MEDIA
CONTACT: Matt Cardoza,
GaDOE Communications Office, (404) 651-7358, mcardoza@gadoe.org
Nathan Schult, 21st CCLC Program Manager, Phone: (404) 232 -
1197, nschult@doe.k12.ga.us
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October 15,
2015 -- On October 22,
2015, hundreds of afterschool programs throughout Georgia will join together
with students, families and communities to recognize the 16th annual Lights
on Afterschool event. Since 2000, Lights on Afterschool has
emphasized the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after
school in order to provide students with quality afterschool programs. Last
year, over one million people gathered at more than 8,000 sites across the
country, and at U.S. military bases worldwide, to show support for afterschool
programs.
Through
Georgia’s Title IV, Part B, 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program
(21st CCLC), the Georgia Department of Education provides federal funds to
establish or expand community learning centers that operate during
out-of-school hours. During this school year, approximately 26,000 21st CCLC
students will attend afterschool programs offered at 243 locations that serve
more than 60 school districts in Georgia. The majority of these programs will
host Lights on Afterschool events in their communities on October 22 to
celebrate their programs’ successes and the important role they play in their
communities.
“We know that
learning does not stop at 3 p.m. when the bell rings,” State School
Superintendent Richard Woods said. “We are proud of the remarkable work
being accomplished after school by the students who attend our 21st CCLC
programs. These programs provide children with safe environments that inspire
learning by giving kids the opportunity to discover new talents as they grow
academically and socially.”
Over the course
of a year, students only spend an average of 15 percent of their time in
school. There is a growing opportunity outside of the school day to provide
students – particularly those who attend high-poverty and low-performing
schools – with academic enrichment opportunities. 21st CCLC programs help
students meet academic standards in core subjects by offering a broad array of
enrichment activities that complement regular academic programs, as well as
literacy and other educational services for the families of participating
children.
“The benefits
of quality afterschool programs are clear,” said Nathan Schult, 21st
CCLC Program Manager. “They support working families by ensuring that children
are safe and productive when the school day ends. Now more than ever, most
American families need some form of afterschool care. Quality afterschool
programs make communities stronger by involving students, parents, business
leaders and volunteers. Lights on Afterschool is a powerful
reminder that afterschool programs play a critical role in keeping youth safe,
engaged and prepared to be successful adults.”
To learn more
about Lights on Afterschool and see a complete list of events in
Georgia, visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loaFindEvent.cfm.
For more information about Georgia’s 21st Century Community Learning
Centers Program, visit http://www.gadoe.org/School-Improvement/Federal-Programs/Pages/21st-Century-Community-Learning-Centers.aspx.
