South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster proclaims October 20, 2022, as Lights on Afterschool Day
October 18, 2022
South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) announced that Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed Oct. 20, 2022, as Lights on Afterschool Day. In the proclamation, Gov. McMaster encourages all South Carolinians to recognize the positive impact of afterschool programs and their role in keeping kids safe, inspiring further education, and helping working families.
In addition, SCAA is partnering with the city of Charleston to light up City Hall in celebration of Lights on Afterschool Day from 6-9 p.m. Thursday.
Started in 2000, Lights On Afterschool is a project of the nationwide Afterschool Alliance to celebrate afterschool programs and help build awareness of the critical need for more afterschool resources and affordable programming. More than 8,000 communities are expected to participate this year on Oct. 20 with events and creative campaigns.
South Carolina is among the top 10 states for afterschool programming, according to national surveys conducted by America After 3 PM. The survey of parents found that 97 percent are satisfied with the quality of care provided by their children’s afterschool programs, while 83 percent were satisfied with the variety of programs offered.
“We are proud to work with various national and statewide organizations on Lights on Afterschool to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs enrich students’ lives by increasing their exposure to new interests and improving their educational outcomes,” said Zelda Waymer, President and CEO of SCAA. “Thank you to Governor Henry McMaster for proclaiming October 20, 2022, as Lights on Afterschool Day and helping to bring awareness to the increasing need for quality afterschool programs.”
About the South Carolina Afterschool Alliance
South Carolina Afterschool Alliance (SCAA) is a partnership among state government agencies, municipal leaders, foundations, higher education, business leaders, the arts community, local school districts, after school program providers and other critical stakeholders joining together to form a supportive statewide network for after-school and summer learning programs. SCAA works with its partners to raise awareness, increase sustainability, and promote the importance of quality afterschool programs. For additional information please visit http://scafterschool.com/.
