Lights On Afterschool Celebration at the State Capitol

The Second Annual Lights on Afterschool Celebration at the State Capitol a Raging Success

View a Sacramento Press article about Lights On at the Capitol
Click the following link:
http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/16070/At_the_Capitol_Lights_On

View an Orange County Register article about Lights On Afterschool
The article was written by Randy Barth: Founder and CEO of Santa Ana-based THINK Together. To view the article, click the following link:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/school-programs-california-2618663-da...

The Nation Celebrated Lights on Afterschool
On October 22, 2009 the Nation celebrated Lights on Afterschool. In New York, the Empire State Building was lit up for the third consecutive year in honor of Lights on Afterschool. This year, for the first time, city officials in Los Angeles lit the historic Lindbergh Beacon atop City Hall, so that national landmarks on both coasts will be lit up in celebration of after school programs. California led the nation with over 1,000 celebrations. To view all of California's registered Lights on Afterschool Celebrations, click here

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Proclaims Oct. 22, 2009 Lights on Afterschool Day in CA
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a written proclamation declaring October 22, 2009 Lights on Afterschool Day in California. The Governor's proclamation cites the importance of fostering meaningful learning after the school day, and the benefits that after school programs have on academics while providing meaningful enrichment activities such as arts, sports, and community service. The Governor's proclamation states, "Lights On Afterschool Day presents a chance for all Californians to recognize the positive impact after-school services have in our communities and the integral role they play in our kids’ daily lives. I applaud the educators, parents and community organizers who have worked hard to implement valuable programs that benefit many of our youth. Today, let us all support these fantastic efforts to give our children every opportunity to reach their potential and build bright futures." To read the Governor's full proclamation, click here.

View a brief video from last year's Lights On Celebration at the State Capitol
Over 500 youth, parents, community leaders, and after school practitioners celebrated Lights On Afterschool on the South Steps of the state Capitol. The celebration at the State Capitol drew over 500 participants and featured student performances and speeches in support of after school programs from Jack O'Connell, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Gordon Jackson, Director of the Learning Supports and Partnership Division of the California Department of Education and Rick Braziel, Sacramento Police Chief. Click here to see footage of last year's event.