GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – A collective of out-of-school-time providers will host the inaugural Lights On Afterschool Pre-Bash 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25 at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. This free event for children and families will be a significant display of community unity, championed by the Expanded Learning Opportunities (ELO) Network.
The ELO Network is a collective of out-of-school time providers dedicated to delivering high quality youth programming throughout the Greater Grand Rapids area. ELO is managed by Our Community’s Children, a public/private partnership between the City of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Public Schools and community partners.
The Lights on Afterschool Pre-Bash is a precursor to the nationally recognized Lights On Afterschool Day, Thursday, Oct. 26. According to the Afterschool Alliance, Grand Rapids joins more than 8,000 communities nationwide in celebrating the impact of afterschool programs and ensuring that the lights stay on and the door remains open after school hours for children and youth. Grand Rapids’ Blue Bridge will be illuminated in blue and yellow from dusk to dawn on October 24 through October 26 to commemorate Lights On Afterschool Day.
The Lights on Afterschool Pre-Bash will feature an evening of play, treats, music, food and hip-hop dance lessons from local performer Ashten Duncan. A major highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of the Lights On Afterschool sticker design contest winner – a local youth artist whose creative brilliance will be displayed and distributed to all in attendance. Local afterschool programs advocates will also deliver special remarks.
Our City’s leadership stands as fervent champions for out-of-school time programming.
“The City of Grand Rapids is committed to afterschool programs for children and youth,” said Mayor Rosalynn Bliss. “We have a strong partnership with Grand Rapids Public Schools, Our Community’s Children and local community-based organizations who offer space where students can not only enhance academic achievement, but also where they can dream, create and build upon their future success.”
Sponsors for the Lights On Afterschool Pre-Bash include: Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, ELO Network, Our Community’s Children, Grand Rapids Public Schools, City of Grand Rapids, Grade A Roofing, Cindy’s Party Decor and Tim Horton’s.To register for the Lights On Afterschool Pre-Bash, visit www.eloafterschool.com.For event details and further information, please contact: Shannon L. Harris, executive director of Our Community’s Children at sharris@grcity.us.
Original source can be found here.
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