from special reports
A new survey from the Afterschool Alliance finds that 94 percent of Mississippians favor afterschool programs for the state’s youth, but the state trails the nation in participation among school-age kids.
Nationwide, the percentage of children enrolled in afterschool programs has increased from 11% to 15% since 2004, while statewide numbers show a drop from 13 percent to 11 percent.
Mississippi native Mary Peavey, President of Meridian-based Peavey Electronics Corporation and member of the Afterschool Alliance’s national board of directors, said that she is proud of her state for embracing afterschool programs, but cautions that Mississippi must find ways to retain and grow those programs across the state.
“We have worked with the Afterschool Alliance and our leaders to make afterschool programs a priority across the nation and in Mississippi,” said Peavey. “Today, public support for afterschool programs in Mississippi is overwhelming despite a drop in availability. Fifty-seven percent of parents surveyed said their kids would participate if a program were available. That’s a positive sign, but it also shows that we have a lot of work to do.”
The statistics are part of the landmark America After 3PM study, conducted for the Afterschool Alliance and sponsored by the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. The results were released in conjunction with Lights On Afterschool, a nationwide rally created by the Afterschool Alliance that emphasizes the importance of afterschool programs. The event is being celebrated in more than 7,500 communities today, and is chaired by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
More than 15 million children are unsupervised between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. nationwide. Children who participate in afterschool programs during these hours are 50 percent less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. Research shows that participation in afterschool programs also improves school attendance and performance, and increases expectations for the future.
Mississippi leaders continue to champion the benefits of afterschool programs and the benefits they give to children and families. Governor Haley Barbour declared Oct. 22, 2009, Lights On Afterschool Day across Mississippi in a proclamation issued today, and U.S. Senator Thad Cochran—a member of the Afterschool Caucus—helped pass a Senate resolution today supporting Lights On Afterschool.
Peavey and Mississippi State Rep. Greg Snowden of Meridian helped Mississippi become the first state to offer the “Afterschool Is Key” specialty car tag to support afterschool programs in the state. The tags are available now from county tax collectors across Mississippi for a $31 fee.
“We’re grateful to have leaders like Governor Barbour, Senator Cochran and Representative Snowden, who understand the importance of afterschool programs,” said Peavey. “I applaud their leadership.”
Since 2005, Peavey has participated in Lights On Afterschool with events featuring music stars Bo Bice, Cupid and Julia Burton, and drawing participation from state leaders and music-industry professionals. Peavey developed the “Peavey Afterschool (Not) Idle™” youth singing competition to further the goals of Lights On Afterschool while helping to foster kids’ talent, creativity and hard work. More information on afterschool programs is available at www.afterschoolalliance.org.
