Need for after school programs highlighted at Burchell High

WASILLA — Community members and families came together at Burchell High School (BHS) in Wasilla Thursday evening participating in a Lights On Afterschool rally The purpose was two-fold.

The first was to celebrate the achievements of the approximately 150 BHS participating afterschool students. Students gave presentations on digital art design, dance, archery, robotics, outdoor recreation, personal finance and poetry. The second, to draw attention to the need for more afterschool programs serving millions of unsupervised and at-risk children nationwide each weekday afternoon.

The gathering was one of more than 8,000 such events across the nation emphasizing the importance of keeping the lights on and the doors open after school.

BHS’s Leadership Students provided and served dinner as part of the evening. Wasilla Mayor Bert Cottle issued a Proclamation of Support for Afterschool Programming before Thomas Azzarella from Alaska After School Network took the microphone to discuss the need for more afterschool options in the Mat-Su Valley.

The program is part of the Mat-Su Borough School District’s (MSBSD) Building Bridges which is in its 13th year. It currently serves 400 children in three borough sites including, BHS, Wasilla Middle School and Iditarod Elementary. Building Bridges provides STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) based learning that includes homework assistance, peer mentoring, college and career readiness training, substance abuse counseling services and dozens of other subjects.

Building Bridges also provides an evening meal program to each school site, not only to participating students, but to anyone in the building under 18. The meals are free and provided in partnership with the district’s Nutritional Services Department. Many students count on the meal with some stating without it, they would go hungry.

Recent data from America After 3PM, the research series on afterschool programs commissioned by the Afterschool Alliance, shows a vast unmet demand for afterschool programs nationwide. In Alaska around 25,000 children participate in such programs, yet almost double that number would enroll if one were available.

Data also shows 85 percent of parents nationwide and 72 percent of Alaska parents are satisfied with their child’s afterschool program. Ninety-two percent agree afterschool programs give working parents peace of mind. With that, many parents feel more work needs to be done to meet the need.

Nationally, for every child in a program, three are waiting. That totals to 3.1 million children in rural communities. The program is a collaboration of the MSBSD, Onward and Upward, Peek Dance Production and other community partners. Lights On Afterschool is funded with a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

For more information regarding Building Bridges Afterschool program contact Burchell High School at 864-2600.