Georgia General Assembly · Full text

SR 121: Afterschool Day; recognize February 12, 2025

Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds · Last action February 5, 2025 · Passed

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Senate Resolution 121

By: Senators Strickland of the 42nd, Hatchett of the 50th, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd, Cowsert of the 46th, Jones II of the 22nd 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 SENATE that the members of this body recognize February 12, 2025, as Afterschool Day at the state capitol. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make a copy of this resolution available for distribution to the Georgia Statewide Afterschool Network.