PRINTER'S NO. 2613
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No.
536
Session of
2019
INTRODUCED BY WHEATLEY, FRANKEL, McCLINTON, KINSEY, McNEILL,
SCHLEGEL CULVER, T. DAVIS, HILL-EVANS, RYAN, KORTZ, MURT,
MILLARD, LONGIETTI, BURNS, MERSKI, YOUNGBLOOD, CALTAGIRONE,
HEFFLEY, READSHAW, DiGIROLAMO AND JOHNSON-HARRELL,
SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH, SEPTEMBER 26, 2019
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing October 24, 2019, as "Lights On Afterschool Day" in
Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, The residents of this Commonwealth stand firmly
committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities
because they:
(1) provide safe, challenging and engaging learning
experiences that help children develop social, emotional,
physical and academic skills;
(2) support working families by ensuring that their
children are safe and productive after the regular school day
ends;
(3) build stronger communities by involving students,
parents, business leaders and adult volunteers in the lives
of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships
among youths, families and adults; and
(4) engage families, schools and community partners in
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advancing the welfare of our children;
and
WHEREAS, This Commonwealth has provided significant
leadership in the area of community involvement in the education
and well-being of our youths, grounded in the principle that
quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children
become successful adults; and
WHEREAS, It is estimated that every $1 invested in
afterschool programs saves $3 by increasing students' earning
potential, improving students' performance at school and
reducing crime and welfare costs; and
WHEREAS, For students in kindergarten through twelfth grade,
more than 89% 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, Approximately 19.4 million families report that they
would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one were
available; and
WHEREAS, Afterschool programs can provide holistic support
for children and improve the development of social and emotional
competencies such as problem solving, critical thinking and
interpersonal skills; and
WHEREAS, Many afterschool programs across the country are
facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced
to close their doors and turn off their lights; and
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WHEREAS, The Commonwealth is committed to investing in the
health and safety of all young people by providing expanded
learning opportunities that help to close the achievement gap
and prepare young people to compete in the global economy; and
WHEREAS, "Lights On Afterschool," the national celebration of
afterschool programs held this year on October 24, 2019,
promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the
lives of children, families and communities; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize October
24, 2019, as "Lights On Afterschool Day" in Pennsylvania; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives enthusiastically
endorse "Lights On Afterschool" and commit this Commonwealth to
engage in innovative afterschool programs and activities which
ensure that the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all
children after school.
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