Background | Lights On Afterschool in Adams County | Contact Information

Background

Each afternoon across the United States, 15 million children - more than 25% of our country’s youth - are alone and unsupervised after school.  According to the 2009 America After 3PM Report, parents of 18 million youth would enroll their children in an afterschool program if one were available.

In an effort to raise awareness that the need for quality, affordable, and easily accessible afterschool programs exists, the Afterschool Alliance launched the first Lights On Afterschool rally in October, 2000.  Today more than 7,500 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting one million Americans and media coverage nationwide.

The hours after school are a time when many young people engage in risky behaviors, as many parents work outside of the home.  Yet research shows that teens who participate in afterschool programs are three times less likely to use marijuana or other drugs, and they are less likely to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes and engage in sexual activity (AAO, 2009).

Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. These programs provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.  Parents with children in afterschool programs are less stressed, have fewer unscheduled absences and are more productive at work.

Furthermore, every dollar spent on quality afterschool programs saves taxpayers between $3 and $15 on services relating to remedial academics, corrections, substance abuse, and teen pregnancy, making investment cost-effective (Rose Institute, 2002).

Lights On Afterschool Adams County

Here in Adams County, Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Youth Providers Resource Network and is celebrated to call attention to the importance of afterschool programs for America's children, families and communities.

Thursday, October 20, 2011 marks Adams County’s 8th annual Lights On Afterschool rally from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Gettysburg Area Middle School cafeteria.  The rally will raise awareness among community leaders and families about the number of youth left unsupervised after school, and the cost-effectiveness of quality afterschool programs. 

This year, the Adams County Lights On Afterschool event was selected to receive support from the national Afterschool Alliance, and one local afterschool program will be celebrated as it receives one of only five MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Awards given to programs nationwide by MetLife Foundation and the Afterschool Alliance.  

Contact Information

For more information on Lights On Afterschool in Adams County contact Emily Knowles-Kellett at (717) 338-0300 x 26 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

To become a National Lights On Afterschool partner, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.