programs, in libraries, museums
and science centers or at home or in the community; and
WHEREAS, Afterschool programs engage students in hands-on,
real world science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM) projects to help build vital 21st-century skills,
cultivate an interest in STEM and offer innovative ways for
students to connect STEM to their lives and community; and
WHEREAS, Many afterschool programs across the country are
facing operating challenges so severe that they are forced to
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consider closing their doors and turning off their lights; and
WHEREAS, The Commonwealth is committed to investing in the
health and safety of all young people by providing expanded
learning opportunities that help our children learn and grow,
while helping them develop the skills essential for success in
life and work; therefore be it
RESOLVED (the Senate concurring), That the General Assembly
designate October 20, 2022, as "Lights On Afterschool Day" in
Pennsylvania; and be it further
RESOLVED, That the General Assembly commit this Commonwealth
to engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities that
ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all
children after school.
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