Posted: | September 26, 2017 09:37 AM |
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From: | Representative Jake Wheatley, Jr. |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Resolution - Lights on Afterschool Day in Pennsylvania |
I plan to introduce a non-controversial resolution designating October 26, 2017, as Lights on Afterschool Day in Pennsylvania. This will mark the 18th annual national commemoration of the Lights on Afterschool Day, a national event recognizing the importance of afterschool programs in the lives of children. Pennsylvania has over two million school-age children and youth and almost 1.3 million of them (6 to 17 years of age) have both parents in the workforce, or in the case of single parent families, the sole parent in the workforce. Children's out-of-school hours represent the "single biggest block of time" for youth and a key time during the development of children into adolescents and adolescents into adults. Research on the benefits of afterschool programs is clear - it demonstrates that out-of-school hours have a significant influence on the development of children and teenagers' habits, attitudes and skills that will ultimately help determine their academic and lifetime successes. High-quality afterschool programming improves student achievement, reduces crime by and against youth, and promotes positive social development. Across Pennsylvania, communities are already working together to develop safe, affordable and enriching afterschool experiences for school-age children and teens. It is vitally important that the House of Representatives recognizes the importance of these programs and supports the contributions that providers and volunteers make to improve the lives of our young people. Please join me in co-sponsoring this resolution. Thank you. |
Introduced as HR569