2026 -- H 8491

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LC006383

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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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

     WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs, including afterschool and summer learning

programs, provide safe, supportive, and enriching environments for children and youth during

non-school hours; and

     WHEREAS, Such programs play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, and

emotional development of young people, helping them build essential life skills, improve school

engagement, and explore new interests and career pathways; and

     WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs are especially vital in supporting youth mental

health and overall well-being, providing structured environments where young people can

develop positive relationships, experience a sense of belonging, and build resilience through

meaningful engagement with peers and trusted adults; and

     WHEREAS, Research demonstrates that high-quality out-of-school time programs

contribute to improved student outcomes, reduced risk behaviors, and stronger communities; and

     WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the demand for out-of-school time programming continues

to exceed available resources, highlighting the importance of continued investment and support to

ensure access for all youth; and

     WHEREAS, Organizations such as the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the

National Afterschool Association work to strengthen the out-of-school time workforce, promote

program quality, and advocate for policies that expand opportunities for children and families;

and

     WHEREAS, April 20–24, 2026, is recognized as Afterschool Professionals Appreciation

Week, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who serve as educators, mentors, and role models

in out-of-school time programs, whose commitment supports the well-being and success of youth

and families; and

     WHEREAS, These professionals are essential to the functioning of working families and

the broader economy, providing reliable care and meaningful learning experiences outside the

traditional school day; and

     WHEREAS, Declaring April as "Out-of-School Time Month" provides an opportunity to

raise awareness of the importance of these programs, celebrate their impact, and encourage

continued collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community organizations; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

recognizes April 2026 as "Out-of-School Time Month" and celebrates the positive impact of out-

of-school time programs on the youth of our State; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Michael Dunican, Statewide Director of the

Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.

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