🎉💡Thank You, Virginia, for an Amazing Lights on Afterschool💡🎉

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Subject: 🎉💡Thank You, Virginia, for an Amazing Lights on Afterschool💡🎉

Virginia's Light Shines Bright on Lights on Afterschool!

This year, afterschool programs across the Commonwealth celebrated the importance of out-of-school time (OST) programming for the 24th annual Lights on Afterschool. VPOST would like to thank all of the OST programs across Virginia that participated and shined a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programming!

VPOST is proud to stand with programs, community leaders, families, and more across the nation every year to show our support for afterschool programming. Even our very own Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized the significance of the day by officially proclaiming October 26, 2023 Lights on Afterschool Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In collaboration with VDOE's 21st Century Community Learning Centers, VPOST awarded $19,328 in mini-grant Awards for Lights on Afterschool events. The mini-grants were awarded to four Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and six afterschool programs. Below are the celebrations of Sanville Elementary School along with Boys & Girls Clubs of Blue Ridge, Girls for a Change, NextUpRVA, and On the Road Collaborative.

Sanville Elementary had a terrific turnout of families for their Lights On Afterschool event. Staff members served the families pizza and taught about the importance of family literacy. They also passed out social-emotional bags that included tools to help children learn and understand the importance of emotional health. The event was in partnership with the Sanville Elementary Book-a-Treat event and the families and staff enjoyed every minute of this partnership.

In Chesterfield, Girls for a Change partnered with artist Hamilton Glass to create a mural with the Meadowbrook Highschool Girl Ambassador Participants. Supporters engaged in donating supplies, painting, and celebrating Lights on Afterschool!

In Richmond, NextUpRVA celebrated in multiple ways. First, head over to their Instagram to see their teen takeover. They also hosted an event with program providers where they heard from VPOST on afterschool advocacy and they unveiled their program landscape study findings. Their main event was held at Richmond's City Hall, which was illuminated blue for Lights On! Remarks on the value of afterschool programs in Richmond were given by school board member Nicole Jones, Richmond Public Schools Superintendent Jason Kamras, and Mayor's Senior Advisory, Eva Colen, as well as NextUp Interim CEO, Kelly Chopus.

An attendee of On the Road Collaborative's celebration shared her thoughts on the importance of afterschool programming, "these programs promote positive outcomes by providing opportunities, fostering positive relationships, and giving the support that is needed to develop young people's assets.".

In Alexandria, the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities welcomed children and families to show their support for Lights on Afterschool!

E.W. Wyatt Middle School's 21st CCLC hosted members of the Greensville and Emporia communities. Participants described their celebration as a "fun family night had by all!". Check out more of their photos here.

One of the best things about this celebration, is the multitude of ways to shine the light on afterschool. In Harrisonburg, Mayor, Deanna Reed issued a proclamation declaring October 26th, 2023 Lights on Afterschool Day.

Again, all of us at VPOST thank you, your programs, and your community for showing your support for our mission. Because of your light, we are able to clearly see a future where all Virginia families have the out-of-school time support they need to thrive.

THANK YOU VIRGINIA FOR SHINING BRIGHT!

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Subject: 🎉💡Thank You, Virginia, for an Amazing Lights on Afterschool💡🎉