10/12/10
New Rochelle, NY
Mayor Young and the Mt. Vernon Youth Bureau to Promote the National  “Lights on After-school” Campaign

On Wednesday, October 13, 20109 at 3:00pm in City Hall Rotunda, Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau will host a press conference to kick of local participation in the national “Lights On After-school” initiative. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau will introduce a number of programs that are offered through the city during after-school and weekend hours.

An estimated 1 million Americans will participate in activities that promote after school programs at 7,500+ events nationwide (www.afterschoolalliance.org) during the month of October. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has partnered with the Mount Vernon City School District to promote activities at Mount Vernon High School, AB Davis Middle School and Graham Elementary School.

“As Mayor of Mount Vernon, my number one priority is to provide our young people with programs that channel their talents and energy. We are pleased to promote the federal “Lights on After-school” initiative within our city. Our goal in participating in this nationwide movement is to highlight and increase access to after-school programs for our citizens. In doing so, we encourage our young people to publicly acknowledge the local government, school district and community leaders who have who have partnered with the city to ensure that after-school programs remain accessible within our community,” stated Clinton I. Young, Jr., Mayor.

“The great task of ensuring positive, youth development programming can only be accomplished through the combined creativity and generosity of community stakeholders and government officials. The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has been extremely fortunate to be in a position to offer a myriad of programs that support our young people and their parents, “said DaMia Harris, Executive Director of the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau.

“Studies show that the hours between 3 pm and 6 pm are crucial for our children. It is during these hours that juveniles are more likely to be victims of or commit a crime. Afterschool programs have the potential to keep children safe,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. W.L. “Tony” Sawyer. “But these programs not only keep our children safe, they can also boost school success and graduation rates. I applaud Mayor Clinton I. Young, Jr. and the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau in making sure we keep the Lights On.

The Mount Vernon Youth Bureau has received support for after-school programs from various sources which include but are not limited to New York State Assemblyman, Gary J. Pretlow, New York State Education Department, Westchester County Board Legislators Vice Chairman Lyndon Williams, Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino and the Westchester/ Putnam County Local Workforce Investment Board.

For more information regarding after-school programs, please contact the Mount Vernon Youth Bureau at (914) 665-2344.

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