23 LC 112 1206 S. R. 50 - 1 - Senate Resolution 50 By: Senators Seay of the 34th, Mallow of the 2nd, Jackson of the 41st, Merritt of the 9th, Harrell of the 40th and others A RESOLUTION Recognizing January 25, 2023, as Afterschool Day at the state capitol; and for other 1 purposes.2 WHEREAS, afterschool programs provide innovative hands-on opportunities for youth to3 re-engage in their learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive4 environment; and5 WHEREAS, afterschool programs improve academic performance and outcomes by6 increasing school day attendance, reducing grade retention, and improving classroom7 behavior; and8 WHEREAS, afterschool programs support working families and build stronger communities9 by ensuring children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends and involving10 parents, community leaders, businessmen, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people;11 and12 WHEREAS, America After 3PM indicates that approximately 18 percent of Georgia's13 school-aged youth are in after-school programs, but over 600,000 more of Georgia's youth14 would participate in an afterschool program if one was available in their community; and15 23 LC 112 1206 S. R. 50 - 2 - WHEREAS, America After 3PM survey indicates that 238,265 children aged 5 to 17 years 16 old in Georgia were alone and unsupervised between the hours of 3 P.M. and 6 P.M. in 2019;17 and18 WHEREAS, Georgia is committed to preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow, and19 after-school programs provide opportunities for college readiness; career exploration,20 especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and expanded21 learning opportunities that help youth gain hands-on experience and foster skills including22 communication, teamwork, and consensus building; and23 WHEREAS, there are many public and private entities providing quality programming, such24 as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Division of Family and Children Services Out25 of School Services program, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental26 Disabilities Prevention Clubhouses, 4-H, YMCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs; and27 WHEREAS, the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network, a public-private collaborative, has28 convened these organizations and after school providers from across the state for the fourth29 annual Afterschool Day at the state capitol to encourage lawmakers to recognize the critical30 role afterschool programs play in preparing Georgia's youth for success in college, career,31 and life.32 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body33 recognize January 25, 2023, as Afterschool Day at the state capitol.34 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed35 to make a copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Statewide36 Afterschool Network.37