A resolution supporting Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool programs held on October 22, 2020

III 116TH CONGRESS 2D SESSION S. RES. 731 Supporting Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool programs held on October 22, 2020. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES SEPTEMBER 30 (legislative day, SEPTEMBER 29), 2020 Ms. COLLINS (for herself, Ms. SMITH, Mr. BRAUN, Mr. ROBERTS, Mr. KAINE, Ms. WARREN, and Mr. CASEY) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to RESOLUTION Supporting Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool programs held on October 22, 2020. Whereas more than 30,000,000 children in the United States have parents who work outside the home; Whereas high-quality programs that expand learning opportu- nities for children, such as afterschool, before-school, summer, and expanded learning opportunities, provide safe, challenging, engaging, and fun learning experiences, including experiences that encourage the study of science, technology, engineering, and math that help children and youth develop social, emotional, physical, cultural, and academic skills; Whereas, during the COVID–19 crisis, afterschool programs have risen to the moment to support children by— VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:51 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR731.ATS SR731 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 2 •SRES 731 ATS (1) innovating to provide virtual programming to keep children engaged; (2) caring for children of essential workers; (3) providing meals and learning supports; and (4) supporting the wellbeing of children and families; Whereas high-quality afterschool programs and high-quality expanded learning opportunities provide students with hands-on, engaging lessons that are aligned with the school day; Whereas high-quality afterschool programs complement reg- ular and expanded school days and support working fami- lies by ensuring that the children of those families are safe and productive during the hours parents are work- ing; Whereas high-quality afterschool programs engage families, schools, and diverse community partners in advancing the well-being of children and youth in the United States; Whereas high-quality afterschool programs that partner with high-quality community-based organizations build strong- er communities by integrating schools with the larger community; and Whereas Lights On Afterschool, a national celebration of afterschool, before-school, summer, and expanded learn- ing opportunities programs held on October 22, 2020, highlights the critical importance of those high-quality programs to children and the families and communities of those children: Now, therefore, be it VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:51 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6300 E:\BILLS\SR731.ATS SR731 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS 3 •SRES 731 ATS Resolved, That the Senate supports Lights On After- 1 school, a national celebration of afterschool programs held 2 on October 22, 2020. 3 Æ VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:51 Oct 01, 2020 Jkt 099200 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 6652 Sfmt 6301 E:\BILLS\SR731.ATS SR731 kjohnson on DSK79L0C42PROD with BILLS