S 3239

2026 -- S 3239
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LC006372
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  STATE  OF      RHODE  ISLAND
  IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
  JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
  ____________
  SENATE RESOLUTION
 RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS "OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME MONTH" IN THE STATE OF
  RHODE ISLAND
  Introduced By: Senators DiMario, LaMountain, Lauria, Urso, Mack, Famiglietti,
  DiPalma, Sosnowski, Tikoian, and Raptakis
  Date Introduced: April 30, 2026
  Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs, including afterschool and summer learning
2 programs, provide safe, supportive, and enriching environments for children and youth during
3 non-school hours; and
4WHEREAS, Such programs play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, and
5 emotional development of young people, helping them build essential life skills, improve school
6 engagement, and explore new interests and career pathways; and
7WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs are especially vital in supporting youth mental
8 health and overall well-being, providing structured environments where young people can
9 develop positive relationships, experience a sense of belonging, and build resilience through
10 meaningful engagement with peers and trusted adults; and
11WHEREAS, Research demonstrates that high-quality out-of-school time programs
12 contribute to improved student outcomes, reduced risk behaviors, and stronger communities; and
13WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the demand for out-of-school time programming continues
14 to exceed available resources, highlighting the importance of continued investment and support to
15 ensure access for all youth; and
16WHEREAS, Organizations such as the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the
17 National Afterschool Association work to strengthen the out-of-school time workforce, promote
18 program quality, and advocate for policies that expand opportunities for children and families;
19 and
1WHEREAS, April 20–24, 2026, is recognized as Afterschool Professionals Appreciation
2 Week, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who serve as educators, mentors, and role models
3 in out-of-school time programs, whose commitment supports the well-being and success of youth
4 and families; and
5WHEREAS, These professionals are essential to the functioning of working families and
6 the broader economy, providing reliable care and meaningful learning experiences outside the
7 traditional school day; and
8WHEREAS, Declaring April as "Out-of-School Time Month" provides an opportunity to
9 raise awareness of the importance of these programs, celebrate their impact, and encourage
10 continued collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community organizations; now,
11 therefore be it
12RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes April 2026
13 as "Out-of-School Time Month" and celebrates the positive impact of out-of-school time
14 programs on the youth of our State; and be it further
15RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
16 transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Michael Dunican, Statewide Director of the
17 Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.
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LC006372
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