Raleigh, NC (April 22, 2024) – The North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs is celebrating Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week, April 22-26, 2024, along with the National AfterSchool Association, to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours.
“Our skilled and trained afterschool professionals are the reason that afterschool programs are successful in supporting student engagement, increasing positive social behaviors, improving students’ educational outcomes, and decreasing achievement gaps,” said NCCAP Director Elizabeth Anderson. “This week and every week, we want to celebrate afterschool professionals and the important role they play in our communities. We hope everyone will join us in this celebration and continue to advocate for job quality in support of these essential professionals throughout the year.”
Why is it important to recognize Afterschool Professionals?
An estimated 7.8 million children participate in afterschool programs each year; for every child in an afterschool program, two more are waiting to get in. In North Carolina, for every child enrolled in an afterschool program, three more are waiting to get in Every young person deserves quality afterschool experiences that positively impact their development. It takes skilled professionals to create these experiences. Because of the important role afterschool professionals play in kids’ lives, they deserve recognition and support!
What is Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week?
Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week is a time to recognize, appreciate and advocate for those who work with young people during out-of-school hours. The week is marked by celebrations, public relations, and advocacy efforts encouraging appreciation and support for afterschool professionals who make a profound difference in the lives of young people.
Who is an Afterschool Professional?
Afterschool Professionals are skilled individuals who work with children and youth in diverse school and community-based settings to provide various positive developmental relationships and experiences during out-of-school hours. Currently, in the US, an estimated 850,000 individuals are practicing members of the afterschool profession.
How can I participate?
When you honor an afterschool professional with a gift to the NC Center for Afterschool Programs this week, we’ll send a handwritten note to your honoree letting them know of your thoughtfulness – and reminding them of the difference they make in the lives of young people every day! To donate online, visit bit.ly/NCafterschool24.
For more information about Afterschool Professionals Appreciation Week visit: naaweb.org
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About the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs
Established in 2002, the North Carolina Center for Afterschool Programs is a comprehensive statewide afterschool and expanded learning network working in collaboration with stakeholders across North Carolina to increase access to high-quality afterschool and expanded learning programs for all children and youth in North Carolina, especially for those at-risk of education failure. NC CAP’s key partners include out-of-school time (OST) providers, state agencies, state and local policymakers, law enforcement, universities and community colleges, business, and the philanthropic community. NC CAP supports out-of-school time professionals by providing high-quality professional development, technical assistance, and resources; informs stakeholders and policymakers about the benefits of out-of-school time programming and its impacts on students in the state of North Carolina; convenes communities and key parkers around out-of-school time issues; and advocates at local, state, and federal levels for expanding afterschool access, opportunity, and equity. (To learn more, please visit https://ncafterschool.org/.)
About the Public School Forum of North Carolina
Since our founding in 1986 as a nonpartisan “think and do tank,” the Public School Forum of North Carolina has been a champion of better schools and one of the most trusted sources in the state for research and analysis on vital education issues. In order to provide meaningful action on our state’s most important public education issues, we bring together leaders from business, education and government to study education issues, develop ideas, and ultimately inform and shape education policy. We do this through research, policy work, innovative programs, advocacy, and continuing education for educators and policymakers. Follow us on social media at @theNCForum and visit our website at http://www.ncforum.org/
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