ALT A Statement from Vermont Afterschool Our Commitment to Equity has served as our north star for the last year as we have been methodically researching, proposing, reviewing, and revising various internal and external policies in order to evolve into a more just, equitable, diverse, and inclusive organization. It’s with this commitment to nourishing, uplifting, and empowering all voices in mind that we have become increasingly uncomfortable continuing to occupy space on this particular social media platform. And it’s with our pledge to continuously strive to become a reflection of the children, families, professionals, and communities we serve and support, and to challenge the systems, services, and policies that create inequitable, oppressive, and disparate opportunities for historically marginalized communities that we have decided to indefinitely suspend our activity on this platform. We encourage you to follow @VTAfterschool on other social media platforms and on our website.

ALT Image of afterschool provider. Text reads: Reason #5: "Thank you for the breadth of resources Vermont Afterschool provides. We would be unable to provide our youth the support we do without you all!"

ALT Image of three boys in chef uniforms hugging. Text reads: Reason #4: "Jr Iron Chef VT is the perfect culmination of weeks of hard work, honing culinary skills, attention to detail, and teamwork. Students transform right in front of my eyes each year as they gain confidence, creativity, and a sense of ownership over the dishes they create."

ALT Image of young boy smiling. Text says "Reason #2: "We were considering moving due to the lack of reliable child care options in the area. But thanks to the Community Campus, we've been able to stay in Woodstock and continue to enjoy all the wonderful things this community has to offer."

ALT Image of young girl at school table. Text reads: Reason #1: "What I like about the Linking Engineering to Life program is it got more girls to like science including me."

ALT Image of five young women holding up plaques. Text reads: "Text: Elevate your voice. Share your story. Be a STEM champion. Inspire future STEM leaders. Make friends across the US. Join the 2024 Flight Crew. Flight crew members receive a trip to San Diego MGM Conference, $1000 stipend, and an opportunity of a lifetime. Application due 12/1. MillionGirlsMoonshot.org."

ALT Quotation: "She is the only adult from that school whose entire name I know. You could be that name for some child. Every day you show up, you are at choice. Choose to be the memory that's great for somebody." - Lana Hailemariam

ALT Quotation: "At the end of the day, it didn't matter what my experience was during school, I had afterschool to look forward to. She saw me, she valued me and, every day, I could count on her. She always showed up." - Lana Hailemariam, StandUP

ALT Image of afterschool professional looking off into the distance. Text reads "AFTERSCHOOL. Where adults wear SUPERHERO costumes every day."

ALT Kids posing on climbing structure at playground and a Lights On Afterschool poster.

ALT Youth posing with Lights On Afterschool poster.

ALT Youth posing with Lights On Afterschool poster.

ALT Image of youth taking a photo with a camera.

ALT Image of youth taking a photo with a camera.

ALT Youth posing as lightbulbs.

ALT Youth posing as lightbulbs.

ALT Youth posing with image of lightbulb coloring page.

ALT Youth posing with image of lightbulb coloring page.

ALT Text from Gov. Scott's Lights on Afterschool proclamation declaring today Lights on Afterschool Day in Vermont. "Whereas, the State of Vermont is committed to investing in the health and safety of all young people by providing expanded learning opportunities that help our children learn and grow, while helping them develop the skills essential for success in life and work." Image of youth making lightbulb pose.

ALT Image of Vermont youth in an afterschool program posing with their hands over their head like a lightbulb. Text reads "Lights On Afterschool."