Today, United Way of Greater Newark (UWGN) announced Newark Thrives! will host the 4th annual “Citywide Lights On! Afterschool-Newark” virtual recruitment fair on Saturday, October 17th from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The event is organized through Newark Thrives!, an out-of-school time intermediary within the United Way of Greater Newark, in partnership with the City of Newark, Newark Public School’s Office of Expanded Learning Time, Arts Education Newark (AEN) and Out-of-School Time (OST) program providers.
The event will feature 50 Newark program providers virtual learning activities, workshops, giveaways, and virtual performances from the Lights On! Youth Talent Stage during the virtual program.
Lights On! Afterschool is a nationwide event celebrating the importance of afterschool programming in the lives of children, families and communities. The goal of the event is to highlight the many ways afterschool programs support students in their growth by offering them opportunities to explore and discover new things while building 21st-century skills.
Lights On! Afterschool sends a powerful message that the time young people spend beyond the school day matters — and that millions of young people across the country are in need of quality afterschool programs.
“United Way of Greater Newark is committed to encouraging and ensuring the provision of learning opportunities for children both inside and outside of the classroom,” Catherine Wilson, President and CEO of UWGN, said. “We’re proud that Newark Thrives! will be hosting this event for the fourth year in a row and bringing together our partners to offer key educational programs, resources, and events for our community.”
Newark Thrives! is a new core educational collaborative within the United Way of Greater Newark, working to improve access and participation in high-quality OST opportunities for Newark youth by leveraging resources, convening stakeholders and empowering young people, families and educators. Currently, there are over 250 out-of-school time (OST) afterschool and summer programs in Newark serving more than 20,000 young people.
This event will provide a space for Newark community organizations and program providers to promote youth development, showcase the wide-ranging programs available, educate parents and families, and recruit young people.
“As the Superintendent of Newark’s Schools, I appreciate and commend the efforts of Newark Thrives! to increase access to out-of-school-time programming opportunities to all youth in Newark,” Newark Public School District Superintendent Roger Leon said. “With over 55,000 students in Newark, we are happy that this forum exists so that our children and their families are afforded incredible learning opportunities beyond the school day based on students' interests and needs. We applaud the efforts of Newark Thrives! as an out-of-school time program supporting the children of our great city.”
Lights-On Afterschool!-Newark is open to all Newark youth, families, educators, program providers and community leaders. To register for the event, please click **HERE**. TINYURL.COM/lightsonvirtual2020