Local program celebrating “Lights On Afterschool” with Holiday-Themed Activities
(FLINT, Mich. – Oct. 10, 2022) This month, over one hundred students in Flint will participate in events highlighting the importance of afterschool and celebrating Halloween. Between Oct. 20-31, YouthQuest – an afterschool program administered by Flint & Genesee Group – is hosting four Halloween-themed events open to the public.
These events are part of “Lights On Afterschool,” a nationwide rally organized by Afterschool Alliance. The event, which falls on Oct. 20 this year, is held to underscore the need to invest in afterschool programs, which inspire students to learn and give working parents peace of mind that their children are safe, supervised and learning after the school day ends.
In the state of Michigan, support for afterschool programs is overwhelming. According to the America After 3PM survey, 86 percent of parents are in favor of funding programs that provide afterschool opportunities.
Afterschool programs also directly benefit students’ growth. From a report compiled by Afterschool Alliance, data from the 2021 Department of Education annual performance report of 21st Century Community Learning Centers shows improvement among regular participants attending programs. Areas of improvement include language arts and math grades, homework completion and class participation, and improved behavior in class.
“We appreciate the opportunity to highlight our program and the value it provides to the Flint community,” says Dr. Kimberly Leverette, executive director of the Flint & Genesee Education & Talent division. “One of the core components of YouthQuest is family and community engagement, and we are excited to open some of our ‘Lights On Afterschool’ events up to the community.”
In Flint, each of the events offers safe and enriching activities for students and their families. Community members are encouraged to participate in the fun and exciting events and see first-hand what YouthQuest has to offer.
YouthQuest – which is funded by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and 21st Century Community Learning Centers – is hosting the following events in October:
Monday, October 17
International Academy of Flint (2820 Saginaw St., Flint)
From 5-6:30 p.m., YouthQuest at International Academy of Flint is hosting a Lights On Trunk or Treat featuring a costume contest, trick or treating, Halloween crafts and games.
Monday, October 20
Neithercut Elementary School (2010 Crestbrook Ln., Flint)
From 4:30-6:30 p.m., YouthQuest at Neithercut Elementary School is hosting a Lights On Trunk or Treat featuring trick or treating, spooky stories, crafts, a cake walk and games.
Friday, October 21
Potter Elementary (2500 N. Averill Ave., Flint)
From 5:30-7 p.m., YouthQuest at Doyle-Ryder and Potter Elementary Schools are hosting a joint Halloween celebration featuring candy giveaways, games, a haunted house, spooky sweets walk, photo booth and music.
Monday, October 31
Pierce Elementary (1101 W. Vernon Drive, Flint)
From 4-6 p.m., YouthQuest at Pierce Elementary is hosting a Lights On Celebration featuring Halloween activities, trunk or treat, mummy wrapping, pumpkin painting and a haunted hallway.
For more information on the events and to RSVP, contact the YouthQuest main office at (810) 600-1422.
About Flint & Genesee Education & Talent
Flint & Genesee Education & Talent, a division of the Flint & Genesee Group, provides high-quality talent development through a continuum of programs for youth and adults including YouthQuest, TeenQuest, and Summer Youth Initiative. Flint & Genesee Education & Talent is funded in part by Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Michigan 21st Century Community Learning Centers. For more information, visit flintandgenesee.org, and check us out on Facebook.
*Note: This news release was updated Oct. 11, 2022 to reflect a correction in the event dates.