Senators Collins, Smith Praise Unanimous Senate Passage of Their Resolution Celebrating Afterschool Programs
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tina Smith (D-MN) praised the unanimous Senate passage last night 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 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.”
“Engaging students in after school activities can give kids the chance to keep learning and growing after the school day is over,” said Senator Smith. “And it’s a safe environment for students to spend time until their parents or guardians are done with work. I’m glad to recognize the value of afterschool programs with Sen. Collins and will continue to promote them in Minnesota and across the country.”
This year, more than one million people participated in more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events across the nation.
For the past 20 years, these events have fostered awareness of afterschool programs among the public and elected officials. They have also demonstrated the value of such programs by allowing participants to showcase the skills they have learned and talents they have developed.
As a member of the Senate Afterschool Caucus, the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, Senator Collins is a strong advocate for afterschool programs. She has consistently advocated for funding for the 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21CCLC) Program, and with her support, an amendment reauthorizing the 21CCLC was successfully included in the Every Student Succeeds Act, which was signed into law by President Obama on December 10, 2015.
