JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft visited two schools in Nixa, Missouri yesterday to show his support for student learning after the school day is over.
Ashcroft exchanged ideas with students at Summit Intermediate and High Pointe Elementary as part of Lights on Afterschool, a national observance where 1 million people participate in 10,000 events across the country to shine the light on the work of afterschool programs in the community and their positive impact on youth.
“Students need the opportunity and the resources to reach their potential,” said Ashcroft. “Afterschool programs can extend learning beyond the school day. These programs provide enriching, safe environments while providing students with new opportunities for personal development.”
According to Afterschool Alliance, more than 130,000 Missouri children participate in afterschool programs while almost 177,000 children are alone and unsupervised after school. Afterschool Alliance ranks Missouri eighth in the country for afterschool programs.
Ashcroft believes more programs are needed that can help students develop critical thinking skills, offer personalized academic support, reading help, and even career readiness. He strongly supports programs that prioritize learning and the development of the student and is a stout proponent for school choice and parent involvement in determining a student’s educational needs.
“A solid educational base with sound curriculum and parent interaction, not only with the student, but also with the school, is critical to the success of a student.” Ashcroft said.
Ashcroft has visited with hundreds of students across Missouri in 2021, stopping at schools and speaking about state government and leadership.