House Resolution 234
By: Representatives Olaleye of the 59th, Carter of the 93rd, Glaize of the 67th, Adeyina of the
110th, Cox of the 28th, and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing February 12, 2025, as Afterschool Day at the state capitol; and for other
purposes.
WHEREAS, afterschool programs provide innovative hands-on opportunities for youth to
re-engage in their learning and connect with caring adults and peers in a safe and supportive
environment; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs improve academic performance and outcomes by
increasing school day attendance, reducing grade retention, and improving classroom
behavior; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs improve youth mental health by promoting healthy habits,
developing positive decision-making skills, and building resiliency and coping skills; and
WHEREAS, afterschool programs support working families and build stronger communities
by ensuring children are safe and productive after the regular school day ends and involving
parents, community leaders, businessmen, and adult volunteers in the lives of young people;
and
WHEREAS, the America After 3PM survey indicates that approximately 18 percent of
Georgia's school-aged youth are in after-school programs, but over 600,000 more of
Georgia's youth would participate in an afterschool program if one was available in their
community; and
WHEREAS, Georgia is committed to preparing our youth for the jobs of tomorrow, and
after-school programs provide opportunities for college readiness; career exploration,
especially in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM); and expanded
learning opportunities that help youth gain hands-on experience and foster skills including
communication, teamwork, and consensus building; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Department of Education partnered with the Georgia Statewide
Afterschool Network to establish the Building Opportunities in Out-of-School Time
(BOOST) grants program to distribute approximately $85 million to afterschool and summer
learning programs utilizing evidence-based practices and whole child supports; and
WHEREAS, the BOOST grants program supported organizations operating in 115 Georgia
counties that served 86,386 young people during the 2023-24 academic year and 82,827
young people during the summer of 2024; and
WHEREAS, there are many public and private entities providing quality programming, such
as 21st Century Community Learning Centers, Division of Family and Children Services Out
of School Services program, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental
Disabilities Prevention Clubhouses, 4-H, YMCAs, and Boys and Girls Clubs; and
WHEREAS, the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network, a public-private collaborative, has
convened these organizations and after school providers from across the state for the sixth
annual Afterschool Day at the state capitol to encourage lawmakers to recognize the critical
role afterschool programs play in preparing Georgia's youth for success in college, career,
and life.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that
the members of this body recognize February 12, 2025, as Afterschool Day at the state
capitol.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized
and directed to make a copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia
Statewide Afterschool Network.