24 LC 128 0194
Senate Resolution 587
By: Senators Dixon of the 45th, Still of the 48th, Payne of the 54th, Sims of the 12th, James
of the 35th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 14, 2024, 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, the America After 3PM survey indicates that approximately 18 percent of13
Georgia's school-aged youth are in after-school programs, but over 600,000 more of14
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Georgia's youth would participate in an afterschool program if one was available in their
15
community; and16
WHEREAS, the America After 3PM survey indicates that 238,265 children aged 5 to 1717
years old in Georgia were alone and unsupervised between the hours of 3 P.M. and 6 P.M.18
in 2019; and19
WHEREAS, Georgia is committed to preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow, and20
after-school programs provide opportunities for college readiness; career exploration,21
especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and expanded22
learning opportunities that help youth gain hands-on experience and foster skills including23
communication, teamwork, and consensus building; and24
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Education partnered with the Georgia Statewide25
Afterschool Network to establish the Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time26
(BOOST) grants program to distribute approximately $85 million to afterschool and summer27
learning programs utilizing evidence-based practices and whole child supports; and28
WHEREAS, the BOOST grants program supported organizations, operating in 112 Georgia29
counties, that served 79,911 young people during the 2022-23 academic year and 86,92430
people during the summer of 2023; and31
WHEREAS, there are many public and private entities providing quality programming, such32
as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Division of Family and Children Services Out33
of School Services program, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental34
Disabilities Prevention Clubhouses, 4-H, YMCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs; and35
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WHEREAS, the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network, a public-private collaborative, has
36
convened these organizations and after school providers from across the state for the fifth37
annual Afterschool Day at the state capitol to encourage lawmakers to recognize the critical38
role afterschool programs play in preparing Georgia's youth for success in college, career,39
and life.40
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body41
recognize February 14, 2024, as Afterschool Day at the state capitol.42
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed43
to make a copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Statewide44
Afterschool Network.45
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