Pennsylvania Innovators Honored as 2013 Afterschool Champion

Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) recognizes Pennsylvanians and agencies for innovation and excellence in afterschool programs that
keep kids safe, inspire learning and help working families.

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) honored  11 individuals and two organizations as Afterschool Champions for outstand­ing work in developing, supporting and promoting meaningful high-quality afterschool/out-of-school time programs to benefit children, youth and families across Pennsylvania. The awards took place Wednesday during PSAYDN's annual reception, which brought together elected officials, program providers, youth, faith-based leaders, parents and business leaders from across the commonwealth to emphasize the importance of afterschool programs in the state.

Afterschool programs pick up where the school day leaves off. In addition to offering kids a safe, supervised place to go before and after school, on weekends and during summers to get academic help, programs provide a variety of activities—art, music, dance, sports, science, service learning, career exploration and much more—that help kids develop new interests and skills. The Afterschool Champion Awards honor programs and individuals for excellence in the service of children, schools and communities.

"Afterschool Champion lead through example," said PSAYDN director Kacy Conley. The peers, leaders and community members who nominated the individuals and agencies recognized their outstanding commitment. We are thrilled to shine the light on these inspiring accomplishments."

According to the landmark America After 3PM study conducted for the Afterschool Alliance, more than half a million Pennsylvania children need – but don't have – afterschool programs, even as statewide demand for afterschool programs has increased.

"Formative, out-of-school hours can be filled with quality youth development programs that not only promote the well-being of our children and youth, but also families," Conley said. "Increased academic achievement, reduced criminal activity, and positive social development are the results of high-quality afterschool activities."

"Too many Pennsylvania children who need afterschool programs don't have them, and families are carrying a heavier burden as a result," Conley said. "Afterschool Champions are critical for building support from all sectors – from the business and philanthropic communities, as well as from the government at all levels."

The 2013 Pennsylvania Afterschool Champions are: Renee Abrams of Pittsburgh Youth Golf Foundation; Susan Diegert of Williams Valley School  District Afterschool Program in Tower City; Eileen Flannery of Children's Village in Philadelphia; Dr. Terri Henderson of Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pa.; Rebekah Lang of Norristown Area School  District; Heather  Oxenford of LifeSpan School  and Day Care in Quakertown; Dr. Nancy Peter of the Out-of-School Time Resource Center  (OSTRC) University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia; David Reinbold of Carbon County Technical Institute in Jim Thorpe; Wendy  Roush of Hildebrandt Learning Centers in Lancaster; Carla Smith of Women's Care Center in Erie; the Chester Youth Collaborative; and the York County Alliance for Learning

About PSAYDN

Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN) promotes sustainable, high-quality out-of-school time youth development programs through advocacy and capacity building to enhance the welfare of Pennsylvania's children, youth and families. More information is available at www.PSAYDN.org.

Contact: Aylissa Kiely Tyndale
717-903-0219
[email protected]

SOURCE Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network