HOUSE RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND, the official text

H8491 2026 -- H 8491 ======== LC006383 ======== STATE OF RHODE ISLAND IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026 ____________ H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS OUT-OF-SCHOOL TIME MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND Introduced By: Representatives Shallcross Smith, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Ajello, Fogarty, Handy, Kislak, Bennett, and Fellela Date Introduced: April 30, 2026 Referred To: House read and passed 1 WHEREAS, 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 4 WHEREAS, 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 7 WHEREAS, 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 11 WHEREAS, Research demonstrates that high-quality out-of-school time programs 12 contribute to improved student outcomes, reduced risk behaviors, and stronger communities; and 13 WHEREAS, 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 16 WHEREAS, 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 1 WHEREAS, 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 5 WHEREAS, 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 8 WHEREAS, 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 12 RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby 13 recognizes April 2026 as Out-of-School Time Month and celebrates the positive impact of out- 14 of-school time programs on the youth of our State; and be it further 15 RESOLVED, 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. ======== LC006383 ======== LC006383 - Page 2 of 2