Senators Collins, Boxer Praise Unanimous Senate Passage of Resolution Celebrating Afterschool Programs

Bipartisan Resolution Commemorates the Nationwide Lights On Afterschool Event

Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) praised the unanimous Senate passage of their resolution recognizing Lights On Afterschool, a celebration of afterschool programs nationwide.

“Afterschool programs provide an enriching environment for students once the school day has ended,” said Senator Susan Collins. “By engaging young people in academic and physical activities, these programs enhance students’ education and help promote healthy habits. In addition, afterschool programs provide parents with peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe and structured setting.”

"I am so pleased that the Senate recognizes the importance of high-quality afterschool programs,” said Senator Barbara Boxer. “These programs help keep our children safe, improve student performance and enrich our kids’ education with activities like music, art, sports and so much more.”

Next month, more than one million people are expected to participate in more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events across the nation.

For the past 17 years, these events have fostered awareness of afterschool programs among the public and elected officials, and demonstrate the value of such programs by allowing participants to showcase the skills they have learned and talents they have developed.

This resolution is co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Barbara Mikulski (D-MD), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Al Franken (D-MN).

As a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Collins is a strong advocate for afterschool programs. With her support, an amendment reauthorizing the 21st Century Community Learning Centers Program was successfully included in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015.