Help Us Save Afterschool

1.6 million kids are currently enrolled in afterschool programs in California, the majority of which are funded through the state After School Education and Safety Program (or ASES for short). But ASES is currently at risk. While the costs (including minimum wage pay for staff), demands, and expectations of California’s afterschool programs have consistently increased, state funding has not kept pace for over a decade.

And there are still 2.4 million kids in California who are waiting for an available afterschool program. And 1.2 million kids who are alone and unsupervised after school.

That’s why on October 25, 2018, Think Together will join Afterschool Alliance in celebrating Lights On Afterschool, the only nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families and communities. The open-house event will welcome parents, community members and local officials to meet students and experience a day in afterschool programs. Lights On Afterschoolwill showcase the benefits of afterschool programs – including keeping kids safe in the hours when juvenile crime peaks and providing relief to low-income, working families.

We need the community to come together to save afterschool and make sure all kids are safe and supported academically after school. Visit www.saveafterschool.com/take-action to help us save afterschool.

Little schoolgirl smiling at camera