On October 18, Pennsylvania Afterschool Advocacy Day brought together parents, program providers, youth and business leaders from across the Commonwealth to the State Capitol to kick off the National Lights On Afterschool Week and to personally share with legislators the importance of quality afterschool programs. Stakeholders particularly emphasized emphasize that in the Commonwealth afterschool keep kids safe, inspires learning and helps families and that support to maintain these programs is critical even in difficult financial times.

The celebration at the capitol featured State Senator Argall and Representative Wheatley presenting Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives Lights On Afterschool Resolutions as well as testimonials on the importance of afterschool by Barbara Conway, Superintendent of the Jim Thorpe Area School District; Tom Rowcliff, JCPenney York Store Manager; and Carmella Jones, an afterschool parent from Pittsburgh.

The event was co-hosted by Kacy Conley, PSAYDN Director; Logan Hall, president of Pennsylvania 4-H Youth Council; and Jada Pyatt, Chester Youth Council member and Junior City Mayor for the city of Chester. Adding to the festivities, a mural and other artwork created by participants in the Coatesville 21st Century Afterschool Program and Philadelphia Neighborhood Federation Afterschool Programs was displayed in the capitol rotunda.

Before and after the celebration, advocates met with legislators to let them know that even in challenging fiscal times, it is important to maintain current levels of state funding so that quality afterschool programs that promote positive development and the successful transition to adulthood are accessible to all Pennsylvania children and youth.