WHEREAS, the health, safety, and education of all Alaska’s children is essential to the happiness, success, and well-being of Alaska’s families and communities; and
WHEREAS, Alaska’s youth can have enriched academic careers when they are provided an array of opportunities to fit their specific educational needs; and
WHEREAS, quality afterschool programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help youth develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs can also help build stronger communities, support working families, advance the welfare of our children, increase youth resilience, and prevent substance abuse; and
WHEREAS, Alaska ranks among the top 10 states for afterschool programming, steadily improving its national standing from 46th in 2009 to 4th in 2020; and
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2022, communities across the State and nation will celebrate the 23rd annual Lights On After School, and recognize the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and our nation; and
WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities to help them learn and grow, and prepare young people to compete in the global economy.
NOW THEREFORE, I, Mike Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 20, 2022 as:
Lights On After School Day
in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to support innovative and educational afterschool programs and activities in their communities, and to consider volunteering their time and skills to ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for children after school.
