Katie Jacob, Director of Communications
Prime Time Palm Beach County
(561) 732-8066
kjacob@primetimepbc.org
Boynton Beach, FL – On October 22, 2020, Prime Time Palm Beach County, a 20-year local nonprofit that supported more than 200 afterschool programs and 30,000 children and youth in 2018-2019, joins more than 8,000 Americans who will call attention to Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide event, organized by the Afterschool Alliance. Through a dedicated webpage and social media awareness, Prime Time honors local afterschool professionals who are on the front line every afternoon inspiring our children to be their best and supporting them to thrive socially and academically. Lights On Afterschool calls attention to the importance of afterschool programs, professionals and the resources required to keep the lights on and the doors open.
“We hope to remind Palm Beach County residents and beyond that afterschool programs offer a range of supports to children and families beyond just a service. Now more than ever before we need funding for afterschool programs and passionate practitioners to welcome our children when they walk in the door after the school bell rings” – Suzette Harvey, President/CEO, Prime Time Palm Beach County.
A recent report describes afterschool programs as one of the nation’s best crime prevention strategies, an effective way to guide young people toward success in school and readiness for productive careers. To help in bringing awareness to the need for afterschool programs that serve millions of children nationwide who are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon, Prime Time encourages lawmakers, businesses and Palm Beach County residents to support afterschool funding by reaching out to Congress. The nation’s federal FY2021 budget eliminates 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) funding for before-school, afterschool and summer learning programs. Click here to take one minute to fill out a pre-filled letter to U.S. House and Senate urge them to fund 21st Century Community Learn Centers at the $1.35 billion level and reject any cuts to the program.
About Prime Time Palm Beach County
Prime Time Palm Beach County, a 20-year nonprofit organization, providing resources and supports for out-of-school time professionals to develop programs that inspire children to be their best and allow them to thrive socially and academically. Prime Time’s integrated model of services is one of the strongest, most comprehensive and well-respected systems for measuring and improving out-of-school time program quality in the nation. To learn more about Prime Time, visit www.primetimepbc.org.
About the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, a special district created by Palm Beach County voters, provides leadership, funding and research on behalf of the county’s children so they grow up healthy, safe and strong. www.cscpbc.org
Lights On Afterschool is organized by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children have access to quality afterschool programs. More information on the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool and America After 3PM is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.
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