Texarkana to Rally for Afterschool Programs on Tuesday

Texarkana to Rally for Afterschool Programs on Tuesday

Lights On Afterschool to feature guest speakers, student showcases and poetry slam

On Tuesday, October 20, the Read and Rise Program at Washington Community Development Center will join the 27th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration — a nationwide series of more than 8,000 rallies for afterschool organized by the Afterschool Alliance that is expected to reach more than a million people.

The Lights On Afterschool rally, held at Washington Community Development Center, will feature student showcases, including a poetry slam through the Texarkana Regional Arts and Community Council (TRAHC), musical performances, and a story reading from the students’ published book, “A Friend Like You and Me.” Student STEM projects and artwork will also be on display.

Event Details

  • What: Read and Rise Lights On Afterschool Event
  • When: October 20, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
  • Where: Washington Community Development Center, 1900 Marrietta Street, Texarkana, AR 71854
  • Who: Guest speakers include Ulysses Brewer, Assistant Mayor; Jenny Walker, Director of Leadership Texarkana; and Cody Burham, District Director for U.S. Congressman Bruce Westerman

Lights On Afterschool comes this year as new data show a vast unmet need for these programs. The parents of 29.6 million children want afterschool programs for them — but fewer than 7 million are enrolled, with cost and accessibility barriers that many families cannot overcome. 95 percent of parents with children in afterschool programs are satisfied with the program their child attends, and nearly nine in ten parents (89 percent) favor public funding for these programs.

The Read and Rise program opened in 2020 at the Washington Community Development Center and has served more than 500 children, providing homework assistance, tutoring, character building, literature and math, STEM and science enrichment activities.

Read and Rise Program Director Tina Jones is one of just 15 afterschool leaders named this year to serve as an Afterschool Ambassador, chosen by the Afterschool Alliance — a nonprofit public awareness and advocacy organization working to ensure all children and youth have access to quality afterschool programs.

This event is open to the public. For more information, contact Tina Jones at [email protected] or 870-433-0750.