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In every new generation, children are given the greatest test of facing the unknown head-on and are expected to overcome the adversities that come with it. In the 1930’s, children grew up quickly and at times sacrificed their own education to help their families make it through the Great Depression. In the 1940’s, they faced a devastating world war. They waved goodbye to their fathers going off to war, and watched as their mothers took over the laborious jobs once held by men. The end of this war sparked the Cold War; children were hiding under their desks hoping that it would be enough to save them from a nuclear attack, a practice that they became well acquainted with.

Now, in 2020, children are facing yet another challenge, a challenge that impacts all of us one way or another. This year’s global pandemic has pushed us all to new limits; it’s forced us to make adjustments such as wearing face masks in public and ensuring we maintain a safe distance from others. Luxuries that were once taken for granted, including movie theaters, dining halls and parks, are now closed or restricted. While we strive to find solutions for those that have become financially at-risk due to unemployment, those being treated and/or hospitalized for COVID-19, and those that are still vulnerable to the virus- we must not forget about the children.

There have been creative strategies put in place to continue educating young students. Some have included a full transition to remote learning, others have combined remote and limited in-person lessons, and still others have decided to fully return to traditional learning in the classroom. Regardless of the game plan- educators, parents, and most importantly children have had to adjust to new norms.

It has become overwhelming for parents to juggle work, family, life events, and now help their kids get a grasp on a whole new schooling system. As we have seen so many others sacrifice to follow the call to action in the past, from the Volunteers of America during the Great Depression, to The American Red Cross through World War 2and beyond- Today, our invaluable volunteers are stepping up when families need it most. Basic necessities of these times like access to computers, internet, and learning resources are missing in many homes, and our program strives to fill that gap.  

The Lights on Afterschool Event , hosted in collaboration with the Afterschool Alliance , The Boys & Girls Club of the Big Bend, and STEMS4Girls , is a STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) expo and demonstration that will engage students, parents, and community members with STEM presentations and activities. On October 22, at 3:30 pm, the celebration for afterschool programs will kick-off with an opening ceremony featuring keynote speaker Brenda Williams, Executive Director of Tallahassee Housing Authority .

We could not be more thankful for all the collaboration and assistance in making this event come to life. This will be a community based experience with vendors from throughout Tallahassee set to provide age appropriate STEM-related demonstrations. We are also thankful for funding assistance from The Leon County CARES Human Services Grant Assistance Program, as well as community donations provided by Publix, Sam’s Club, Winn Dixie and Walmart.

Our kids won’t wait around for change or for life to get easier, their resilience and determination are more impressive than ever. They will continue to push past all hurdles, and it’s our duty to help them in the right direction- toward a successful and hopeful future.

Please visit http://www.afterschoolalliance.org/loa.cfm for more information about this nationwide event, being held for the 21 st year in a row! visit our website athttps://stems4girlsfl.org/community-engagement to donate and/or support our cause -all children have a right to high quality STEM afterschool programs.