On October 22, parents, children, caretakers, community volunteers and advocates, are invited to area YMCA-led afterschool programs throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati to celebrate the accomplishments that children enjoy because of the enriching experiences at afterschool sites. More than 22 sites including CincyAfterSchool and locations managed by the Melrose, M.E. Lyons, Clippard Family, and R.C. Durr YMCA branches will host Lights On AfterSchool! Events. (specific times are below)
It is all part of a national celebration organized by the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. ‘Lights On Afterschool!’ shines the light on after-school programs and calls attention to the need for more after-school resources nationwide.
A national study showing 15.1 million children left alone after the school day demonstrates the strong need for engaging activities after the last classroom bell. Greater Cincinnati children are fortunate because YMCA-led afterschool programs are offering them opportunities to thrive; however, there continues to be a growing need for more sites to serve more students. *Please see below for more on the research.*
“We know that quality after school activities are good for children and for communities because we have seen success firsthand. Lights On AfterSchool! is an opportunity for parents and others who care about the futures of our young people to experience our programs and help ensure all children have access to them,” said Jennifer Henderson, YMCA senior program director.
With more than 60 after school locations, the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is one of the largest providers of child care programs in this region. In Cincinnati, the YMCA is a lead agency in the nationally recognized CincyAfterSchool Network – a partnership between Cincinnati Public Schools, the YMCA and other leading youth development agencies, school leaders and volunteers representing the after school component of Cincinnati Public School’s Community Learning Center initiative. With 28 sites, CincyAfterSchool serves students in grades K through 12. Tutoring/mentoring; telecommunication/technology; career exploration; service learning; fine arts; leadership training; recreation; multi-cultural/diversity; non-school day programs including Saturdays, holidays, summers, evenings and family sessions are offered at each one. Some of their successes include: 46.6% increase in reading test scores from 2007 to 2008; 44.8% increase in math test scores from 2007 to 2008; 93.6% plan to attend college.
YMCA AfterSchool program goals include: increasing student achievement, reducing risk-taking behavior, and providing balanced programming opportunities for all children, youth, and their families.
18 Million Children Need Afterschool Programs
Despite an increase in the number of children attending afterschool programs over the last five years, today more than a quarter of the nation's schoolchildren are on their own in the afternoons. The parents of 18 million children say they would enroll their kids in afterschool programs, if programs were available. These are the findings from a new study of nearly 30,000 households across the United States conducted for the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. It was released on October 6.
America After 3PM updates the 2004 study of the same name. The new survey finds that the number of children left alone after the school day ends has risen to 15.1 million children (26 percent of school-age children) - an increase of 800,000 since the 2004 study. Thirty percent of middle schoolers (3.7 million kids) are on their own, as are four percent of elementary school children (1.1 million children).
At the same time, Americans see afterschool programs as a solution: Nine in 10 adults surveyed agree that there should be "some type of organized activity or place for children and teens to go after school every day that provides opportunities to learn."
For more details on the study, please visit: http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/AA3PM.cfm
"The bottom line is that more children need - and don't have - afterschool programs today than five years ago," said Afterschool Alliance Executive Director Jodi Grant. "We have increased the number of children in afterschool programs, but not enough to keep up with demand.”
Local YMCA Lights On Afterschool! Events
All events on October 22 will include tours and information, and a variety of fun activities for children.
Melrose YMCA 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
2840 Melrose Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45206
M.E. Lyons YMCA 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
held at Riverview East Academy – 3555 Kellogg Ave (45226-2180)
Clippard Family YMCA 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
held at Mt. Airy Elementary School – 5730 Colerain Ave (45239
R.C. Durr YMCA 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
5874 Veterans Way, Burlington, Kentucky 41005
***NOTE: This location is open to parents of attending children and parents of children at Erpenbeck School
For all other locations, the public can contact Jennifer Henderson at the Community Services YMCA,
513-961-3200.