In celebration of lights on after school week 2022, we are excited to share that the Afterschool Alliance chose to spotlight one of BACR’s many expanded learning program sites - Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary of Oakland, California!
On October 13, 2022, MLK Jr Elementary kicked off the national event with a spectacular showcase of afterschool programs within the Oakland community including special guests such as Michael Funk, the Director of Expanded Learning for the California Department of Education, Assembly Member Mia Bonta and Alameda County Superintendent of Schools, L. K. Monroe, and Kappa Alpha Psi.
Lights On Afterschool is the only national rally for expanded learning programs. Thousands of events around the country this year will showcase the many ways afterschool programs support student well-being, build their life skills and workforce readiness, amplify their voices, provide them with opportunities for hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) learning, and help them forge successful futures as the pandemic continues. The Afterschool Alliance* organizes Lights On Afterschool to underscore the need to invest in afterschool programs, which provide fun, hands-on learning opportunities.
At MLK, students and families engaged in many types of sports activities, including kicking soccer balls with 2012 Olympic Qualifying Team soccer professional player Amobi Okugo, who also participated in afterschool programs growing up.
They hip-hoped and rapped with Paris Night and watched performances and exhibitions by other afterschool programs such as Destiny Arts African DANCE, Girls Leading Girls Soccer, Scientific Adventure for Girls, Prescott clowns, and The Elmerhurst Cheer from West Oakland.
A huge thanks and shout out to Lateshya Johnson BACR's program coordinator of MLK Jr. Elementary! Her commitment of 15 years to offering quality programming to the youth and families in West Oakland is a true testament to the impact our expanding learning programs can make. She went all out to make this one fantastic event! Hats off to her and all program directors industry wide - we see you and celebrate you!
In America today, 7.6 million children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool programs keep kids safe, help working families and inspire learning. They provide opportunities to help young people develop into successful adults.
*Lights On Afterschool was launched in October 2000 with celebrations in 1,200 communities nationwide. The following year 3,600 events took place. Today, more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool rallies are held annually, attracting 1 million Americans and media coverage nationwide.
Lights On Afterschool is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. Former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has served as Chair of Lights On Afterschool since 2001