Lights on Afterschool Day

Proclamation

By the Governor of Alabama

WHEREAS, the citizens of the State of Alabama stand firmly committed to quality afterschool programs and opportunities because they provide learning experiences, support working families by ensuring children are safe and productive after school and promote positive relationships among youth, families and adults; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama has provided significant leadership in the area of community involvement in the education and well-being of our youth, grounded in the principle that quality afterschool programs are key to helping our children become successful adults; and

WHEREAS, “Lights On Afterschool,” the national celebration of afterschool programs held this year on October 20, 2016, promotes the importance of quality afterschool programs in the lives of children, families and communities; and

WHEREAS, 19.4 million families report that they would enroll their child in an afterschool program if one were available; and

WHEREAS, many afterschool programs across the country are facing funding shortfalls so severe that they are being forced to close their doors and turn off their lights; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that will help close the achievement gap and prepare young people to compete in the global economy:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim October 20th, 2016, as

Lights on Afterschool Day

in the State of Alabama.

Given Under My Hand and the Great Seal of the Office of the Governor at the State Capitol in the City of Montgomery on the 1st day of October 2016.

Robert Bentley

Governor