October 22, 2020 marks the 21st Annual Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide event that aims to celebrate and advocate the importance of providing quality afterschool programming for the nation’s youth.
More than 8,000 communities in the United States celebrate Lights on Afterschool each year. The event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance – an organization that works to ensure that all children have access to affordable, quality afterschool programs, calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs and the resources required to keep the lights on in the hours following the school day
According to the Afterschool Alliance, for every child in an afterschool program, there are two children waiting to get in. Funding from the federal and state government as well as local and national non-profits help keep students in afterschool programs that keep them safe and learning.
“Even though this is a unique year, we still want to take time to both celebrate and advocate for afterschool,” says Nefertari Jones, program director for YouthQuest. “Just because we can’t host our traditional events, doesn’t mean we can’t find other ways to put afterschool in the spotlight.”
One way YouthQuest is doing that through a partnership with the Flint Downtown Development Authority. This month, the DDA will light the city of Flint blue by changing out the lights in the historic downtown arches.
YouthQuest sites are also celebrating this year with socially distanced events, such as drive-thru trunk or treats. Sites are partnering to make sure families and students have a fun and unique experience will staying safe. For families and communities interested in learning more, please call (810) 600-1422.
To learn more about YouthQuest and to sign up your student, visit www.yquest.org.
YouthQuest is made possible through the generous support of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers.