Lights on After School Day

WHEREAS, the health, safety, and education of all Alaska’s children is fundamental 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 can help youth develop essential 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, on October 24, 2019 communities across the state and nation will celebrate 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 close the achievement gap, and prepare young people to compete in the global economy.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Michael J. Dunleavy, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF ALASKA, do hereby proclaim October 24, 2019 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.