SDUSD Media Advisory: Lights on After School Event

MEDIA ADVISORY

San Diego Unified Celebrates Historic $4 Billion State Investment Toward Universal Afterschool and Summer Learning with Student Showcase

Part of a National and Statewide Celebration Highlighting Funding's Transformative Impact in Expanding Access and Bridging Gaps for San Diego Students & Families

Oct. 23, 2024


WHAT: San Diego Unified School District, in collaboration with California Afterschool Advocacy Alliance (CA3) and Social Advocates for Youth San Diego, is celebrating the district's transformative work expanding access to afterschool and summer learning programs through the state's unprecedented $4 billion annual investment in the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program. The event is part of 25th National Lights On Afterschool movement, an annual celebration that emphasizes the critical role that high-quality afterschool programs play in youth development by bridging opportunity gaps and enhancing wellness and academic success.

WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 24, 2-4:30 p.m.

2:20 p.m. – Remarks by district, principal, provider and statewide non-profit leaders
2:40 p.m. – Student showcase for Hispanic Heritage Month, where students demonstrate skills learned in program
3:15 p.m. – Event at Franklin Elementary ends, transition to Mann Middle
3:30 p.m. – Students participating in soccer clinic through middle school sports program

WHERE:
Location 1 (2-3:15 p.m.) – Franklin Elementary School, 4481 Copeland Ave, San Diego, CA 92116

Location 2 (3:30-4:30 p.m.) – Mann Middle School, 4345 54th St, San Diego, CA 92115

VISUALS: Dozens of students, educators, district officials, community leaders and elected officials gather as students showcase skills they have learned in programming through live performances and presentations

BACKGROUND: San Diego Unified School District's PrimeTime Program exemplifies a successful expanded learning initiative, currently serving 16,241 students across 144 elementary, middle, and UTK-8 schools. This comprehensive program offers no-cost before and after-school, plus summer programs, eliminating financial barriers for families. San Diego Unified's Middle School Sports Program fosters physical activity and team collaboration among students, enhancing their experience beyond the classroom. This initiative is crucial for developing teamwork skills and maintaining physical health, creating a well-rounded educational environment for middle schoolers. Since the 2022-23 school year, when the annual $4 billion investment from the State began for these extended learning programs, San Diego Unified has expanded before and afterschool programs to an additional 27 schools and nearly doubled the number of students being served.

CONTACTS:
San Diego Unified, Tara McNamara, tmcnamara@sandi.net<mailto:tmcnamara@sandi.net>, 619-559-6596
San Diego Unified (day of contact), Marisa Berumen, mberumen@sandi.net<mailto:mberumen@sandi.net>, 619-847-6029

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4100 Normal Street
San Diego, CA 92103
O: 619-725-5578 | Email: communications@sandi.net<mailto:communications@sandi.net>
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