About 1 million people are expected to join October events highlighting after-school programmes, as parents seek places for millions more children than current provision can accommodate.
Communities across the US are preparing for Lights On Afterschool on Thursday, as the annual campaign spotlights the role after-school programmes play in children’s lives and in working families’ routines. The Afterschool Alliance says this year’s observance will include about 8,000 events during October, with many taking place on 22 October, ranging from open houses and science fairs to trunk-or-treats, student performances, family nights and STEM demonstrations.
The group says about a million people are expected to take part nationwide, with parents, teachers, elected officials, business leaders, faith leaders and community organisations all joining the effort. Yellow and blue lights are also set to illuminate buildings, bridges and landmarks in support of after-school services, while entertainer Usher is returning as honorary chair of the campaign.
The event, launched in October 2000, has become the country’s only nationwide celebration focused on after-school programmes, according to the Afterschool Alliance. Its organisers say the effort is intended both to recognise what these programmes offer and to underline the need for more funding so they can remain open and accessible to more families.
The need remains significant. The Afterschool Alliance cites research showing that parents of 29.6 million US children want after-school programmes, yet fewer than 7 million students are enrolled. The main barriers are cost and access. The group also says 92% of parents whose children are enrolled report that their programme includes STEM learning, while 95% say they are satisfied with it.
According to the alliance, after-school participation is linked to safety, supervision and support for working parents, as well as chances for children to explore interests beyond the classroom. The organisation says the initiative has grown from 1,200 communities in its first year to more than 8,000 events a year, drawing about a million participants.
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