Extended School Enrichment celebrates 25th annual “Lights On Afterschool” in Carmel

Carmel Clay Schools students enrolled in Extended School Enrichment (ESE) programs through Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation (CCPR) will take part in the 25th annual Lights On Afterschool celebration today, Oct. 24.

Lights On Afterschool celebrates the significance of afterschool care for student success and safety while supporting the work-life balance of parents and guardians.

Organized by the Afterschool Alliance, Lights On Afterschool is a nationwide event to draw attention to the many ways afterschool programs support students and celebrate the important role of afterschool programs in the lives of children, families, and communities. Founded in 2000, the event recognizes the extraordinary value of afterschool programs and spotlights the need for more funding. According to the Afterschool Alliance, more than 123,000 students in Indiana are enrolled in afterschool programs while more than 300,000 students would be enrolled if a program were available.

Since its founding in 2000, more than a million people have participated in Lights On Afterschool to urge greater investment in quality afterschool programs that keep kids safe, inspire them to learn, and help working families.

“Providing a safe, fun, and educational space for our children is invaluable to the families in our community,” ESE Enrichment Director Jennifer Brown said. “We serve thousands of students every year, and we understand how important that is, not only to each student’s academic and personal development but to support our parents as well. We strive to provide the very best in afterschool care.”

CCPR’s ESE programs provide students with opportunities to learn, offering a variety of clubs each day ranging from board games and drawing to STEM and fuse beading.

In partnership with Carmel Clay Schools, CCPR offers ESE at 11 elementary schools. For more information or to enroll in a program, visit carmelclayparks.com/ese.