Lights on Project Dream!

On Friday, October 20th, Project Dream’s 21^st Century Community Learning Centers Program joined the 24^th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration, a nationwide series of rallies for out of school time programs organized by the Afterschool Alliance.

The Lights On Project Dream rally was held in the Climax Gym at Colorado Mountain College. Student speakers from each school shared prepared words about their favorite experiences in Project Dream both after school and on Fridays. Speakers were followed by performances from all schools. Elementary school students performed a puppet play, intermediate school students did musical performances which included violin, guitar, and drums, and high school students performed a dance to “No Rompas mi Corazon.” Students then enjoyed cupcakes prepared by the LCHS Baking Club that had Lights on Project Dream buttons as cupcake toppers. 

A million people are expected to participate in the more than 8,000 Lights On Afterschool events taking place around the country this month. The events give youth a chance to showcase the skills they learn and talents they develop at their out of school time programs, and to send the message that millions more children and youth need quality out of school time programs. The Afterschool Alliance organizes Lights On Afterschool to underscore the need to invest in afterschool programs, which help students succeed in school and in life. 

Project Dream’s 21^st Century Community Learning Center serves about 70% of Lake County School District students K-12 annually, providing homework assistance, credit recovery, clubs in STEM, sports, cooking, music, language, theater, and many more! Programs take place year round with after school, Friday, summer, and break offerings. More information is available at https://www.lakecountyschools.net/outofschoolatlcsd/

The Afterschool Alliance is a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure that all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs. For the 17th consecutive year, the New York skyline will shine for afterschool on October 26^th when the Empire State Building is lit in yellow and blue for Lights On Afterschool. Capital One and Clear Channel Outdoor are generous sponsors of Lights On Afterschool this year.