State of Alaska > Governor > Proclamations  > Full Proclamation

Lights On After School Day   Printer Friendly

WHEREAS, after-school programs provide safe, challenging, and engaging learning experiences that help children develop social, emotional, physical, and academic skills; and

WHEREAS, these programs build stronger communities by involving students, parents, business leaders, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people, thereby promoting positive relationships among youth, families, and adults; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, supporting districts in customizing programs to meet community needs; and

WHEREAS, more than 28 million children in the United States have parents who work outside the home, and 14.3 million of those children have no place to go after school. After-school programs support working families by ensuring their children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends; and

WHEREAS, many after-school programs across the country are facing funding challenges, and require restructuring so they do not have to close their doors and “turn off their lights”; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alaska invests in the health and safety of all young people by providing learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Sean Parnell, Governor of the State of Alaska, do hereby proclaim October 22, 2009 as:

Lights On After School Day

in Alaska, and encourage all Alaskans to engage in innovative after-school programs and activities that ensure the lights stay on and the doors stay open for all children after school.

Dated: October 15, 2009