Read the full stored bill text
S3239
2026 -- S 3239
========
LC006372
========
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND
IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY
JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026
____________
S E N A T 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:
Senators DiMario, LaMountain, Lauria, Urso, Mack, Famiglietti,
DiPalma, Sosnowski, Tikoian, and Raptakis
Date Introduced:
April 30, 2026
Referred To:
Recommended for Immediate Consideration
1
WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs, including afterschool and summer learning
2
programs, provide safe, supportive, and enriching environments for children and youth during
3
non-school hours; and
4
WHEREAS, Such programs play a critical role in supporting the academic, social, and
5
emotional development of young people, helping them build essential life skills, improve school
6
engagement, and explore new interests and career pathways; and
7
WHEREAS, Out-of-school time programs are especially vital in supporting youth mental
8
health and overall well-being, providing structured environments where young people can
9
develop positive relationships, experience a sense of belonging, and build resilience through
10
meaningful engagement with peers and trusted adults; and
11
WHEREAS, Research demonstrates that high-quality out-of-school time programs
12
contribute to improved student outcomes, reduced risk behaviors, and stronger communities; and
13
WHEREAS, In Rhode Island, the demand for out-of-school time programming continues
14
to exceed available resources, highlighting the importance of continued investment and support to
15
ensure access for all youth; and
16
WHEREAS, Organizations such as the Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the
17
National Afterschool Association work to strengthen the out-of-school time workforce, promote
18
program quality, and advocate for policies that expand opportunities for children and families;
19
and
1
WHEREAS, April 20–24, 2026, is recognized as Afterschool Professionals Appreciation
2
Week, a time to honor the dedicated individuals who serve as educators, mentors, and role models
3
in out-of-school time programs, whose commitment supports the well-being and success of youth
4
and families; and
5
WHEREAS, These professionals are essential to the functioning of working families and
6
the broader economy, providing reliable care and meaningful learning experiences outside the
7
traditional school day; and
8
WHEREAS, Declaring April as "Out-of-School Time Month" provides an opportunity to
9
raise awareness of the importance of these programs, celebrate their impact, and encourage
10
continued collaboration among educators, policymakers, and community organizations; now,
11
therefore be it
12
RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes April 2026
13
as "Out-of-School Time Month" and celebrates the positive impact of out-of-school time
14
programs on the youth of our State; and be it further
15
RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to
16
transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Michael Dunican, Statewide Director of the
17
Rhode Island Afterschool Network and the National Afterschool Association.
========
LC006372
========
LC006372 - Page 2 of 2