United Way Hosts STEM Fest to Celebrate Lights on Afterschool Day
United Way of Westchester and Putnam marked National Lights On Afterschool Day on October 23 by hosting a STEM Fest at Morse Elementary School in Tarrytown. The event featured interactive projects including Lego challenges, rocket building, arts and crafts, robot driving and soccer, demonstrating how afterschool programs engage students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and more.
National Lights on Afterschool Day saw approximately 8,000 communities across the country recognize the critical role afterschool programs play in supporting children, families, and communities. Research from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) shows that young people who participate in high-quality afterschool programs have higher school attendance and achieve greater academic success. A 2023 U.S. Department of Education report on 21st Century Community Learning Centers programs found that nearly half of students (49 percent) in such programs who were chronically absent the previous year improved their school-day attendance in the current school year.
(Left to right) Abby Fuirst, Volunteer New York; Faith Butcher, UWWP; Regeneron volunteer; Denise O. Matthews-Serra, UWWP Board Member; Regeneron volunteer; Edward Gonzalez, UWWP; Ale Frederico, UWWP Board Chair; Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden, OCFS Commissioner; and Tom Gabriel, UWWP President and CEO.
United Way’s STEM Fest at Morse Elementary was supported by volunteers from Regeneron, who helped facilitate activities and shared their enthusiasm for science and technology with students. Their dedication and expertise brought real-world science and technology experiences to students, inspiring the next generation of innovators.
STEM Fest was made possible through United Way’s Education United Afterschool program. Education United provides comprehensive afterschool academic support and enrichment activities to children across Westchester and Putnam counties, serving families who might otherwise lack access to these valuable learning opportunities. National Lights On Afterschool Day serves as a reminder of why programs like Education United are essential for working families in our community.
Tom Gabriel, President and CEO of United Way of Westchester and Putnam, emphasized the organization’s commitment to these vital programs: “The United Way of Westchester and Putnam is committed to advancing education, financial stability, and health initiatives to support the 40% of our neighbors living in poverty or paycheck to paycheck. That is why we created the Education United Afterschool Program, which provides quality enrichment and academic programming for free to 600 children across three school districts. We are delighted to partner with the New York State Network for Youth Success, the Tarrytown School District, and the Office of Children and Family Services for today’s Lights On Afterschool celebration to showcase the important role after-school programs play in the lives of children, families in our community.”
United Way of Westchester and Putnam’s Education United Afterschool program continues to expand access to meaningful opportunities, ensuring that more children in our community can benefit from enriching experiences that support their academic success and personal growth.