The YMCA Teams Up with the Afterschool Alliance to Drive Academic Achievement
Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) October 16, 2013 -- As a leading nonprofit serving Charlotte for 139 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte is committed to driving academic achievement and inspiring kids to reach their greatest potential. Most powerful among the Y’s youth development initiatives is its comprehensive afterschool program.
On October 17th, the Y will host “Lights On Afterschool” events at select YMCA branch locations to celebrate student achievement and draw attention to the need for more afterschool programs to serve the many children that are unsupervised and at risk each weekday afternoon. In an open house setting, the Y’s “Lights On Afterschool” events will welcome and encourage parents to engage with afterschool directors, learn about student projects and tour the facilities.
“Lights On Afterschool” is an annual nationwide campaign sponsored by the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. Launched in October 2000, the “Lights on Afterschool” campaign draws support from one million Americans and more than 7,500 communities nationwide to celebrate the afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.
With 12 program sites across its 19 branch locations, including a new site serving Lincoln County launched this fall, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte provides one of the most comprehensive afterschool networks in the region. “The Y’s afterschool program provides children with supervised activity and encourages social interaction in a safe environment,” says Liz Godwin, Director of Youth Programs for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. “Our afterschool staff is proud to serve as positive role models for the children in our program.”
Along with its many other youth development initiatives, including Y Readers, a nationally renowned literacy program, and Y Achievers, a college and career readiness program, the Y’s afterschool program promotes academic success and helps youth develop life-long skills and build self-reliance. For the second consecutive school year, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte will add the proven Y Readers method to its regular afterschool program at four YMCA locations including the McCrorey, Stratford Richardson, Simmons and Johnston YMCAs.
To learn more about the Y’s “Lights On Afterschool” events or to inquire about their afterschool program, please contact Liz Godwin, Director of Youth Programs, at (704) 716-6280.
About the YMCA of Greater Charlotte
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, comprised of 19 Y branches and two resident camps, engages approximately 292,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 139 years, the YMCA of Greater Charlotte has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymcacharlotte.org.
Michelle Guinyard, YMCA Greater Charlotte, +1 (704) 716-6284, [email protected]
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