JIM THORPE – Senators David G. Argall (R-29) and John Yudichak (D-14) and Representative Doyle Heffley (R-122) announced that the Office of the Budget released $400,000 to the SHINE afterschool program late last week. SHINE is active in seven local school districts, one technical school and five parochial schools in Carbon and Schuylkill Counties.
Carbon County’s legislative delegation worked in June to secure funding in the budget for the popular afterschool program. Due to a sluggish economy, many programs included in the 2013-14 budget had not yet received funds.
The good news comes on the heels of the 14th annual National “Lights on Afterschool! Day” celebration on Thursday. Argall and Yudichak sponsored a Senate Resolution recognizing October 17, 2013 as “Lights on Afterschool! Day” to raise awareness of afterschool programs across the state.
Argall applauded the administration for releasing the needed-funds to ensure SHINE will function through the 2013-14 school year. “With more households having two working parents in this tough economy, we can see the vitality of afterschool programs in our region,” Argall said. “These funds will go a long way to the development of our local youth to be active and learning in programs that will set them on a path to future success.”
“The positive impact of the SHINE program on students cannot be overstated, and the program results demonstrate that higher academic achievement can be achieved through smart investments in after school programs,” Yudichak said. “The release of this significant state funding allows SHINE to further its scope and help even more children across Carbon County.”
Representative Heffley applauded the team effort to ensure SHINE would receive the necessary funding. “I want to thank the Governor’s office for releasing the funds,” Heffley said. “I would also like to recognize the efforts of Senators Argall and Yudichak for making this a top priority. Over the last few months, I heard from several Carbon County families about supporting this local afterschool program and I’m happy to be one of those supporters.”
Jeanne Miller, Director of Carbon and Schuylkill County Educational Services for Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) thanked the legislators for their efforts. “LCCC is so grateful to our legislative delegation for being advocates for the children and families in Carbon and Schuylkill Counties,” Miller said. “The funding will help to continue the positive return on investment demonstrated by the SHINE program and documented by increased student achievement, attendance and knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.)”