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4/19/2018
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Rep. Casimiro attends national afterschool program conference; stresses importance of her out of school time learning commission
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) has returned from a national conference held in Washington, D.C. about exploring the potential of afterschool programs to broaden opportunities for the nation’s youth. Representative Casimiro was invited to the conference by the United Way.
“This was truly an eye-opening experience and I am grateful to the United Way and the conference’s organizers for including me in this important discussion on the invaluable effects that quality afterschool programs can have on our children. The evidence is overwhelming clear that learning and development of our students should not be limited to just school hours and I am looking forward to bringing this discussion to Rhode Island,” said Representative Casimiro.
The conference was held by the 50 State Afterschool Network. Representative Casimiro heard and participated in conversations about the effects of afterschool time and summer learning on workforce development, college and career readiness, and public safety. She also heard the United States Surgeon General, Jerome M. Adams, MD, MPH, speak about the positive effects that afterschool programs have on fighting the country’s opioid epidemic. Jeffrey Weld, PhD, Senior Policy Advisor and Assistant Director for STEM Education at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, spoke of the positive impact of afterschool learning on our nation’s youth.
The conference underscored the importance of legislation (2018-H 7413), sponsored by Representative Casimiro, that would create a permanent joint commission to improve and increase the number of quality out of school time learning programs in the state. The 17-member commission would be comprised of three members of the House of Representatives, three members of the Senate, and various educational and afterschool program representatives. The legislation is currently before the House Committee on Health, Education and Welfare.
“This commission will work with all afterschool programs across Rhode Island to ensure that we are meeting the highest standards in afterschool learning and preparing our young people for the very best start in life as possible,” added Representative Casimiro.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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