Rallies for Afterschool are set to be held in all 50 states where science, technology, engineering, and math demonstrations will be displayed.
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| Students in STEM in After School Program. Image: Collected |
New York:
The Afterschool Alliance is ready to get a million people in a rally on Thursday for its 24th annual Lights on Afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and give working families peace of mind.
The organizer stated that the nationwide events will include student showcases, art displays, STEM demonstrations, open houses, debates and discussions, walks and runs, visits from lawmakers and business leaders, and more as thousands of local programs showcase the skills kids hone and talents they develop at the programs.
In addition, events will focus on academics, health and well-being, arts and music, civic engagement, fitness, healthy eating, bullying prevention, STEM including James Webb Space Telescope, and more.
According to the Afterschool Alliance, the New York City skyline will shine for the mega program that night when the Empire State Building is lit in yellow and blue. Across all states, buildings and bridges, arenas and stadiums, and other landmarks will also be lit up for afterschool this week.
The event underscores the need to invest in afterschool programs. Some 24.7 million U.S. little students not in an afterschool program would be listed if a program were available to them, according to a survey of 1,500 parents commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance and conducted by Edge Research in 2022.
Melody Glazenski of Starry knights, LLC told ChicHue, "This week we are holding Lights on After School Program, We are holding each afternoon lesson learned on keeping our youth safe from drugs, and unsafe products."
"We are introducing the important on having a safe after-school program. Where the kids can go hang out with their friends, do homework help, and play games while being supervised," Glazenski added.
This year, Capital One and Clear Channel Outdoor are sponsoring the Lights on Afterschool. NASA will also help with STEM-related arrangements.