HARRISBURG – Senators David G. Argall (R-29) and John Yudichak (D-14) teamed up together to shed ‘light’ on afterschool efforts that help local youth in the region and across the state.
October 17 will mark the 14th annual “Lights on Afterschool! Day,” which is a national event recognizing the importance of afterschool programs that impact local children daily.
“Senator Yudichak and I believe these afterschool efforts are vital to the future success of many children across the region,” Argall said. “After working extensively with Senator Yudichak to dedicate funding to help the local SHINE program, I can say that our region has been privileged with strong afterschool programs that help improve the lives of local students.”
“With 1.3 million Pennsylvania children growing up in households where both parents are working, the availability and quality of afterschool programs is imperative,” Yudichak said. “Lights on Afterschool! Day serves as a great way to recognize the quality afterschool programs, like the SHINE program in Carbon County, and call attention to the importance of helping our children grow both educationally and socially.”
Across Pennsylvania, communities are already working together to develop safe, affordable and enriching afterschool experiences for school-age children and teens.
Caroline Allen, who serves as Coordinator for Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network, applauded the Senate’s efforts.
“We appreciate the Senate’s resolve to advocate for high quality, sustainable afterschool and out-of-school time programs,” Allen said.
Argall and Yudichak will commemorate Lights on Afterschool! Day by speaking with students, advisers, parents, teachers and volunteers of the SHINE program at the Carbon Career and Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe on Thursday, October 17 at 5 p.m.
